More than a billion dollars is spent on takeaways and fast food each year in Auckland

High deprivation areas have a higher concentration of the outlets, and fewer places - like supermarkets - selling fresh food.

Nutritionist Nikki Hart says for people with low incomes, working multiple jobs and with large families to feed -- the food looks attractive after a long day.

She says the industries are smart - they know exactly where to put outlets, such as where there's high traffic volume outside schools and churches.