Rise in wages

Auckland, particularly in areas located near transport hubs where significant property development is allowed for under the Unitary Plan.”

Older suburbs such as Onehunga, Glen Innes and the Eastern Bays would also see growth because of the Unitary Plan zoning changes.

Experts said Onehunga was a key area for growth in Auckland’s 20-year plan. According to planning documents, 21,000 more people are expected in the next decade.

The Waterview Tunnel has slashed driving times from Onehunga and created even easier access to the CBD and entire motorway system.

Despite the Eastern Bays already being well established, Evans predicted the area around Hobson Bay would be intensified.

“Changes in the Auckland Unitary Plan will bring more units to the area, meaning more opportunities for people at the top end of the market to buy new apartments.”

Nearby Glen Innes was also undergoing large-scale regeneration and the Tamaki redevelopment project would see 7500 new dwellings added over the next 15 years.

Glen Innes represented a strong opportunity for those wanting to invest in a growing part of the region.

The area from Westgate to Hobsonville Point topped the list as a substantial one in the city’s future growth, Evans said.

A new town centre at Westgate, an employment park at Hobsonville and a master-planned community at Hobsonville Point had transformed the area.

Improved transport pushed the area up the ladder of desirability — the Waterview Tunnel, Northern Motorway, ferry and the recently upgraded Northwestern Motorway.

“The Government’s plan to build a light railway west is set to further improve connectivity,” Evans said.

Out of Auckland, the research pointed to Tauranga, Hamilton and Warkworth as areas for growth.

In Hamilton, the development of the Peacocke project has seen 720ha of rural land less than 10km from the CBD incorporated into the city’s boundary, allowing space for future urban growth.

About 2350 homes are expected to be built, although the land is able to host 8000 houses.

The nearby town of Raglan, which has a vibrant main street with boutique retail and cafes, will see huge growth, Evans predicts.

“We expect that Raglan will become a beachside suburb of Hamilton in the medium to long term,” Evans said. Thousands of Kiwis can look forward to more money in their pockets as a raft of law changes take effect today.

The minimum wage rises 75c to $16.50 an hour and Superannuation goes up 1 per cent, meaning singles will pocket about $6 extra per week and a married person an extra $5.

Students earning an allowance will get about $3-$4 extra a week. Also rising are veteran pensions, social security benefits, supported living payments, jobseeker benefits, child disability allowances and payments for Oranga Tamariki caregivers.

Living Wage New Zealand convenor Annie Newman said it was a long way to the living wage of $20.20. But it would still make a difference. “You’ll find people who move from $15.75 to $16.50 will notice a difference for their households.”

Financial Capability Trust chief executive Tim Barnett said any increase would let families spend more on groceries and essential items for children, or pay off debt.

“As Auckland becomes more urban people will want to live where they can walk to the station.” Pete Evans

FROM TODAY Minimum wage:

●

Superannuation:

● weekly ($340.80)

$16.50 ($15.75)/hr Couple, $345.75

Student allowance:

● under 24, not in parental home $257.12 ($253.66)

Veteran’s pension:

● single living alone $456.45 ($450.10); in a relationship: $345.75 ($340.80)

Oranga Tamariki workers caring for children:

Supported living:

●

up 1.36 %

● single beneficiary, dependent children, $379.19 ($374.10)

Jobseeker support:

● a single beneficiary under 20 living with a parent $143.55 ($141.62)

Social Security (Childcare Assistance):

●

principal caregiver, dependent child, income under $800 weekly, $5.13/hr ($5.06)