The Environmental Protection Authority has begun a series of hearings on whether a new men's prison should be built in the South Auckland suburb of Wiri.
The 1060-bed facility would house low- to high-security inmates, and consist of both secure and non-secure units.
The Corrections Department outlined its case in favour of the prison during Monday's hearing, saying the land is already designated for a correctional facility, albeit a women's one.
Of the 58 submitters 43 oppose the prison. They include residents groups, schools, the local board and Auckland Council.
Among their concerns are that the area is already home to a women's and a youth prison, as well as numerous halfway houses.
They say a third jail will stigmatise the area and cause house prices to drop by up to 40%.
The hearings are set down for three weeks.
