Ian McLean Spokesperson for the Green Party

The proposed Tauriko 'affordable housing” development has been turned down (again) by our councils. Kia kaha councils. This is a sensible decision.

Growth on the fringe represents massive future costs for commuting and infrastructure, and likely ratepayer subsidies. Cheap houses on small lots only appear affordable because the hidden costs are born through time. We need compact urban design, not sprawl.

Check out TradeMe. There are established houses in Parklands, Greerton, Welcome Bay and elsewhere for a similar price, and closer to town. They are not being snapped up, suggesting that purchasers are thin on the ground.

Another fringe development, The Lakes, is doing better now due to the original developer absorbing a loss of $60 million, effectively subsidising housing costs there. Subsidised housing has its place to ensure that disadvantaged members of our community can live sensibly. But we need to beware the future costs of cheap housing.