Quality regional form and systems
Our research tells us that successful regions in the world are internationally competitive and they’re great places to live. In the last issue of Strategy Update we looked at initiatives for ‘unlocking the region’s potential’. In this issue we explore the things we need to do to ensure the region remains a great place to live.
 1. Areas of change
The implementation of the Strategy will see physical changes in some parts of the region. This is especially true in areas where:
• there is significant development pressure and we need to plan now to prevent unstructured development
• there are strategic development opportunities
• the area performs a function that is significant to the region
For example, the new northern motorway will create challenges and opportunities for its surrounding areas. An objective of the Strategy is to ensure that development is coordinated by all local authorities.
2. Intensive housing around city centres and transport hubs.
Many benefits result when people live close to, or in, town centres. The best example of this is Wellington City which has 4500 apartments within the CBD. The apartment dwellers are largely responsible for the vibrant, thriving, ‘after 5’ atmosphere in the city. They live close to work which reduces pressure on transport, and inner city security is improved because there are more people about.
Similar benefits accrue when people, especially commuters, live close to public transport hubs. Walking to catch the train is a much better option than driving, both from a traffic congestion and parking perspective.
A challenge for the regional strategy is to effect planning that encourages higher density housing where it’s needed and to invest in the public realm – the things that make up good quality urban design.
3. An agreed rural residential framework
There is pressure, throughout the region, to allow more residential development in rural areas. Currently there is significant variation in the ‘rules’ as they apply between local authority areas. The Regional Strategy is likely to promote a region wide three staged approach for the coordinated management of development in future. This includes:
• developing a region wide database of constraints and opportunities – for example soils (fertility) hazards, roading, water etc. We also need a better understanding of what people want in a rural residential lifestyle
• a region wide rationale for development, including what should happen in what parts of the region
• developing the tools to implement a Rural Residential Development Framework including district plans, a rates structure etc.
4. Improve the availability of affordable housing
This issue is aligned to the earlier one of increasing intensive housing around city centres. Currently, most of the affordable housing is located furthest from the city centres. This means those who can least afford it end up paying the most for access to city services such as transport, health, jobs and shopping. The Strategy aims to reduce the distance between where these people live, and the services they need.
5. Joint signatories to the New Zealand Urban Design protocol
Good urban design results when there is a convergence of the things that contribute to the look and feel of a city and when its infrastructure is operating efficiently. It includes a city’s architecture, transport, public areas, retailing mix, housing choice, security and so on. The New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, developed by the Ministry for the Environment, is a blueprint for bringing this about. All nine local authorities within the region are intending to sign up to the protocol with a view to developing region wide quality urban design.
6. Region wide data systems
Currently we don’t have a good understanding on the supply of, or demand for, land within the region. An example, we know that 5 ha blocks are most sought after lifestyle option in the Porirua region but we don’t know if that’s what people really want or if they’re simply choosing the best of what’s currently available through that region’s district plan. The same applies to residential development, commercial and industrial land requirements. Region wide information will enable us to take a coordinated approach so development occurs where it’s most needed and in a manner which is most closely aligned to ‘customer requirements’.
Where to from here
Much of the work undertaken on the Strategy to date has been completed by local authority executives, in consultation with literally hundreds of business, community, central government and voluntary representatives. This will continue over the next few months. The Strategy that results from this process will contain many specific actions and will be launched on July 14. This is followed by a five week period of public submissions. The Strategy is expected to be finalised in September / October.
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