Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is setting up a housing task force to tackle supply and affordability issues in the city.
Despite a cooling off as demand eases, asking prices in the Auckland region hit another high of $947.141 according to the latest figures released by realestate.co.nz
Goff told the Herald the task force was a short-term step to get the most up-to-date information from the key players to get the job done.
We know we want to build more houses. What is standing in the way of it?
The task force will examine all significant factors in the housing value and supply chain to identify barriers or market failures that might require Government and/or council intervention.
Goff said the task force will replace the Auckland Housing Accord that has come to an end now that the council's Unitary Plan has come into effect.
Among the things it will look at are ways to free up land, how to accelerate large-scale development, infrastructure funding, skill shortages, cost of building materials, ways to combat land banking and affordable housing.
The council is addressing the issue of homelessness separately, including a proposal in next year's budget for $5000,000 to co-ordinate work between the council, Government, business and non-government agencies.
Asked how a task force on a complex issue like housing could make a difference, Goff said it was a case of applying common sense.
"We know we want to build more houses. What is standing in the way of it?" he said.
Goff said it was not a long-term task force. Planning committee chairman Chris Darby would play a lead role, membership was being discussed and the first meeting is likely to occur in the New Year.