The demand for land that provides both rural and residential requirements has been persistent in New Zealand and the Wellington region for many years. Because this demand can conflict with other rural uses, such as farming, horticulture and forestry, recreation or biodiversity, it is important to ensure that rural residential land is identified and used appropriately.
The probability of future energy shortages and possible global disruption to food supply suggests that the food-generating capacity of local land should be valued and protected. This could be achieved in part by requiring or at least providing for food production on lifestyle blocks where possible. An alternative approach would be to save the most productive land for larger-scale food-generating uses, rather than lifestyle blocks.
The purpose of this workstream is to better understand the dynamics of rural residential subdivision (‘lifestyle blocks’) in the region. It is also to assist councils in planning for this land-use in a more efficient and coordinated manner and to develop regional principles to guide the development and release of sustainable residential development opportunities. Developing regional tools to facilitate and guide rural residential developments is an additional aspect of this project.
WHO’S INVOLVED?
Kapiti Coast District Council led this project and worked with other councils in the region.
WHAT’S HAPPENED?
A demand and supply-side analysis was carried out in 2009. This revealed how much of the rural residential land that is available in various parts of the region fits with the factors sought by potential lifestyle-block dwellers.
The analysis also showed what parts of the region have rural residential land that is in the highest demand, so that councils can adjust their policies if necessary.
Policy responses might include increasing the amount of rural residential land to meet latent demand and keep households within a city or district, reducing the amount of rural residential land to focus demand on the most appropriate locations, or keeping the amount of rural residential land constant but changing the areas or rules to achieve a better match of supply and demand.
