New Zealand First wants to make changes to future fast-track residential approvals, saying there needs to be the necessary roads, pipes, water, wastewater, and other essential service approvals first.
The party is campaigning on making changes to the fast-track regime, saying when it "brought the blueprint" for the regime to the government three years ago it did not envisage New Zealanders would be picking up the tab or "suffering" through developments being approved without the adequate infrastructure in place.
"The cart is being put before the horse, and we will ensure that ends," it said on Wednesday morning.
The party says fast-track housing developers will be required to detail what infrastructure they need, and demonstrate whether it exists, is funded, and can be delivered when needed.
Dedicated expert panels for housing would also be created, given the power to decline projects if they were not satisfied the required infrastructure would be in place. The housing minister would be given responsibility for project referral decisions.
"People don’t live in a world where critical infrastructure is an afterthought. They live in communities that rely on reliable roads, water, wastewater systems and transport links.
"We want a system that is faster, smarter and more practical. If we are serious about housing for New Zealanders, then we must be equally serious about the pipes, roads and services that make those developments viable."
