UPDATED 7.25am: Proposed changes to Auckland's zoning rules will have to pass a few hurdles before becoming law.

Auckland Council is recommending allowing more intensification in Glendowie, Remuera, Mt Eden and several other suburbs and will make its case to a Government-appointed panel over the new few months.

Auckland mayor Len Brown said the proposals give people what they've asked for - a range of housing choices - "whether it's apartment houses around town centres and transport, or detached houses around the suburban communities."

Generation Zero spokesman Niko Elsen believes the proposals are sensible, and hopes the panel will agree.

He says the recommendations being put forward by the council are well-considered and principled so the hearings panel will probably take many of them into account.

Mr Elsen says the rules won't necessarily undermine local heritage.

"We're not talking about high-rise neighbourhoods here, we're talking about a gentle density, and that really does keep Auckland's character alive and well while allowing for housing choice."

The proposals will now be considered with other submissions by an independent panel.