Media Release
1 June 2006

Census Confirms Manukau Growing Fast

The first results from the 2006 Census show that Manukau continues to be the fastest growing city in New Zealand. It grew by 16.4 per cent since the previous census in 2001 and now has a population of 330,000. This is an increase of 46,600 over the period.

Manukau was the fastest growing part in the Auckland region, followed by Rodney (15.8%), North Shore (12.1%) and Auckland City (10.4%).

Two districts, Queenstown Lakes and Selwyn, had higher growth rates but from lower population bases.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says, “At current growth rates Manukau is going to be the second largest city in New Zealand in years to come. That is presenting us with huge challenges as we continue to need to provide the infrastructure, transport options and community services for our expanding population.

“We also need to help our local economy grow in order to create the jobs needed by the four and a half thousand people who join the local workforce each year. New business development projects such as Highbrook Business Park are vital in that regard. Highbrook, a greenfields project being developed on the Waiouru Peninsula, will provide up to 15,000 new jobs within a decade.

“Flat Bush will be the major new housing development area in Manukau. It will be a planned community and that is why it is a priority for the Council in terms of our planning for new urban development.” The Government recently announced that seven new state schools will be built in Flat Bush to accommodate the growing population, which is expected to reach 40,000 by the year 2011.

ENDS

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