Heritage advocates claim Auckland could lose its kauri villas under the Government's RMA reforms

The Government's replacing the Resource Management Act with a new planning framework, including rules around land development and environment protections.

It includes reforms aimed at increasing housing density, particularly along transport corridors in Auckland and other big cities.

The Coalition for More Homes says the existing rules for heritage homes have stopped sensible development and led to urban sprawl.

But the Character Coalition heritage group says the changes could make it easier for buildings to lose their heritage status.