Spatial plan out for consultation

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Housing options and public transport are key issues in the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says the draft plan seeks to resolve historical issues around kāinga nohoanga development and to unlock investment opportunities.

Consultation on the draft plan is open until July 23 and provides a blueprint for how population and business growth will be accommodated in Greater Christchurch into the future.

"Focusing future development in and around specific areas means we can plan strategically for growth so there’s good public transport, quality high-density housing, and plenty of green spaces to enjoy," Gordon said.

He said the draft plan sought to unlock investment opportunities in the Rangiora and Rolleston town centres, the Christchurch city centre, Papanui, Riccarton and Hornby.

It has been developed by the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch), and was built on the Huihui Mai - let’s come together engagement earlier this year which received more than 7000 responses.

Housing Minister Megan Woods said the Huihui Mai survey provided some clear signals on ways to meet the needs of present and future generations, and to address challenges of population growth, housing affordability and climate change.

"The Komiti received a strong direction from residents on how to tackle some of the big issues facing the city region, such as improving public transport, building in the right places, strengthening climate resilience and restoring the natural environment."

For mana whenua, the plan identified kāinga nohoanga development within traditional reserve sites, including Māori Reserve 873, and urban areas as a development priority.

It also committed to not utilising Māori land for infrastructure purposes.
Mana whenua governor Gail Gordon said the commitments were a positive step forward in the relationship with the councils.

There was also recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and rangatiratanga in the plan.

The Greater Christchurch Partnership was a collaboration between the Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils, Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Mana whenua, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and government ministers.

For more information visit www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz...