Four new McDonald’s are planned or rising in fast-growing areas throughout New Zealand although some locals have started petitions to try to halt expansion. From Auckland’s western outskirts to a Central Otago lakeside town, from the largest southern city to a blue-ribbon Auckland suburb, outlets are planned, and in some cases due to open in the next few weeks. Three new Auckland McDonald’s opened in the last year alone.

The chain says it has around 1 million customers a week, 171 outlets and now employs more than 10,000 people but soon it will have 175 outlets as demand for its food keeps rising. New Zealand’s busiest McDonald’s is Andersons Bay, Dunedin - the same area just announced to be getting a Kmart . McDonald’s executives know people are keen to know where new outlets are planned.

But the four new projects are more of a gradual expansion to move into areas where the business does not already have outlets rather than a fast food takeover across the nation. Last April the Herald published a power list of the top McDonald’s owners in this country and what it takes to buy in. The new outlets are to have drive-throughs, restaurants with seats for around 20 people and parking outside.

But in at least two cases, locals have objected to McDonald’s plans, signing petitions and saying they don’t want that style of food in their area. 1. Kumeu/Huapai This outlet is nearly finished on the corner of State Highway 16 and Oraha Rd.

It is due to open either next mo.