The Property Institute says a crack down on landbankers is again highlighting the issue of public good versus private rights to land ownership.

LISTEN ABOVE: Rachel Smalley talks to Property Institute chief executive, Ashley Church.

Wellington mayor Justin Lester wants to slap punitive taxes on landbankers, in a move to free up land for development.

Property Institute chief executive Ashley Church told Rachel Smalley there's no simple answer.

"I think it's reasonable for Lester to be thinking of the next 20 years and saying what's likely to happen over that period of time so that we don't find ourselves in that position, it's just a question of whether this is the right solution."