Housing developers sought for Auckland Crown land

Around 500 hectares of Crown land in Auckland has been cleared for housing
Around 500 hectares of Crown land in Auckland has been cleared for housing

Interested developers are being sought to build on Crown-owned Auckland land as part of the Government's push to create more housing in the city.

Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith says in order to increase the pace of building, the Government is interested in developers who can build a minimum of 100 houses in addition to their existing workload.

In this year's Budget, the Government announced 500 hectares of public land would be sold to developers.

Proposals will be looked at by a group of industry experts and developers assigned to panels in accordance with their capability to do low-, medium- and high-density housing.

When Dr Smith announced the Government's intention to open up land for housing, it was met with controversy over claims there was no consultation with local iwi who have the first right of refusal under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Ngati Whatua launched legal action over the move, but the Government doesn't think it did anything wrong.

Dr Smith says Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau, who have the right of first refusal on the Crown land, will get to choose a developer from the panels to work with should they decide to use their right.

The Government had previously committed to making 20 percent of the homes so community housing providers can buy them, while 20 percent will be affordable for first home buyers.

Dr Smith says the aim is to have the first development agreement signed "as soon as possible" this year, with the first homes available by the end of next year.

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