Urban Growth Management in Christchurch

Abstract

This article provides a critique of urban planning in the Christchurch metropolitan region.

The effect of urban growth on commuting patterns in Christchurch, New Zealand

“…An important outcome of this legislative change has been the "shot-gun" spread of development within separate but adjoining territorial authorities around Christchurch (Pryor, 2003). The construction of new residential subdivisions has rapidly accelerated since the introduction of the RMA, as the new "eVects based" district plans by the Christchurch City, Selwyn, Waimakariri and Banks Peninsula District Councils are more "market" responsive and less restrictive (Memon, 2003). This coincided when Christchurch greenbelt policies ceased to be binding in 1993 after the establishment of the RMA.…”

“…This is particularly true in Christchurch, where new peripheral developments have resulted in increased congestion and placed stress upon the local transport network. These recent developments are part of a long term trend, but nevertheless one which has been accentuated in recent years by the lack of a coherent urban growth strategy compared to the past (Memon, 2003). In response to this, an urban development strategy has begun to be formulated (GCUDSF, 2005).…”

“…This has led to major links and interchanges of the road network becoming increasingly congested. Despite some incipient gentriWcation and apartment construction within the inner city, Christchurch has been described as a polycentric city (Memon, 2003). The polycentric model still has a highly accessible CBD, but it is joined by suburban nodes or subcentres.…”

“…The Christchurch City Council has rezoned a large amount of land for urban development, approximately 1100 ha (Memon, 2003). The large amount of land rezoned for peripheral development in the 1990s was justiWed through the demand of population movement outwards from the city.…”

Geospatial tools for Community Engagement in the Christchurch Rebuild, New Zealand

“…7% between 1991(Statistics New Zealand, 2011, and this trend was projected to continue. Prior to 2006, the management and control of urban sprawl had been considered obsolete with pressure for Greenfield development (Memon, 2003;Buchanan, Barneet, Kingham, & Johnston, 2006). This was not helped by the flat landscape and lack of natural barriers to the north and south of the city.…”