The scheme is part of the Auckland Housing Accord between the Government and Auckland Council to fast-track the development of stand-alone housing, terrace housing and apartments.
But the parties have hit snags with the scheme, announcing plans which were subsequently questioned and challenged.
Smith said today the two new blocks were a big addition to existing schemes.
"These two latest Special Housing Areas at Glenbrook and Drury in Franklin now bring the total number of Special Housing Areas in Auckland to 86, with a combined potential yield of up to 45,000 new homes. I am particularly encouraged that Auckland Council is continuing to advance greenfield sites for Special Housing Area status. This is welcome progress, in both scale and momentum, to help address Auckland's issues of housing supply and affordability," Dr Smith says.
Phil Twyford, Labour's housing spokesman, has questioned SHA announcements and raised doubts about the accord, particularly the speed of building on the land zoned for this purpose.
Brown said the two new sites were close to local halls, reserves and schools and he is confident the housing developments could be well-serviced by existing or planned water, waster and roading infrastructure.
A percentage of the new residences must be 'affordable'.
"I also commend the undertaking from the developer to build at least 150 affordable homes at Bremner Road - or 15 per cent of the total project. This is above the 10 per cent affordable housing provision which is required in the Special Housing Area by the council.
"The council will be considering additional SHAs over the next few weeks, and hope to recommend more locations to the Minister in coming months," Brown said.
The accord was struck in October 2013.
Julie Anne Genter, Green Party transport and urban affairs spokesperson, said she was concerned about the locations of the two new SHAs.
"It's going to mean people have perhaps cheaper houses but they're going to have to spend much more to get around. It's going to mean a whole lot more cars on Auckland's already congested roading network.
Drury and Glenbrook have inadequate public transport. It's infrequent and so far away at Glenbrook in particular, so people will spend so much more time in their cars," she said.
Youth organisation Generation Zero also expressed disappointment and spokesperson Sudhvir Singh questioning the location so far from the city's heart.
"Aucklanders do not want higher rates and worse traffic, but unfortunately by choosing to prioritise more housing on the very outskirts of the region, that is what these Special Housing Areas will deliver. Council and Government should have instead prioritised well designed developments in inner suburbs close to jobs and public transport, which is where the demand is greatest," he said.
"Last week, the council had a protracted meeting trying to balance the long term budget.
Further disconnected housing developments on the very edge of the city force ratepayers to cough up more for new infrastructure at a time when money is tight. It's disappointing that the same decision makers who are against investing in transport infrastructure continue to rubber stump more urban sprawl," he said.
See a detailed map of the Glenbrook Special Housing Area here:
See a detailed map of the Drury Special Housing Area here:
Read today's announcement here:
