A new development boundary replacing the current metropolitan urban limits will be introduced to ensure Auckland has 30 years supply of greenfield land for residential and business growth as targeted in the Auckland Plan.

The Auckland Plan Committee today endorsed a programme to investigate key greenfield areas of Auckland and consult widely with stakeholders, local boards and communities prior to defining a rural urban boundary (RUB) to be incorporated in the Unitary Plan.

The RUB will define the maximum extent of urban development in 2040, enveloping all significant urban areas including the existing urban core, satellite towns, and rural and coastal towns.

It will enable the potential to have up to 40 per cent of new dwellings outside the current metropolitan urban limits.

"We're looking at a 30 year timeframe and this work is vital to the success of the Auckland Plan in meeting the housing and business land needs of our rapidly growing city," said Councillor Penny Hulse, deputy mayor and committee chair.

She added that in the formalising the RUB it would be important to achieve balance between development and environmental and rural protection.

Initial areas for investigation to provide additional capacity are:

South - Pukekohe, Drury South Karaka, Paerata

West - Whenuapai, Kumeu-Huapai

North - Warkworth, Silverdale West