New Lynn is a residential suburb, located towards the west of the Auckland urban area, 10 kilometers to the southwest of the Auckland city center.
The early houses built in New Lynn were made of locally-produced brick, most older houses are of weatherboard and corrugated iron, and were originally on large sections. Many of these sections have since been subdivided with modern brick and tile houses added. With a primarily industrial and commercial heritage, this area includes many commercial buildings of various ages. High-density housing is predominantly near the railway line.
New Lynn Train Station is located next to the bus transport centre and the LynnMall shopping centre. The station was upgraded in 2008–2010 to cater for the increased frequency of trains expected on the Auckland regional network after its electrification. The works were expected to "revitalise New Lynn" (Auckland City Council, 2011).
New Lynn has had ready road access to the Auckland CBD since the Northwestern Motorway and an expressway through Waterview were completed in the late 1970s. The SH20 Waterview Connection, due for completion by 2015, will give greater road access to Auckland Airport and South Auckland.
Auckland City Council (2011) stated that ‘Think Newmarket today; think New Lynn tomorrow’, indicating that New Lynn will be seeing itself as one of the most prestigious town centers in the Auckland region.
Being a part of Auckland’s future, New Lynn sees itself as an important area for development.