Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

The rising cost of living in our largest city is a concern for all of us. The Government is pushing through measures to try and address the problem of Auckland's spiralling house prices, but affordability is without a doubt a major issue for many individuals and families. Many business owners and entrepreneurs are likewise struggling with high operating costs.

There is no doubt the pressure on Auckland could be relieved by a renewed focus on regions like ours. Smaller, well-connected towns like Katikati that are close to major urban centres are a fantastic alternative investment; and I think the timing is ideal for those feeling the squeeze in Auckland to come and take a closer look.

To be honest, it's not even a hard argument to make – lower commercial rents, lower housing prices, and wage costs are generally less as a result of a lower cost of living compared to that of city employees.

Add to that great schools, vibrant communities and incredible lifestyle opportunities – and you have an extremely attractive package that anyone who is currently struggling in the crowded Auckland market would be foolish to ignore.

There is no doubt that healthy, functioning cities are vital for our country's economy. Countries all over the world face the challenge of how to properly manage growth within their main urban centres. That in itself is a costly task, both in terms of time and money.

Promoting growth in the regions is not a threat to Auckland's development. In actual fact it is a positive move for a city where the infrastructure is still coming on-line to deal with staggering population growth.

With the Katikati Town Centre redevelopment gathering pace this year, it's an opportune time for all who want to see this area grow and thrive to be actively promoting the merits of investing here. It's anticipated the Bay of Plenty will be one of New Zealand's biggest growth areas during the next decade. We need to be working now to ensure that our small and medium towns like Katikati are part of that growth.