New Zealand passes bill allowing smaller granny flats without building consent to boost affordable housing.

New Zealand's Parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that could allow homeowners to build granny flats up to 70 square meters in their backyards without needing building consent. The move aims to simplify construction processes, make housing more affordable, and increase options for families, including grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults, and rural workers. If passed, the legislation could lead to around 13,000 more granny flats over the next decade.