National to scrap ban on car parking requirements as party releases Auckland plan

National says it will abolish the blanket ban on minimum car parking requirements as the party announces its policies focused on Auckland. 

National transport spokesman Chris Bishop and Auckland spokesman Simon Watts today released the party’s “Backing Auckland to succeed” policy document, which was filled mostly with already announced policies addressing house, cost of living and crime. 

However, it also included a commitment to abolish the ban on minimum car parking requirements and to allow councils to use those requirements in suburban areas outside those identified for intensification, like in city centres or near rapid transit stops. 

“New homes should come with the parking residents need in the right places,” National’s policy document read. 

“National will unclog our streets and make them safer and more manageable, enabling our suburbs to be more liveable.” 

Bishop, Watts and leader Christopher Luxon are set to speak to the announcement in Auckland about 8.30am. 

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.