Auckland region growing at rate unprecedented since 1950s

2 December 2003

A city the size of Palmerston North has been added to the Auckland region since the 2001 Census was taken.

“The Auckland Region Council brings a cooperative approach to coping with population growth. All of the Auckland region’s local authorities are working together, and Auckland is also working with Wellington – this is how it should be.”

Ian Bradley, ARC Strategic Policy Chair, was commenting on the latest sub-national population estimates released by Statistics New Zealand. These figures show that the Auckland region is again the fastest growing region in New Zealand, with an annual growth in the year to 30 June 2003 of nearly 40,000 (3.1%).

Contrary to popular belief, a large proportion (33%) of this growth is due to natural increase, while a further significant proportion is attributable to New Zealanders returning from extended visits overseas.

While growth of this magnitude clearly puts pressure on the Auckland region’s infrastructure and resources, the region is well placed to cope. It already has in place a Regional Growth Strategy that will ensure that growth is accommodated in a manner that raises that quality of the urban area.

This rate of growth has not been experienced in the Auckland region since the 1950s. Since the 2001 Census was taken, a city the size of Palmerston North has been added to the Auckland region.

Mr Bradley also noted that the growth was relatively well spread around the country.

“While Auckland is well used to growth, our friends in Southland and Taranaki are experiencing a new phenomenon. Of course, we would be delighted to share our experience with them.”

ENDS

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