Variety the spice of life

Flat Bush, East Auckland. Photo / Nick Reed

The Flat Bush road where Mel Hurst has lived with her family for seven years provides a snapshot of the area's growing diversity.

"There's African, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Italian and Kiwi ... It's wonderful."

She was drawn to the area by Flat Bush's growing developments and the reputation of its local schools.

It doesn't surprise her to see that by 2038, the Howick Local Board area is projected to have one of the largest Asian populations in Auckland. Statistics New Zealand projections suggest the Howick area is set to have the largest group, of between 57,600 and 122,800 residents.

The 2013 Census indicated 52,400 identified as Asian.

Ms Hurst said diversity was a central part of the Flat Bush community. "You can learn so much; learn about tolerance; the fun things those of other cultures do. It opens your mind."

She said the diverse range of cultures in the area also made her work, running Mel's Gourmet Foods and also Sugar and Spice Cakes, more interesting.

In the past decade she's noticed tastes among local residents have changed.

"I'm an advocate of spices. I'm noticing in the last 10 years people have changed to be more in love with spices."