Residents can help plan NZ's largest new town

Press Release: 16 November 2010

Auckland Council

Flat Bush, which borders East Tamaki, is the largest greenfield residential site in South Auckland.  The area has been growing since 2001 and approximately 500 hectares have already been developed for housing.

A draft masterplan to guide stage two of Flat Bush's development was released for public comment earlier this year, and local residents had the opportunity to help shape the look of the new town.  As a result of this consultation, a number of changes were made to plans.

A formal plan change proposing the development of 342 hectares of residential land at Flat Bush was recently released for consultation.  A total of 208 hectares is planned for release in 2011, with the remaining land released early in 2013. 

Further land in southern Flat Bush has been identified for development after 2016 as part of a future plan change process.  By 2021 Flat Bush is expected to be home to around 40,000 people. 

A key feature of the new town is the large amount of green space available to residents.  Around a third of the land in Flat Bush has been identified for open space or stormwater management.   A walking and cycling network will link residential areas to the town centre and neighbouring Barry Curtis Park.  

Murphy's Bush, a native vegetation area in the middle of the residential area, will be retained and developed into a new park.  Three community sports fields will be developed nearby.  A location for a new primary school and a neighbourhood centre are also identified in the plan.

Most houses will be detached family homes, however plans also allow for the development of semi detached properties, terraced housing and apartments in some areas such as around the neighbourhood centre and beside parks. 

The open day is planned from 3 pm - 7pm at the Old Flat Bush School Hall (corner Murphy and Flat Bush School roads).  Council staff will be available to explain more about the plan change and answer questions from the public.

Consultation on the plan change closes on 3 December.