The Special Housing Areas of Auckland came about through the Auckland Housing Accord that was agreed by Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith and Auckland Mayor Len Brown to urgently increase the supply and affordability of housing in Auckland. An area of land on Oruarangi Road, Ihumatao Mangere (near the airport) has been added as one of three SHAs in the Mangere-Otahuhu area. This piece of land is adja
cent to the conservation area of the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve. SOUL recognises the need for more housing in Auckland, however the proposed location of this SHA is ill-thought out and does not even comply with the SHA criteria of ensuring available infrastructure and proper consideration of local Maori and the local board. SOUL rejects the appropriateness of the Oruarangi SHA on the following grounds:
- There is no current infrastructure (water or wastewater connections) to service houses
- There is no public transport in this area
- The local board have been working with local iwi, council and other organisations to conserve the land and establish the Mangere Gateway Heritage Project (a visitor experience and tourist trail) respecting the history, culture and environment of this unique area - this project is dependant on the retention of the stunning landscapes and unique essence of this area and community.
- this development (with absolutely no amenity associated) will result in typical car-based sprawl
- Auckland International Airport Ltd have plans for a second runway and plans to close Ihumatao Road creating a number of potential problems to the new establishment
SOUL requests the Auckland Council revoke its support of the SHA on Oruarangi Road.
