A new paper is backing claims Auckland's 2016 unitary plan changes, saw more houses built , and kept a lid on rents.
Earlier research by Auckland University economists said the plan changes resulted in 22-thousand more building consents being issued, than would have happened otherwise.
However, online critiques of that research claimed the results of Auckland University's three studies were `utterly implausible.' And that their findings were a `myth.'
Motu Research has looked into the dispute, with a new paper reviewing both perspectives. It has upheld the Auckland University studies’ findings.
Motu Research senior economist Stuart Donovan the says critiques of the Auckland planning decision have persisted, and have crept into the decision-making around housing supply by other councils.
In particular, he cites Wellington City Council this year voting against advice from an Independent Hearings Panel , which determined that planning policies did not play a prominent role in housing affordability in the Capital.
