Independent reviewer deals blow to economic case for fast-tracked Ōrewa housing development

The proposed Delmore development is on the left of this masterplan submitted by Vineway as part of its fast-track application. (Image: Screenshot)

Oliver Lewis

Fri, 15 Aug 2025

An independent expert brought in to assess conflicting economic assessments for a project to fast-track 1,200 homes has sided with Auckland Council, suggesting the housing project doesn’t appear to have significant net economic benefits. The expert panel considering the Delmore project, to construct more than 1,200 homes on 109ha of land in Upper Ōrewa, commissioned economist Tim Denne to review material from Auckland Council and applicant Vineway Limited.As the panel said in a minute dated Aug 1, it received two very different econo...

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