Auckland’s Unitary plan passing ‘like childbirth’

The overarching plan for Auckland’s future has been passed by the city’s councillors after five years of planning.

Unitary Plan hearings concluded on Monday as councillors argued over some of the more contentious points of the 7000-page document.

Deputy mayor Penny Hulse says it was a relief to pass the longawaited council blueprint. She also likened the process to having a baby.

‘‘If I’m honest it’s a little bit like childbirth. You forget the bad bits immediately and the bit that feels the most resonant for me is we’ve seen Aucklanders turn out in their thousands. We’ve seen good democracy happen.’’

The public gets to see the final Unitary Plan this Friday.

Hulse says the plan ‘‘may need to change and evolve’’ but the bulk of it

‘‘The bit that feels the most resonant for me is we've seen Aucklanders turn out in their thousands. We've seen good democracy happen.’’ Penny Hulse

was finished and ticked off.

She says the task now is to work with the private sector to focus on top priority infrastructure.and ‘‘above all else, build more affordable houses’’.

Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith says the Government welcomes the passing of the plan, a ‘‘key component of the long-term solution’’ to Auckland’s housing challenges.