Dispelling myths: Reviewing the evidence on zoning reforms in Auckland

This working paper addresses the impact of zoning reforms implemented in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2016 through the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP). These reforms, which enabled greater housing density across three-quarters of Auckland’s urban land, have been linked to increased housing supply and reduced rents in the region.

The paper critically evaluates critiques that dismiss these outcomes as a “myth,” finding these criticisms to lack merit. Through robust economic analysis and a review of quasi-experimental studies, the authors affirm that the AUP significantly increased dwelling consents and decreased rents, bolstering evidence that planning policies like zoning can shape housing markets.

The study also examines the methodologies employed in critiques, identifying flaws in their approaches. By addressing myths and providing comprehensive evidence, the paper contributes to informed policy discussions about the role of zoning in urban housing markets.