KEY POINTS:
The National Party says the Government could be doing more to increase the supply of land and accelerate the resource consent process.
Housing spokesman Phil Heatley said the Resource Management Act was largely to blame.
"Labour has staunchly resisted thorough reform of the RMA, which has been a constant source of frustration for many projects," he said.
"As much as $20,000 can be added to the cost of a new home through the resource consent process alone, accompanied by year-long delays."
Regardless of whether people were renting or buying, more land was needed to cope with demand.
Green Party co-leader Russel Norman said the answer was not to release more land, which would create urban sprawl, but to upgrade Auckland's rail network, which would encourage greater "urban density".
"A much better answer is the electrification of the Auckland rail network which will create the opportunity to increase urban densities along the rail routes because the electric rail units will be cleaner, quieter and more frequent than the current diesel units."
Dr Norman said greater urban sprawl would lower quality of living as it would force more people into long daily commutes in their cars.
Give me shelter
Typical profile of an Auckland family who cannot afford a house:
* One or two parents, aged in their 20s, 30s or 40s
* At least one person working.
* Often working in media, schools or police.
* Two children in the family.
* The household earns $50,000 to $70,000 a year.
* Family pay up to $500 a week in rent, maybe more.
* Family plan to pay at least $380,000 for a house.
* When they try to save for a deposit, they find they are spending so much on rent they find it hard to save.
* If they do buy, high interest rates would cripple them.
* Their income will make it hard to service the debt.
* Housing price rises of up to $2000 a day worsen the situation.
* Cheaper housing in outer areas is too far from workplaces.
