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Dispelling myths: Reviewing the evidence on zoning reforms in Auckland

Author

Listed:
  • Donovan Stuart

    (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research)

  • Matthew Maltman

    (e61 Institute)

Abstract

In 2016, the city of Auckland adopted zoning reforms that enabled more housing on approximately three-quarters of its urban land. Three subsequent studies have found that these reforms increased housing supply and reduced rents. Two economists have, however, criticised these studies on blogs and social media, describing their findings as a "myth". Despite their informal nature, these critiques have been cited in formal planning and policy processes. Here, we review these critiques and find them to have little to no merit. Specifically, the critiques misunderstand the papers' methods and rely on inappropriate analyses. In our view, there is remarkably robust evidence that zoning reforms increased housing supply and reduced rents in Auckland.

Suggested Citation

  • Donovan Stuart & Matthew Maltman, 2024. "Dispelling myths: Reviewing the evidence on zoning reforms in Auckland," Working Papers 24_07, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research.
  • Handle: RePEc:mtu:wpaper:24_07
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    File URL: https://motu-www.motu.org.nz/wpapers/24_07.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    housing; planning; zoning; supply; Auckland;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R31 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Housing Supply and Markets
    • R52 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Land Use and Other Regulations
    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling

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