The Rise of Drury: A City in the Making

The golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga is experiencing rapid growth, with one rural village at its center being transformed into a thriving city. Drury, once a sleepy agricultural hamlet 36 kilometers from Auckland’s city center, is now on the cusp of major development.

The Birth of a City

Drury used to be known as Dreary Drury, a quaint rural village surrounded by farms. However, just two minutes off the Southern Motorway, the start of a new city is being built. Earthmovers are flattening out green hills for housing, new roads are being constructed, and old village shops are being demolished to make way for a new bridge over the railway.

Auckland Council is working to manage this growth, aiming to accommodate the predicted 60,000 people expected to move to Drury over the next 20 years. This plan is part of the Southern Rural Strategy, which stretches from Maraetai to Waiuku and makes up 24 percent of Auckland’s geography.

The Impact on Residents

Locals are divided on the impact of this development. Some people want their lives left alone, while others have made a fortune by selling their land to developers for millions of dollars. Steve O’Connor, who leases his land in Drury to flower growers, has seen the benefits firsthand.

“I’ve made some money out of it, but it’s not all about me,” he says. “I think it’s great that we can have people come and live here, work here, and play here without having to drive for miles.”

However, property developer Charles Ma notes that there are still challenges ahead. His Auranga project in Drury is half finished, but still without shops or a community center. Residents have to travel to neighboring Pukekohe for a supermarket.

“We’re working hard to make it happen,” Ma says. “It’s going to take at least two years before the shopping complex opens.”

The Southern Rural Strategy

The strategy aims to identify how, when, and where developments will take place and ensure that people can live, work, and play without having to drive for miles. It also seeks to clarify to developers that it’s not all about them and that councils and central government have a significant cost towards infrastructure.

“The council has to make sure that we’ve got the infrastructure in place,” says Auckland Councilor Charles Ma. “It’s not just about developers; it’s about creating a community where people can live, work, and play.”

A Future in Development

The Detail also talks to Charles Ma, founder of Auranga, about his vision for a real community in Drury. While the project is still in its infancy, Ma hopes that it will be an inspiration for the world.

“It’s not just about making money; it’s about creating something special,” he says. “I think we can create a place where people want to live and work.”

As the development of Drury continues, one thing is clear: this small rural village is on the cusp of becoming a thriving city. With careful planning and management, Auckland Council hopes to ensure that residents can enjoy the benefits of growth without losing their sense of community.

Conclusion

The rise of Drury is a complex issue with multiple perspectives. While some see it as a threat to rural life, others believe it offers opportunities for growth and development. As the city continues to take shape, one thing is certain: this small village will never be the same again.

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