Rodney Rides Recession Better Than the Region

Media Release

Monday 2 February 2009

Rodney Rides Recession Better Than the Region

While the Auckland Region is experiencing a major decline in building activity, building activity in Rodney District remained high in 2008.

The total number of building consents processed by Rodney District Council in 2008 was 14% down on 2007 figures. However, Rodney has been relatively unaffected by the economic downturn, when compared with other areas.

“In the last 12 months, more new houses have been built in Rodney than Waitakere City and North Shore City. We’ve also had a similar number of houses built here as in Manukau City which has four times the population of Rodney,” says RDC Customer Services Director Lloyd Barton.

“Applications from commercial and industrial developers for building consents have not slowed down to date,” he says

However, Mr Barton concedes that a noticeable decline in building consent activity in November and December 2008 is a concern. He says the Council will monitor building consent activity and reduce expenditure by reducing the use of consultants and not replacing staff when they leave if the reduction in consent numbers continues.

“Council revenue from building activity may not necessary decline, however, as building staff would have more time to complete building inspections.”

Despite the economic recession, Rodney District is still likely to experience a high level of growth.

“Rodney is a very attractive place to live and there is no doubt that areas such as Silverdale will continue to grow,” says Mr Barton.

“With the opening of the Northern motorway extension resulting in reduced travel times to Auckland, Rodney is likely to become even more attractive to commuters as a place to live.”

ENDS