Auckland: fastest growing city and region

The fact that Auckland is New Zealand’s fastest growing city and region will surprise no one in Auckland. We just get on and deal head on with the huge predicaments associated with such massive population growth, said Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks.

Mr Banks’ comments follow Statistics New Zealand’s release of population figures for the 12 months to 30 June 2003.

In the past year 39,300 new people arrived into the region - that’s 108 a day. Reaching 1,291,000, the Auckland region grew by 3.1 percent. Auckland City grew by 13,700.

“With such excruciating growing pains comes the need for substantial infrastructural development in the areas of roading, public transport, waste water and sewerage,” Mr Banks said.

The region needs to spend close to $1 billion a year, for the next 20 years, on economic infrastructure.

“Auckland is on an unprecedented roll. The region grows by the size of Dunedin every three years. As well as being home to one third of New Zealand’s population, Auckland is home to 35 per cent of the country’s businesses and employs half of the country’s workforce.”

With 114,428 businesses, Auckland is well ahead of Canterbury (38,710) and Wellington (38,020).

“There are two types of New Zealanders: Those who already live in Auckland and those who are banging on the door to get in. It’s not a bad problem to have to deal with,” Mr Banks said.

Ends For further information, please contact: Hon John Banks (021) 474 474 or Cameron Brewer (0274) 514 421. Ref: CB

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