What’s the strategic context for our plan?
The first priority of the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (the Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch) is developing a Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan. The spatial plan is a high-level strategic document that gives effect to national policy directions and responds to the priorities of mana whenua and the aspirations of the community.
Integrated with this work, we are investigating the potential for a ‘turn-up-and-go’ public transport service – this is the service being considered through the Mass Rapid Transit investigations.
The spatial plan provides a shared vision of the partner agencies in the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch) and will be implemented through actions in a joint work programme and through other local and central government planning and investment processes.
From a national perspective
We are developing the plan to give effect to relevant national policy direction. Policies include, for example:
- the Urban Growth Agenda
- the government policy statements on housing and urban development, and land transport
- the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020
- the Emissions Reduction Plan for Aotearoa New Zealand
The plan will also recognise the emerging directions of the resource management system reforms, especially from the proposed Strategic Planning Act, which to date has indicated the requirement to develop long-term regional spatial plans.
From a Greater Christchurch perspective
We have strong foundation of urban planning
We have had a coordinated approach to urban planning in Greater Christchurch since 2007. The Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (external link) (UDS) in 2007 set a clear strategic direction towards consolidating growth within our urban existing area. Since then, we have seen more of our growth accommodated through growing ‘out’ – expanding our urban areas rather than growing ‘up’ and ‘in’ (intensification and redevelopment within our urban area).
We need to take a fresh look at how our urban area has developed and grown in recent years and decide how we manage both the challenges in front of us, as well as the opportunities. Our challenge continues to be how to provide for more people in a way which is sustainable, efficient and protects our productive land while providing people with choice.
The plan will build on the extensive work already done to consider the future of Greater Christchurch. This includes:
- The Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS)(external link) – adopted by the UDS partners in 2007. Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri residents considered options for growth in 2005 and over 3,250 submissions were received to the initial engagement.
- Our Space 2018-2048 (external link)- a future development strategy under the superseded National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity 2016.
- Community engagement [PDF, 747 KB] on our residents’ aspirations for Greater Christchurch in 2050.
- Public Transport Futures Combined Business Case(external link) which sets out the investment programme for enhancing our existing public transport system.
The spatial plan sets out to translate the aspirations of the community for Greater Christchurch in 2050 into reality. It will also address the priorities identified for the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch). These outcomes and priorities will strongly guide the development of the spatial plan.
From a local government perspective
The plan will draw on the comprehensive planning work that the partners are undertaking through their district pans and growth strategies, and the investment already planned in our public transport system. It will provide a shared view of Greater Christchurch’s future for councils as they undertake more detailed planning at a local level. It will also provide useful work and context ahead of a review of the Regional Policy Statement and the Regional Transport Plan.
Mana Whenua
Mana whenua have provided clear direction about their values, priorities and expectations, some of which are as set out below, as relevant to the spatial plan.
Kāinga Nohoanga is actively supported:
- The prosperous development of kāinga nohoanga on Māori Land is supported by infrastructure and improved accessibility to transport networks and services.
- The ability to establish urban kāinga nohoanga.
Sites of significance to Māori are protected:
- There is active partnership commitment to protecting wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga.
- A Te Ao Māori lens is adopted in considering environmental matters.
- Restore and enhance the health and wellbeing of all water bodies including springs and significantly increasing waterway setbacks.
- Restore indigenous vegetation wherever possible.
- Urban development requires consideration and weight to be given to the capacity and quality of the environment equal to development capacity and intensification.
We are currently developing our draft Spatial Plan based on the work we’ve done and the feedback from the community.