Milldale Housing Project Approved Under Fast-Track, Delivering 1,100 New Homes

Lodged in April 2025 by Fulton Hogan Land Development Limited, the Milldale project is set to deliver around 1,100 residential allotments in one of Auckland’s fastest-growing northern suburbs.

The Government has given the green light to the Milldale housing development in Wainui, Auckland, under the Fast-track Approvals Act, marking the second major project to proceed through the streamlined process. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say the decision demonstrates how the new framework is beginning to accelerate critical housing and infrastructure delivery across New Zealand.

A Major Boost for Auckland’s Housing Supply

Lodged in April 2025 by Fulton Hogan Land Development Limited, the Milldale project is set to deliver around 1,100 residential allotments in one of Auckland’s fastest-growing northern suburbs.

“This development will provide much-needed housing in Wainui,” Bishop said. “Not only will it increase supply in a market under immense pressure, but it will also stimulate local employment and investment at a significant scale.”

The project carries an estimated $595 million investment over three years, generating economic momentum for the Auckland region. It is also expected to support 3,100 full-time equivalent jobs during its development phase – a considerable boost for both the local construction industry and the wider economy.

Fast-Track System Delivering Results

The approval of Milldale comes quickly after the Maitahi Village development in Nelson, signalling momentum in the Government’s fast-track reforms. Bishop said these decisions prove that the Act is removing unnecessary barriers and accelerating projects that will help tackle New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit.

“The system is starting to deliver,” Bishop noted. “Fast-track is enabling us to move projects forward without years of costly delays, helping us increase housing supply and strengthen regional infrastructure.”

Regional Growth and Future Projects

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones emphasised the importance of the reforms beyond Auckland, particularly for regional housing and infrastructure projects.

“I’m looking forward to more regional housing developments reaching the approval stage soon,” Jones said. “We also have other projects in the pipeline that will deliver for communities across New Zealand. Minister Bishop and I are working on legislative changes to make the process even faster and ensure projects get underway sooner.”

The Fast-track Approvals Act is a cornerstone of the Government’s resource management reform programme, aimed at cutting through red tape, speeding up delivery of housing and infrastructure, and improving economic productivity.

Milldale’s Strategic Importance

The Milldale development is a continuation of the broader Milldale growth area, already identified as a key location for Auckland’s urban expansion. The latest stages approved – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 – will add significantly to the supply of modern housing in Wainui, an area well-placed to absorb growth given its proximity to transport corridors and services.

With Auckland’s housing demand continuing to outstrip supply, projects such as Milldale are expected to play a central role in easing affordability pressures while creating long-term community and economic benefits.

Looking Ahead

The Government has signalled that further approvals under the Fast-track system will follow, covering not only housing developments but also regional infrastructure, transport, and industry-supporting projects. Both ministers underscored their commitment to ensuring that these reforms contribute to addressing the country’s infrastructure backlog and enabling sustainable growth.

“This is just the beginning,” Bishop said. “We’re determined to ensure fast-track becomes a driver of real change – more homes, stronger infrastructure, and better opportunities for communities across New Zealand.”