Like other thriving, successful cities around the world, Tāmaki Makaurau is growing.
By 2048 Auckland’s population is expected to reach 2.7million.
While the thought of another million people sharing our city may feel daunting, the evidence suggests that when managed right the benefits of living in a growing city outweigh the downsides.
It's why cities exist in the first place.
When businesses and households exist in closer proximity, overall productivity and economic benefits increase. But it’s so much more than just economic benefits; growth brings fresh ideas, vibrant communities and new possibilities.
Greater housing choice, living closer to the things we want and need
Increasing our housing density to meet our growing population is the smartest solution to meeting not only today’s housing demands, but also the needs of future generations.
Building more higher density homes, such as apartments and townhouses, doesn’t mean there won’t still be other types of housing. Rather it means a greater variety of homes providing more choices for people to live in places they want, closer to where they work and within walking distance of shops, cafés, schools and reliable transport options.
It also reduces urban sprawl into our productive lands that are essential for growing our food.
Greater housing choice will also give our older Aucklanders more options to downsize to smaller homes in the same neighbourhoods where they raised their families.
More jobs and higher wages
A growing population attracts new businesses, investment, global firms and start-ups. This not only means more jobs, but higher paying ones, contributing to a stronger economy and quality of life.
Stronger, more vibrant communities
A growing diversity of people, ideas and cultures enriches communities and makes growing cities exciting places to live, work and visit.
Well-designed higher density living environments can foster a greater sense of community and security with increased opportunities to get to know your neighbours.
Protecting our environment and our health
Through greater housing intensification in our urban centres and near rapid transit centres, people can reduce their reliance on cars and choose to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work or out and about.
Having more travel options and fewer people travelling by car reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps us meet our climate goals.
Our health and well-being improve from fewer harmful emissions, more walking and cycling and more possibilities for social interaction.
Better public transport
Without a growing population it’s difficult to keep investing in and improving public transport systems. The networks remain sluggish or even grind to a halt as people struggle to give up their cars. But when more people live in concentrated areas and increase the demand for buses, trains and cycle lanes, the investment starts flowing and the better the service becomes.
More of the things we love – parks, libraries, schools, shops, entertainment
Increasing the number of people in an area provides the support many businesses need to survive and grow. More foot traffic means investment in more local jobs, shops, cafes and other services closer to home.
A growing community also means more and improved amenities such as swimming pools, libraries, schools, hospitals, and parks.
Our changing city
This might sound like some kind of utopia! It’s inevitable that this scale of change will encounter pressure-points, inertia and fear along the way.
It’s our job at Auckland Council to help our communities through that change. Our new Growing Together page is a starting point.
We’re working towards a flourishing, socially equitable and environmentally responsible Auckland, with liveable neighbourhoods connected by efficient public transport.
