$5.50 lettuces likely if Pukekohe land paved

A lettuce could cost $5.54 if Auckland’s urban sprawl continues to cut into the prime fruit and vegetable growing area of nearby Pukekohe, a report warns.

Although only covering about 4300 hectares, the Pukekohe growing area contains some of New Zealand’s most fertile and productive soils and is on Auckland’s doorstep.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman said if Pukekohe continued to be swallowed up by housing, the county ran the risk of an economic hit to Auckland of up to $1.1 billion in 25 years.

Up to 4500 fulltime jobs would be lost and less fruit and vegetables would be available, causing prices to spike up to 58 per cent, Chapman said.

‘‘Auckland will also be hungrier, with its population set to rise to 2.3 million,’’ he said.

‘‘It makes sense to protect growing hubs close to our main population centres. They not only provide food that contributes to the physical health of New Zealanders, but also jobs, and vibrant businesses and communities.

‘‘Food and housing are competing for land and water. We need both, so now is a good time to be smart about long-term planning for food security and domestic supply.

‘‘We will not always be able to source food from other countries.

‘‘Look at the extremely hot summer the northern part of the world is having and the impact it is having on food production because of drought,’’ Chapman said.

Foodstuffs, which own New World, Pak ‘n Save and Four Square supermarkets, was concerned ‘‘that we run the risk of affecting long term supply with the spread of development into some of the most productive land in the country’’, a spokeswoman said.

‘‘Working with our growers in Pukekohe to match our demand with their supply is really important to Foodstuffs. It can go from paddock to plate within 24 hours with Pukekohe being so close to Auckland. ‘‘They’re not making any more land, so it’s essential that town planners take into account the need to protect farmland which is superb for growing crops to help us feed our customers,’’ the spokeswoman said.

HortNZ commissioned Deloitte to report on the contribution Pukekohe’s horticulture industry makes to the health and wealth of New Zealand, and in particular Auckland.

Deloitte partner and agribusiness lead Andrew Gibbs said central and local government needed to work together with the industry to best protect and enhance this natural asset.

The report said that between 1996 and 2012, urban growth led towns and cities to grow by 10 per cent.

From 2002 to 2016 the country’s vegetable-growing land reduced by 30 per cent. ‘‘Significant, and often swift, land use change in New Zealand is putting increased pressure on our growing hubs to keep up with the mounting demand for fruit and vegetables,’’ Gibbs said.

‘‘For an area accounting for only 3.8 per cent of New Zealand’s total hectares of fruit and vegetable production, the Pukekohe hub punches far above its weight.