Otara: An Exclusive Extract

Including East Tamaki 

Otara has come to symbolise poverty, and it's true that there are areas where unkempt children mill around with malnourished dogs. 

But Otara is also home to the industrious Manukau Institute of Technology, the unbeatable Saturday market, vibrant churches of myriad denominations and some of the country's best young musicians. 

In East Tamaki subdivisions resembling those in the eastern suburbs are springing up; some are terraced apartments with retail or office space on the ground floor and living areas above. These have led to an influx of Indians into the area. 

Otara is predominantly populated by Pacific Islanders and, to a lesser extent, Maori. 

The classic mid-20th-century state house (three bedrooms, weatherboard-clad) is everywhere in Otara. There are stand-alones, duplexes and multi-unit townhouses. 

Amenities There are schools at all levels. You can shop for the basics at the Otara Town Centre or travel to Manukau or Botany Downs. Otara has plentiful reserves, and next to the town centre is a free swimming pool. Trends East Tamaki is more of an owner-occupier area than Otara. House prices have grown steadily. A house worth $140,000 two years ago would now cost $180,000. 

Rental and investment There's plenty of demand, but while weekly rents would indicate a good return, many tenants don't come from a culture of home ownership and properties are not always cared for. 

Best streets Near the shops or the MIT campus.