A brand new city in South Auckland could help ease Auckland's housing woes, but the skeleton needs to be developed first says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Infrastructure NZ have started looking into the creation of a satellite city supporting 100,000 residents in Paerata, South Auckland, on undeveloped land, reported NZ Herald.
On TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning, Ms Ardern said Housing Minister Phil Twyford thought there was merit in the plan.
However, vital components needed to be sorted out first.
"Firstly make sure there are the transport links in those areas, secondly where there are actual areas of special character and importance, that we ring fence those off."
Ms Ardern said areas to produce food were still needed.
Auckland counsillor Efeso Collins said the idea is "a really good start" in addressing housing in Auckland.
The price of housing was "bringing it down to a level we can afford it".
Mr Collins said he wants to get the density right in terms of spreading out rather that creating multi-level buildings.
"My bias is that we've already seen Manukau as the second city of Auckland anyway."
Ms Ardern said the new Labour-led government would be creating a Housing Commission to look at other potential housing areas like Henderson and Manukau to help with Auckland's housing issues.
She also said Auckland's regional fuel tax was an issue "we need to get on to", and would likely be implemented within a year.
"Auckland is a pain for congestion already, we're simply finding ways on delivering on things that will deliver long term."
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