Simon Court: Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform on the introduction of a new watchdog for council zoning

An assurance the Government's new watchdog for council zoning will have teeth.  The role of independent Urban Land Market Officer will be introduced under the new Planning Bill, which will replace the Resource Management Act.  They'll determine whether urban land markets are competitive, report on land market performance, and advise actions to increase competitiveness.  Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform Simon Court told Mike Hosking the officer will look at what is actually happening in the market, not just spreadsheets.  He says if councils are materially affecting the price of land, the officer can register their concerns, and the council must respond.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.