We have drafted a long-term development and growth plan for rural areas in southern Auckland as sub-set of our Future Development Strategy.


The draft Southern Rural Strategy guides the long-term management of growth and development in the Franklin ward. It also includes some rural land from the Howick and Papakura local board areas.



These areas are major contributors to Auckland’s economy, mainly through:

  • manufacturing
  • construction
  • forestry
  • horticulture.


Much of the western and middle parts of the southern rural areas have highly productive land. It is a major provider of the food supply for Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland and New Zealand.

We need to make sure that when we develop these areas, we can still maintain and protect our horticultural and agricultural industries.

Aims of the strategy

Our draft strategy aims to achieve growth at the same time as supporting a healthy environment and communities in our rural southern region.

Our aims include to:

  • strengthen the role of Pukekohe and Waiuku as rural service towns
  • focus growth in existing urbanised settlements and avoid growth outside settlements
  • minimise urban growth where it could have negative impacts on rural production and industries
  • make sure there is sufficient infrastructure to support new development
  • support safe access for residential and rural production users with transport and access needs
  • celebrate the Māori and Pākehā heritage of towns, villages and other areas
  • strengthen resilience in rural communities and the rural area
  • support communities to adapt to climate change
  • support a strong rural economy
  • enable employment and training opportunities close to where people live.


What we want your feedback on

We want the strategy to reflect the views of communities in the area. We want to know what you think about our approach to:

  • growth in rural south Auckland
  • strengthening the resilience of rural areas and communities
  • infrastructure to support the growth
  • other parts of our approach to growth in the rural south.


When you can have your say

You can have your say from Tuesday 29 October to Sunday 1 December 2024.


What happens next


December 2024 to February 2025

We will review your feedback.


April 2025

The Policy and Planning Committee will endorse the final strategy.


May 2025

We will publish the final strategy.



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