| Helensville
and its surrounds, as with all of Rodney District (see
'Administration'), is currently
under immense pressure from development.
The population of the district has grown from
just 27,500 in 1974 to 77,001 today (provisional 2001 census figure).
The latest figures show the rate of population growth was 14.5%
over the previous five-year period - that was the third highest
growth rate in all of New Zealand.
Helensville itself grew to a provisional 2232
at the latest census, although the town draws from around 6250 people
in the Helensville, Parakai, Reweti and South Head areas.
Because it is within easy commuting distance
of Auckland City, Auckland's North Shore, West Auckland and the
new Albany development, and because of comparatively low property
prices, Helensville has become an attractive place for residents
wanting to get away from city living. People view it as having the
best of both worlds - a quieter, small town pace of life in a rural
atmosphere, but combined with close proximity to all the facilities
offered by the country's largest city.
Urban development around Helensville is being
assisted by zoning changes, including provision for new 'Countryside
Living (Town)' zoning - providing 1 to 1.5ha sites, giving a rural
amenity within an urban precinct. Rodney
District Council is also setting aside land so that commercial
development will keep pace with residential growth.
Click
here for current statistical information on Helenville.
Click
here for Helensville tide information
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