The Prime Minister's U-turn on housing intensification laws in Auckland has sparked a political firestorm, with Labour leader Chris Hipkins accusing Christopher Luxon of 'panicking' and 'throwing' Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop under the bus. The controversy arises as the coalition considers weakening housing laws, a move that could have significant implications for the city's housing market and development plans. But here's where it gets controversial: while Luxon dismisses any talk of a clash with Bishop, the Labour leader questions the Prime Minister's loyalty to his senior minister and demands transparency on the matter. The debate intensifies as the government's focus shifts from boosting incomes to increasing the wealth of the top earners, leaving many to wonder about the future of housing affordability in Auckland. And this is the part most people miss: the government's pay equity plans, which could cost billions, remain shrouded in uncertainty, with no clear funding strategy revealed yet.
