This section contains a summary of 'Sustainable Futures 30/50', which is our long-term planning project for the district, developed through consultation with the community.
Updated:
29/04/2013 11:23 a.m.
The 'Whangarei District Growth Strategy: Sustainable Futures 30/50' is our strategic planning document, which was produced in response to growth in the district over the period 2001-2008.
This growth resulted in widespread, and often sporadic, land development which created a number of planning challenges. These included provision of infrastructure, managing cumulative effects of development on the environment, and implications for the productive potential of agricultural land.
Planning for future growth
Although growth in the district is slowing in line with global and national trends, future growth is projected to continue and in some areas has the potential to be substantial.
To manage projected growth sustainably, we are committed to formulating a long term sub-regional growth strategy. This project has several objectives:
identify economic drivers of development
assess future growth potential
determine existing and potential land use patterns
assess and plan for infrastructural requirements for the district over a 30/50 year time frame.
Research and analysis was undertaken on the environmental, social and cultural constraints and consequences of, anticipated development.
A long term, integrated, strategic planning programme was developed, based on principles which will assist the sustainable development of the district over the next 30-50 years.
Development of a growth strategy
The Growth Strategy integrates the four sustainability criteria contained within the concept - sustainable economy, environment, society and culture. This is in recognition that if development is to be beneficial to the district over the long term it must not be at the expense of the natural environment.
Sustainable economy
The economic profile of the district, drivers of growth, development strategies, minerals and aggregates, and energy resources were examined.
Sustainable environment
Land use, natural hazards, biodiversity, landscape/natural character, air and water quality, contaminated land, climate change and ecosystem services were analysed.
Sustainable society
Demographic trends, socio-economic indicators, health, education and public safety, sense of place, local character and urban design were examined.
Sustainable culture
Included an analysis of ethnic diversity, historic and cultural heritage, and arts, culture and civic amenities.
Sustainable infrastructure
Looked at land transport, air and sea transport, telecommunications, along with local infrastructure and services.
Alternative development strategies
Three alternative development strategies for the district were assessed based upon feedback from public consultation.
A preferred future development path - Sustainable Future 30/50 - was selected. The projected growth of each settlement node in the district was analysed along with land and infrastructure requirements.
Constraints on development were identified along with important natural, cultural and historic heritage. Local character, urban design and sense of place together with arts, culture and civic amenities were examined.
Finally, an overview of implementation processes and monitoring requirements was included in the Growth Strategy. A full implementation plan will be prepared in the next phase of the Sustainable Futures 30/50 project.
Details and further information about the project can be found by following the links below.
Growth Projections
Research and ReportsFinal Strategy