10 Oct 2013

First home buyers won't benefit from housing programme - Labour

7:16 am on 10 October 2013

The Labour Party says a promise of thousands of new homes in Auckland won't mean much for first home buyers.

Ten special housing areas were launched in the city yesterday as part of an accord between the council and the government.

More than 5000 homes may be built on the 470 hectares of land but Labour Party housing spokesperson Phil Twyford says they will do little for affordable housing.

"Developers will be laughing all the way to the bank. What we're likely to see is row upon row of 'McMansions' with first home buyers and the low to middle income families thrown a few crumbs really.

"Only up to 10% of the promised 6000 homes are going to be in the affordable range."

Auckland mayor Len Brown says 10% is a minimum requirement and developers will be encouraged to deliver more than that.