Update 28 April 2008
WRS Projects Update
Since the start of this year several of the projects identified in the Strategy have begun.
New Zealand Urban Design Protocol (NZUDP)
All of the councils in the region are committed to signing the Urban Design Protocol and all but two have now signed with Upper Hutt City Council being the most recent. Once all are on board a regional action plan will be established to provide regional urban design and sustainable development standards for the region.
Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) Framework
Genuine Progress Indicators are a way of assessing the sustainable economic development of cities, regions or countries as well as looking at factors influencing the quality of life for residents. A Canadian expert in this area delivered two workshops to officers and Mayors/CEOs in April to help them understand more fully what a GPI is, how it can add value to the WRS and how a GPI can be used to inform governance decisions in a Wellington context. A working group is currently developing a GPI framework for the Wellington region.
Integrated Public Open Space Management – led by Greater Wellington Regional Council
Quality of life is an important factor which complements sustainable economic growth. Greater Wellington Regional Council is working with other territorial authorities, the Department of Conservation and QE11 Trust to identify gaps and opportunities to improve regional integration of public open space and working towards an agreed regional action plan for public open space management. A task plan is to be developed shortly.
Centre Plans and Big Box Retail - led by Wellington City Council
Regional and city centres are the engine room of economic development. Wellington City Council is working with other councils to develop regionally consistent principles for managing big box retail depots and understanding and aligning the visions of individual centres. A task plan has been developed.
Industrial Land - led by Hutt City Council
Successful economies need an adequate and adaptable supply of land for commercial and industrial use. Hutt City Council is working with other councils to undertake a regional stocktake of supply and demand of industrial land using a common methodology and further investigating factors that affect supply and demand. A task plan has been developed.
Intensification / Infill Development - led by Wellington City Council
Successful cities place a strong emphasis on good urban design and achieving a balance in housing choice. Wellington City Council is working with other councils to undertake a regional stocktake of housing supply, intensification and infill overlays for each of the districts/cities. A task plan is to be developed shortly.
Rural/Residential - led by Kapiti Coast District Council
Adequate water supply can act as a barrier to the growth of rural industries. Kapiti Coast District Council is working with other councils in the region to develop regional principles to guide the development and release of sustainable residential development opportunities and develop regional tools to facilitate and guide rural residential developments. A task plan has been developed.
Affordable Housing - led by Wellington City Council
Affordable homes tend to be located away from the CBD and other places of work. Wellington City Council is working with other councils in the region to undertake a regional analysis of housing affordability, workforce and housing needs. A task plan is to be developed shortly.
Quality Subdivision Design - led by Kapiti Coast District Council
Living in rural areas and yet being close to work places is a competitive advantage of the Wellington region. However, impacts on the environment have to be taken into account when developing new rural blocks. Kapiti Coast District Council is working with other councils in the region to develop a template of best practice principles to guide rural residential developments. A task plan has been developed.
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