A petition has been launched urging MPs to stop a planned development in northwest Auckland and other residential fast-track projects that aren’t in the council’s future growth plans.
Over 630 people have already signed the petition in the two days since it was launched on Parliament’s website.
The Waimauku West development, now known as Pukeatua, plans for 1600 homes to be built on a ridge above the town over the next 15-20 years.
But locals are worried it’ll add to flooding in the area and worsen traffic congestion.
The developer, Mark Francis, told the Herald he was confident stringent conditions would be placed on the project.
The petition asks MPs to amend the law, the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2025, to say: “Prohibit the approval of the Waimauku West fast-track development, and to prohibit approval for other housing outside areas identified for future growth unless necessary public infrastructure is planned and funded.”
Their push joins outrage growing around the country over the number of residential developments that have applied for fast-track approval, including Delmore, near Ōrewa.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is amending the law to allow councils to charge fast-track developers more in development fees.
The mayors of Auckland, Queenstown, Selwyn, Tauranga and Waimakariri have joined forces to call on Bishop to put a pause on any new developments, over concerns the projects would be out of step with local government growth plans.
But Bishop said he can’t do that under the law as it stands.
The Waimauku Community Association says: “We are facing an out-of-sequence fast-track housing development that could change our community for good.
“The fast-track process should not silence the people who will live with the consequences. Communities deserve a say when major developments affect roads, flooding, services and everyday life.
“We all know our community will continue to grow. The real question is whether infrastructure will keep pace, or whether local residents will bear the cost through longer commutes, worsening congestion and increasing pressure on already stretched roads.
“The decisions being made today will shape Waimauku for decades to come. If we don’t get this right now, future generations will be left dealing with the consequences.”
Kaipara ki Mahurangi MP Chris Penk is also publicly opposing the development and has met with community members about their concerns.
“We’re pleased to have the support from Chris Penk MP who has said he will support this petition and present it to Parliament,” the group’s spokeswoman Tatjana Ratsdorf said.
The petition has been shared by other communities opposing proposals in their areas, including the Pegasus Residents’ Group.
The fast-track panel declined Woolfbrook’s proposal to build 1000 homes in Canterbury, but the developers have vowed to carry on.