Focus on Housing: The New Affordable Housing Legislation

Abstract

This paper begins with a warning! The Government has recently signaled its intention to review the Affordable Housing: Enabling Territorial Authorities Act 2008. Given National’s opposition to the legislation when it was introduced, the prospect of repeal is a real likelihood. However, readers should note that arguably the Resource Management Act 1991 permits provisions for affordable housing to be included in District Plans in any event. Thus, local government may still have the power to legislate for affordable housing regardless of the fate of the Affordable Housing: Enabling Territorial Authorities Act 2008.