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The Government says it wants to make it easier for people to build granny flats.
Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop have announced plans to change the Building Act and the resource consent system to make it easier to build granny flats or other small structures up to 60 square metres.
Mr Peters says over a quarter of households that do not own their home spend more than 40 per cent of their income on housing.
High housing costs have a greater impact on Māori, Pasifika, and people with disabilities, as well as seniors – so unlocking the space in the backyards of family members opens the door to new ways of living.
He says granny flats are not only a great option for seniors, but they’re also increasingly popular with other families such as those who want homes where their university-age children can live at home but maintain some privacy and independence, or families who want to provide extra support to a loved one.
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