Local MP horrified at Government plans for Hobsonville

Helensville MP John Key is horrified at today’s announcement that the Housing Minister, Mark Gosche, will be seeking part of the Hobsonville airbase land to use for new state houses.

“This is outrageous behaviour from a misguided Minister, who is acting totally against the local community’s wishes,” said Mr Key.

“The Minister had within his grasp the ability to allow for the creation of a great asset for West Auckland, but has chosen to relegate it to a lifetime of mediocrity.

“He shows the same lack of vision over this matter that the Labour Government shows in running New Zealand,” said Mr Key.

“Economically this proposal fails the acid test.

“This area is high value land that the Crown could sell and then use the proceeds to build a much greater number of state houses in a lower cost area, nearer to public transport and community facilities.

“I can only hope that the Minister won’t be arrogant enough to push through the building of these houses before the completion of appropriate Auckland Regional Council environmental testing – a 3 to 5 year project.

“I shall continue the work I am doing with the local community, including surveying people on their opinion of the proposal, and I shall put their views to Minister and Prime Minister.

“Hopefully this will make them see sense,” said Mr Key.

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