Can we supercharge urban development to create Christchurch as a more affordable, low carbon, compact city? New requirements in our planning regulations aim to maximise the benefits of intensification by enabling more multi-storey housing and easier access to everyday places via public transport, on foot or by bike. But what exactly has changed and what could it mean for our urban and major suburban centres?

This event will introduce you to the new requirements and tools enacted by the new National Policy Statement on Urban Development and help us all understand what effect it might have in Ōtautahi and Greater Christchurch.

Five speakers will explain and explore the new requirements in a local context

• Jym Clark (Ministry for the Environment) provides an overview of the document and the vision for New Zealand’s cities

• David Falconer (Christchurch City Council) explains the process the Council is required to follow to implement the changes

• Duncan Whyte (NZ Planning Institute) explores what this might mean for Christchurch and the significance for other centres in our region

• Architect Heather Blewett (Urban Design Forum) discusses the architectural possibilities and what urban intensification requires in terms of public space and other amenities

• Axel Downard-Wilke (Transportation Group) throws light on the transportation implications and how to make a denser city accessible for all

This is an opportunity to consider what outcomes the policy aims to achieve, the challenges and opportunities, and to gauge public and professional reactions. All are welcome.

The event is being held in Tūranga and will also be available online via Zoom.

This event is part of Te Pūtahi’s Occasional Series and is made possible by the support of the Transportation Group, Urban Design Forum and NZ Planning Institute.

Image: New Zealand Government