Further to WPQ 694 (2026), which specific councils and utility providers are experiencing the most significant consenting delays affecting Kāinga Ora projects, and what are the average consent processing times in those areas compared with statutory timeframes?

Answer

Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities advises me that consenting delays are most significant in Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast, Central regions and the Eastern North Island, with average approval times of ~75 working days. In some areas, sequential processes and RFIs further extend timeframes. Kāinga Ora continues to work with councils and utility providers to improve engagement and pipeline visibility. As previously advised in my responses to WPQ 694 (2026) and WPQ 695 (2026), consenting delays are most significant in a small number of regions, driven by resourcing pressures, complex or sequential approval processes, and the impacts of plan changes. These factors contribute to extended consenting cycle times, which for some areas average ~75 working days from lodgment to approval. Kāinga Ora continues to work closely with councils and utility providers by improving engagement, providing earlier pipeline visibility, and submitting high‑quality, consistent applications to help reduce delays.