January 2026
New national rules for granny flats came into effect on 15 January 2026, introducing two separate regulatory pathways. While the changes are intended to make building a granny flat easier, both planning and building requirements still apply. This update explains what has changed, what hasn’t, and the practical steps you’ll need to take before moving forward.
December 2025
The Government has confirmed ten national direction instruments that will take effect on 15 January 2026, including three new instruments and seven amendments to existing ones. These updates will shape consent pathways and council decision-making in 2026.
December 2025
Now is a critical time for Auckland landowners to understand how Auckland Council’s new, risk-based natural hazard framework under Plan Change 120 applies to landslides. Knowing how the updated landslide susceptibility mapping affects your property or planned project will help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
December 2025
With the granny flats reform now legislated, a building consent exemption for small standalone dwellings up to 70 m² is confirmed and expected to start in the first quarter of 2026. However, resource consent changes are still pending.
November 2025
Cato Bolam is proud to partner with W & T Development Ltd in delivering a new 41-lot subdivision at Hawaiian Parade, Arkles Bay — a carefully planned coastal neighbourhood designed to protect the environment, make the most of its setting and bring long-term value to residents and the wider community.
November 2025
Congratulations to Neil Construction Ltd on the approval of Plan Change 107, paving the way for the Whenuapai Business Park. Cato Bolam was proud to partner with Neil Construction Ltd to support a precinct built for long term, sustainable growth. Learn more about PC107 and what it means for Whenuapai.
October 2025
In this on-demand webinar, Planning Manager Kaaren Joubert and Senior Planner Chanelle Brodie outline what the partial withdrawal of PC78 and the MDRS, and the new Plan Change 120, may mean for landowners, developers and the wider land development sector.
September 2025
Auckland Council has withdrawn Plan Change 78 and endorsed Plan Change 120: Housing Intensification & Resilience. The new plan reshapes housing growth, hazard controls and zoning, with submissions open from 3 November to 19 December 2025.
August 2025
On 21 August 2025, Auckland Council will consider draft changes to the Unitary Plan replacing Plan Change 78 — strengthening hazard protections and potentially boosting housing capacity from 900k to 2M homes. Learn what this means for developers and landowners.
July 2025
If you own Land Use Capability (LUC) Class 3 land, changes may be on the way. The Government is proposing to remove LUC 3 restrictions under the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL). Now’s a good time to understand what’s being considered.
