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Auckland mayor Len Brown says a Maori driven housing development in south Auckland is a ray of hope in a tough market.
A report by think tank Demographia has rated Auckland the ninth least affordable major city in the world to buy a house.
Mr Brown says the results are skewed because Auckland has a far lower percentage of apartments than other cities.
He says there are a substantial number of developments coming on, including the Waimahia Inlet where the Tamaki Iwi Collective, the Auckland Housing Foundation and others are developing a former social welfare property.
"I was at the opening of 28 new homes before christmas. Probably half of them being owned now by Maori whanau. 4 – 5 bedroom homes, average price $450,000 here at Waimahia. Its just absolutely outstanding. Beautiful homes, not compromising quality but about 130-140 square metres, really good size for a 4-5 bedroom home and for first home owners," Mayor Brown says.
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