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Kiwis' desire to have our own piece of land is a key part of our culture. It perhaps has its roots in the pioneering British immigrants, who left the UK to escape a society where land ownership was concentrated among a wealthy few. But the unaffordability of Auckland housing means that the home-ownership dream is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.
Auckland faces a choice about its future urban development - grow out, or grow up. Local government policy suggests a preference towards the latter. The draft Unitary Plan will open up a considerable amount of area for more intensive housing.
In a recent piece of research, I asserted that Kiwis' land ownership aspirations are not realistically aligned with our actual incomes and wealth positions. Put simply, maybe we are too poor to afford land.