Prof Laurence Murphy - From market failure to housing solutions
How inclusionary zoning captures land value uplift for affordable housing
Joining us for this episode is Professor Laurence Murphy, a leading voice in human geography at University of Auckland’s School of Environment. With a distinguished academic background that includes a PhD in urban economic geography from Trinity College Dublin and lecturing roles at renowned institutions including the London School of Economics, he brings deep insight to the intersection of finance, property and urban change. His current research explores how global capital flows reshape housing, urban governance and built environments, making him one of New Zealand’s foremost scholars on housing affordability, urban policy and the financialisation of cities.
We sat down with Larry and discussed the role inclusionary housing and zoning could play in addressing New Zealand’s housing affordability crisis. He explained how planning systems overseas capture land value uplift to fund affordable housing, and why similar mechanisms could work here if backed by political commitment and strong planning frameworks.
The conversation explored how market forces have failed to produce affordable housing for the public good, the barriers posed by financialisation and neoliberal economic thinking, and how international models, from the UK’s Section 106 system to U.S. density bonuses, demonstrate practical pathways for reform.
Larry also reflected on the need to re-establish housing as social infrastructure, rethink our collective mindset around property as investment, and rebuild public trust in planning as a tool for equitable outcomes.
We'd like to thank Larry for talking time for this in-depth conversation and don't forget to subscribe to the CHA Hub Podcast where ever you get your podcasts from.
This CHA Hub Podcast is sponsored by our Founding Partner, Westpac New Zealand.
