PremiumOpinionOpinion byAnne GibsonProperty Editor·NZ Herald·6 Jul, 2026 05:00 PM7 mins to readAnne Gibson, Property Editor for New Zealand's Herald, has been writing about real estate since 1985 and is a skilled and knowledgeable journalist with deep insights into property as well as other businesses.‌Hotel and apartment plans are consented, but student digs are in the latest marketing campaign beside The CAB, causing residents concern.How much did major builder Icon make here in the latest year?What economic benefits are planned from the $400m Devonport plans launched last week?Land around Auckland’s The CAB apartments is being marketed for sale for hundreds of student units, prompting a neighbour to ask why a hotel and apartments could be ditched.“How is it that this use can be promoted when a hotel and apartments were consented?” a CAB unit resident asked.