Property development on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf islands

Abstract

The Hauraki Gulf consists of ninety two islands that are contained within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. This report aims to explain why property development occurs more on certain islands, rather than others, within the Hauraki Gulf. This is achieved by identifying the key drivers and barriers to property development and determining the perceptions that influence these factors.

The research commenced with a comprehensive literature and document analysis from which key themes and ideas were extracted. From these key themes and ideas, ten interview questions were developed. Face to face interviews with ten industry professionals involved in property development on the Hauraki Gulf islands were then carried out. The aim of the interviews was to evaluate real life examples and perceptions to compare with the results of the literature and document analysis.

The research identified a wide range of factors affecting property development on the Hauraki Gulf Islands. Overwhelming evidence from the interview participants suggests that Auckland City Council has the greatest affect on property development followed by island accessibility & transport. The research also identified that there is a need for the Gulf Islands to be treated independently from one another, and what is a significant factors affecting property development on one island may not be a driver or barrier for another.