Watercare price increase and the impact on developers and housing costs

From 1 July 2026, Watercare’s Infrastructure Growth Charges will increase by 20%, adding approximately $4,250 per dwelling in Auckland’s metropolitan areas. The increase adds further pressure to development feasibility and housing costs across Auckland

Auckland Unitary Plan Update: PC79 and PC120

Changes to Auckland’s Unitary Plan are reshaping how the city approaches transport, residential development and housing capacity. PC79 introduces updated transport and access standards, while PC120 proposes changes to where and how future housing intensification will occur across Auckland.

Landslide Risk Overlay: What It Means for Your Project

New Auckland Council landslide risk requirements may affect properties even when they are not directly within a mapped risk area. Sites located within 150 metres of an identified landslide risk area may now require a geotechnical risk assessment, potentially adding time and cost to the consenting process.

PC78 Withdrawn: What Happens Now?

The withdrawal of Plan Change 78 has changed the planning landscape for residential development across Auckland. With MDRS no longer applying as a permitted activity in most residential zones, developers and property owners now need to consider carefully how the changes affect existing consents, Certificates of Compliance and projects currently underway.

Plan Change 78 replacement

Auckland Council has withdrawn Plan Change 78 and replaced it with Plan Change 120 (PC120). The new approach removes the blanket three-storey MDRS provisions, focuses greater housing density around centres and public transport, and introduces tighter controls in areas affected by flood and coastal hazards.

Watercare Growth Charges: Potential Savings for Smaller Homes

Residential units with a net internal floor area of 65m² or less may qualify for Watercare’s discounted Infrastructure Growth Charge at two-thirds of the full rate, creating potential savings of more than $8,000 per dwelling.

Development Contributions Policy – Update

New Zealand’s resource management system is undergoing major reform, with changes aimed at making planning and consenting faster, simpler and less complex, while supporting housing, infrastructure and business growth.

Sentinel Planning’s Managing Director, Simon O’Connor, appears on Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan to discuss the imminent introduction of the Resource Management Act (Enabling Housing Supply) Amendment Bill

Sentinel Planning joins forces with former Prime Minister Sir John Key and the legendary Chow brothers