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Urban issues

Latest news

Scope of a National Policy Statement on Urban Design [15 August 2008]
The Government has decided that preparing a national policy statement on urban design under the RMA is desirable. In particular, it considers that national guidance will help to improve the quality of urban design in New Zealand, and national guidance will complement existing voluntary, non-statutory initiatives like the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol. The Ministry for the Environment now seeks your views on how a national policy statement on urban design might be framed.

Urban Design Case Studies: Local Government [30 June 2008]
A new urban design guide featuring best practice case studies from nine local councils and developers in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Kapiti and Hamilton.

Our Urban Environment

New Zealand is one of the most highly urbanised countries in the world with well over 87% of us living in urban areas. What happens with the design of our towns and cities is of huge relevance to all New Zealanders.

Urban Affairs is identified as a specific area of responsibility within the Environment portfolio. The Ministry for the Environment established an Urban Group to support the Minister’s responsibility for Urban Affairs and to provide central government leadership on urban issues.

Photo of Chancery, Auckland.

Chancery, Auckland. Photo courtesy of Isthmus Group.

The Value of Urban Design report shows that a well designed urban area has numerous economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits. Potential benefits include:

  • better public health
  • greater social equity
  • enhanced land values
  • a more vibrant local economy
  • reduced vehicle emissions
  • more sustainable use of non-renewable resources

Urban work programmes

The work that the Urban team does encompasses a variety of work programmes. These include:
  • The New Zealand Urban Design Protocol
    The Protocol provides a platform to make our towns and cities more successful through collectively sharing ideas and resources.
  • City and regional development
    The Urban team engages with central and local government on a number of city and regional development initiatives. This section includes information on our involvement in Auckland through the Auckland Government Urban and Economic Development Office (GUEDO) and land use and transport related initiatives.
  • Building and housing
    Ministry staff are currently working on several projects to help create healthier homes and more sustainable public buildings.