This book describes the explosive growth of Auckland, New Zealand, during the motorway era and its decline in livability and affordability, followed by a more recent resurgence of public transport. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, yet it has not been the subject of much historical inquiry, nor of much inquiry into its current social tensions, which are considerable in view of the fact that one-quarter of Auckland's population is drawn from indigenous groups (both Māori and Pasifika), while, on the latest census figures to hand, only 18% of Māori in Auckland own their own homes.
Broken City
runs to only a little over 13,000 words but contains nearly sixty images: its brevity is a virtue. The book's chapters are as follows: Introduction: 'Auckland! You Poor Bastard' p. 1
Auckland as it Might Have Been p. 15
'An Account of Missed Chances' p. 25
Wellington on the Waitematā Further Reflections on Auckland as it Might Have Been p. 41
Countryfied p. 59
Our Forgotten Land Banks p. 67
Getting Back on Track p. 77
The Light Rail Saga p. 95
Conclusion: No More Missed Chances? p. 103