Auckland's rapidly growing south spreads around food producing land
The southern rural areas, which included the Franklin Ward, was expected to increase by 89,900 people, 37,500 households, and 16,500 jobs by 2052.
Auckland Council recently approved the new Southern Rural Strategy, which supported the region to accommodate its growing population, while enabling industries such as farming and food production to thrive.
'The southern rural area is expected to account for approximately 15% of Auckland's overall population growth over the next 30 years," Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker said.
The area was one of the New Zealand's primary food production regions, with abundant natural resources and some of the most productive land in New Zealand.
"It's strategic location, close to airports, seaport and key export markets, helps to further cultivate these industries."
In a statement, Baker said the strategy provided direction for where housing choices, industries and employment opportunities would grow, "in a way that supports the area to thrive economically and ecologically".
It included strengthening the role of Pukekohe and Waiuku as rural service towns, focused growth in existing urbanised settlements and avoided growth outside settlements, and minimised urban growth where it could have negative impacts on rural production and industries.
The strategy also made sure there was sufficient infrastructure to support new development, supported safe access for residential and rural production users with transport and access needs, and celebrated the Māori and Pākehā heritage of towns, villages and other areas.
The strategy covered the full Franklin ward.
It also included some rural land from the Howick, Manurewa, and Papakura local board areas.
The strategy did not cover the area's quickest growing towns — Drury, Ōpaheke and Pukekohe — which already had community-backed plans to guide their growth.
Consultation on the Southern Rural Strategy took place in October to December last year.
Deputy chair of Auckland's Policy and Planning Committee, Angela Dalton said the strategy supported the southern rural area to grow well.
'This is a vibrant region, where traditional industries thrive alongside emerging sectors," Dalton said.
"The strategy is about balanced growth, that minimises the impact on the environment while improving housing choices and socially connected communities."
By making the most of existing infrastructure, and focusing on projects that delivered multiple benefits, the council was helping set up the region for a resilient and sustainable future, she said.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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