The Environment Minister has launched a plan to overhaul urban planning and development policies to speed up the planning process.
Nick Smith and new Auckland mayor Len Brown released a discussion document on Tuesday night on changes to how approval is sought for land use, transport and public works in cities.
The proposals include changes to the Resource Management, Land Transport and Public Works acts.
Mr Brown says he wants to turn Auckland into the world's most liveable city, but that will not happen if Auckland does not get the right infrastructure - and fast.
Dr Smith says current planning systems are cumbersome and inefficient. He hopes a bill will go before Parliament early next year.
