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Housing

How car parks became a new frontline in the intensification war

How car parks became a new frontline in the intensification war

An obscure regulation that makes a surprisingly big difference to the future of New Zealand cities is now under review.
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By Joel MacManus | 16th March, 2026
Senior writer
With Auckland and Christchurch ‘awash’ with new townhouses, some listings are remaining unsold for so long that they stop qualifying as new builds. (Photo: Getty Images)

The great townhouse slowdown

How a 'truckload' of new townhouses – especially in Christchurch and Auckland – is reshaping the housing market.
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By Catherine McGregor | 26th February, 2026
Contributing writer
Are more storms coming for Airbnb and other short-term accomodation providers? (Image: The Spinoff)

Is 2026 the year New Zealand councils crack down on Airbnb operators?

They're supposed to pay higher rates and abide by the rules, but many don't – which critics say exacerbates housing shortages.
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By Shanti Mathias | 9th February, 2026
Contributing writer
The rent is too damn high. Or too damn cheap. Or something.

Rent is getting cheaper. Here’s why that’s not necessarily a good thing

No, New Zealand has not magically transformed into a more equitable place for the young, poor and disenfranchised.
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By Joel MacManus | 3rd February, 2026
Senior writer
Wellington’s most controversial apartment block isn’t going down quietly – or quickly.

Why Wellington’s Gordon Wilson flats won’t go down until 2027

Chris Bishop was planning to have swung into the decrepit building via wrecking ball by now. What’s the hold-up?
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By Lyric Waiwiri-Smith | 28th January, 2026
Politics reporter
Plan Change 120 will allow taller buildings across Auckland.

The housing reform that will reshape Auckland: Plan Change 120, explained

Auckland is making a major change to its planning rules which could enable millions of new homes.
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By Joel MacManus | 15th January, 2026
Senior writer
The actual photo of the actual house from the actual real estate listing. Not the actual buyers.

My crummy old flat, with my crummy old furniture, just sold for $1,980,000

No insulation, flaking paint, questionable pipes and all my old furniture and artwork. At the auction, bidding was competitive. 
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By Gabi Lardies | 9th January, 2026
Contributing writer
Minister for RMA reform Chris Bishop.
Opinion

Chris Bishop is the minister for abundance

After two years of major housing, infrastructure and planning reforms, Chris Bishop may have done more for the abundance agenda than any other politician on the planet.
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By Joel MacManus | 10th December, 2025
Senior writer
Could rail (light or heavy) break through the lines of traffic in Ōtautahi? (Image: Shanti Mathias/The Spinoff)

Christchurch is growing. How can it avoid the traffic trap?

Rail could save Canterbury from carmageddon – before it's too late.
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By Shanti Mathias | 1st December, 2025
Contributing writer
Will the government force homeless people from the city centre to the suburbs? (Photo: David Jensen)
Opinion

The government’s homelessness ‘ban’ may not be as ridiculous as it sounds

The only cure for homelessness is homes, but responsible policing plays an important role in manage the symptoms.
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By Joel MacManus | 12th November, 2025
Senior writer
The Pacifica apartments in Auckland are an example of houses that people live in.

What new population data reveals about why some cities are growing and others aren’t

Detailed data analysis by The Spinoff reveals an incredible true fact: people live in houses.
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By Joel MacManus | 5th November, 2025
Senior writer
Inside the Canadian apartments redefining indigenous housing

Inside the Canadian apartments redefining indigenous housing

Joel MacManus visits Vancouver, where a First Nation is building a massive complex of apartment towers on its reserve land, with no city council approval required. Could this be the future of iwi-led housing in Aotearoa?
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By Joel MacManus | 3rd November, 2025
Senior writer
Wellington is among the most seismically active areas of New Zealand. (Photo: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images)

The big shake-up: Why earthquake reforms are critical for Wellington’s future

The government's new earthquake-prone building rules aren't without risks, but they might finally give Wellington the confidence to grow.
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By Joel MacManus | 1st October, 2025
Senior writer
A view of Queenstown from the pine forest around the gondala (Image: Shanti Mathias)

Is there any way to satisfy the ever-growing demand for Queenstown housing?

In a town of empty houses, affordable housing is out of reach for many.
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By Shanti Mathias | 30th September, 2025
Contributing writer
‘I was sleeping on the floor’: Kāinga Ora taken to tribunal over tiny-bedroom dispute

‘I was sleeping on the floor’: Kāinga Ora taken to tribunal over tiny-bedroom dispute

When is a bedroom not a bedroom?
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By Alex Casey | 29th September, 2025
Senior writer
Phil Mauger and Sara Templeton, incumbent and challenger (Image: The Spinoff/supplied)

The two-horse race to keep Christchurch booming

Will residents choose a known quantity or a new direction?
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By Shanti Mathias | 25th September, 2025
Contributing writer
The frustrating, head-scratching debate around housing infrastructure

The frustrating, head-scratching debate around housing infrastructure

They say Parnell doesn’t have the infrastructure to support apartments, and we should build on farmland instead. Really though?
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By Hayden Donnell | 12th September, 2025
Senior writer
Image: The Spinoff

New Zealand’s foreign buyer ban has been binned (kind of)

Overseas investors will soon be able to nab their very own slice of Aotearoa paradise – as long as that slice is suitably pricey.
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By Alice Neville | 2nd September, 2025
Deputy editor
Beat the Bish, a flash game by Live Wellington

Windbag: Beating the Bish and the strange, shifting politics of housing

A deep dive into the unintentional political commentary of a weird internet game made by an anti-density activist group.
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By Joel MacManus | 26th August, 2025
Senior writer
Councillors Christine Fletcher and Mike Lee at Thursday’s council meeting
Opinion

Fear and zoning at Auckland Council

It looks like we might finally be letting people build houses in Kingsland, Mt Eden and Mt Albert, and some of our councillors are absolutely ropeable.
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By Hayden Donnell | 22nd August, 2025
Senior writer

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The Spinoff is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must be first directed in writing, within one month of publication, to info@thespinoff.co.nz. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz along with a link to the relevant story and all correspondence with the publication.

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