Another 17 Special Housing Areas have been revealed in Auckland, under the plan to accelerate new home building - only two of them outside the suburbs.
The announcement is part of the Housing Accord agreed between the Government and the Auckland Council, aimed at helping more than double the rate of home construction in the city. The homes will be built using the fast-track planning process.
Few homes have yet been completed under the 11-month-old accord, but Housing Minister Nick Smith said the fast-track process was working.
He said 752 consents had been granted for special housing areas and the 'pipeline' was moving at a pace unprecendented in New Zealand's recent history.
The Government is keen to boost the supply of new residential land, but Dr Smith said he was not bothered by most of the new areas being in existing suburbs.
The largest single new area can accommodate around 4000 homes off Fred Taylor Drive in Whenuapai. In total another 8000 homes will eventually be built under the newly-designated areas.
This is the fourth list of areas designated under the accord and Dr Smith wants to see a fifth list released by Christmas.
However mayor, Len Brown, said it was likely to be early next year. Mr Brown says the accord is on track to reach its first year target of having helped create 9000 new sections or homes consented.
Housing Minister Nick Smith (left) and Auckland Mayor Len Brown announcing the special housing areas. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
The list of the now 80 Special Housing Areas can be viewed here
