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New Zealand Urged to Boost Housing, Avoid California Crisis

12/16/2025

34 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

M. Nolan Gray, a California urban planner, argues New Zealand must boost central-area housing production to avoid California-like crises.
He notes restrictive planning rules have caused a shortage of affordable housing and declining suburban populations.
Gray praises Auckland's Unitary Plan for increasing housing supply and lowering rents.
Recent government bills seek to remove barriers to dense housing in areas such as Thorndon and Ponsonby.

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Story summary

M. Nolan Gray, a California urban planner, argues New Zealand must boost central-area housing production to avoid California-like crises.
He notes restrictive planning rules have caused a shortage of affordable housing and declining suburban populations.
Gray praises Auckland's Unitary Plan for increasing housing supply and lowering rents.
Recent government bills seek to remove barriers to dense housing in areas such as Thorndon and Ponsonby.