High-rise fears in Howick

But the Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association president is worried the serene village, which has been his home for 33 years, could be ruined if it is opened up to intensive development under a Manukau City Council plan.

Mr Wylie fears Howick could end up brimming with five-storey buildings and high density housing.

Howick is listed as a growth centre in a proposed change to the Manukau City Council's district plan.

A growth centre is an area in and around existing town centres earmarked for more intensive growth and development.

Planning work for the Howick growth centre will start in 2017.

Read More - Opens in a new window