Future-proofing Greater Christchurch: Spatial Plan consultation opens
Consultation starts on Monday 19th June 2023 on a draft plan that provides a blueprint for how population and business growth will be accommodated in Greater Christchurch into the future.
The draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan has been developed by the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti (Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch), following strong community input during the Huihui Mai - let’s come together engagement earlier this year.
Minister of Housing Hon Megan Woods is a member of the Whakawhanake Kāinga Komiti, and says having over 7,000 responses to the Huihui Mai survey has provided clear signals on ways Greater Christchurch needs to grow to meet the needs of current and future generations and 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.
“The draft Spatial Plan has built on what the community has said, outlining some keys ways we can future-proof Greater Christchurch for generations to come. The question now being asked of residents is whether the draft Spatial Plan is on the right track?”
The Huihui Mai consultation showed high levels of support (86 percent) for intensifying development along key public transport routes.
For mana whenua, the plan identifies development of kāinga nohoanga within traditional reserve sites and urban areas as a development priority, and expressly commits that Māori land will not be utilised for infrastructure purposes. Mana whenua governor Gail Gordon, says both commitments are positive steps forward in the relationship between mana whenua and local and regional councils, as is the explicit recognition of Te Tiriti and rangatiratanga in the plan.
Have your say on the Draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan
The draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan is open for submissions until Sunday 23rd July 2023.
Find out more about the Draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan, including how to make a submission.
You can also attend a webinar on the plan and get answers to any questions that you might have.
Date: Tuesday 27th June 2023.
Time: Noon to 1pm.
Location: Microsoft Teams.
Register to attend the webinar on the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan.
What local councils and ECan have to say
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says the draft Spatial Plan builds on this direction by identifying six priority development areas, additional to kāinga nohoanga development, for coordinated and focused action to unlock investment. These include the Rangiora Town Centre and surrounds; Rolleston Town Centre and surrounds; Papanui; Central City; Riccarton; and Hornby.
“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,” he says.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says Eastern Christchurch has also been identified as a priority area.
“It’s clear we need to do more to support communities and ecosystems to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This is a major challenge, especially in Eastern Christchurch with its coastal location and low-lying areas.
“Effective partnerships between local and central government, community organisations and businesses will be crucial to building community resilience”.
“We must ensure we work with the local communities to find the right result”.
Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton says the draft Spatial Plan brings the key partners together to ensure Greater Christchurch is the best place in the world to live, work and play.
“The community has been clear that they want a planned approach to growth that sets us up for a sustainable and prosperous future. It’s critical local and central government work hand-in-hand with communities to increase our resilience to natural hazards and climate change, and improve access to employment, education and housing” he says.
Environment Canterbury Chair Peter Scott says the draft Spatial Plan has a strong focus on protecting and improving our natural environment.
“Residents told us loud and clear that we need to do more to protect the environment. The Plan prioritises enhancing and expanding our blue-green network which is made up of our waterways and green spaces. As part of this, there is a focus on the use of green belts to protect our natural ecosystems, support agriculture and provide recreational opportunities.”
“While there are lots of challenges ahead of us, there are lots of opportunities too. The Plan sets the direction for future growth, and this consultation is an opportunity for residents to let us know whether we’ve hit the mark.”