National says it'll give central government "reserve powers" if councils don't deal with housing intensification the way it wants.

The party has confirmed it will allow councils to opt-out of legislation which allows for high density housing on all residential land.

Last week, leader Chris Luxon said his party was wrong to join the Government for a bi-partisan commitment to greater housing intensification.

Housing spokesman Chris Bishop says that they'll legislate to give central Government reserve powers.

LISTEN ABOVE

• National U-turn: New housing density policy details revealed
• National's Chris Bishop says councils will have the chance to use Medium Density Residential Standards
• Urban planning expert discusses National's U-turn on increasing housing density in main centres