Statement From Mayor Bob Harvey

In Response To Government Announcement On Hobsonville Airbase

We are pleased that the speculation over the future of this hugely strategic piece of land is over and now we look forward to seeing exactly how these 42 hectares will develop.

We are also keen to be involved in how the remainder of the land is to be used.

The Council’s position has not changed. Our vision has always been for a mixed-use development of the land- quality housing, open spaces and public access to the harbour, and a minimum of 30 hectares in an economic zone built around an exciting marine cluster.

We will now be working on Housing New Zealand to ensure that the economic hole left by the closure of the base is filled through an integrated development of the site.

There is only one chance to get things right and in many ways the future of Waitakere City as a whole depends on how this area takes shape.

Sovereign Yachts and other major local and international businesses have shown a commitment to the area already, and it’s important that the jobs they have created grow even further.

This Council has pushed hard over the past two years to have our vision and the area’s growing needs taken into account and will continue to do so.

© Scoop Media