How can Australia tackle its housing affordability crisis? What lessons can we learn from New Zealand’s successful upzoning policies?
In this webinar, Peter Tulip, Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies, hosts urban economist Stuart Donovan to discuss findings from the new CIS paper, Less Crowded Houses: The Success of New Zealand’s Housing Policy Reforms and Implications for Australia.
Stuart presents compelling data on how broad but modest upzoning in New Zealand—particularly in Auckland—led to a surge in housing supply, lower rents, and better affordability. The discussion covers:
– How upzoning unlocked housing supply in New Zealand
– The political and economic drivers behind the reforms
– Why Australian policymakers should “just go for it” rather than waiting for the perfect zoning solution
– The impact of housing reform on different demographics, including young Australians
– The role of state and federal governments in overcoming NIMBY resistance
Peter and Stuart also explore common criticisms of upzoning, respond to audience questions, and discuss what Australia needs to do next to make housing more affordable.
Read the full CIS report here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/less-crowded-houses-the-success-of-nzs-housing-policy-reforms-and-implications-for-australia/
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