The industry body says if more houses are built on the most productive rural land, then consumers can all expect to pay more for fresh vegetables and fruit. “We know we need a bigger Auckland, but do we want to pay $10 a kilo for vegetables imported from China?” says HortNZ natural resources manager, Chris Keenan.

HortNZ is worried the true cost of uncontrolled Auckland sprawl is not understood. There is food grown now in Pukekohe and around Auckland, which cannot be grown anywhere else in the country at certain times of the year.

Uncontrolled sprawl does not just effect land availability, it also can disrupt water supply by blocking aquifer recharge.

Keenan adds, “If that land disappears under houses, then we will either eat imported product at ridiculous prices, or go without. Allowing Auckland city to continue to spread on to productive areas is a food security nightmare waiting to happen.”

HortNZ believes that this issue is far too important to allow any political party, or all of them, to use it to score political points. It fully supports the efforts of the Auckland City Council to establish a Rural Urban Boundary, which is based on thorough research, adequate science and established community need. It also recognises the need for more housing and has already offered solutions to the Unitary Plan independent panel.

“Food security and food production values need to be part of this discussion. Auckland Council is trying to do this and we will continue to work with them where we can,” Keenan says.