Image via WikipediaThe Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is currently seeking submissions on the development of a National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Design. Urban design is about the design of the buildings, places, spaces and networks that make up towns and cities, and the ways people use them. The Ministry is asking whether an NPS on Urban Design should be developed, and if so what issues of national significance it should address, and in what order. Submissions close on 30 September 2008. They go to greg.vossler@mfe.govt.nz, or to the Ministry for the Environment, PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143. A background paper is at http://www.mfe.Building Sustainable Communities: Have Your Say
Discussion paper called "Building sustainable urban communities – designing a place-based approach to sustainable urban development in NZ" has been published by The Department of Internal Affairs.
Image via WikipediaSustainable urban development is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural quality of life in a city without leaving a burden on future generations. According to the NZ Urban Design Protocol, sustainable towns and cities are liveable, environmentally responsible and competitive, thriving, creative and innovative. They also offer opportunities for all, and have a distinctive identity, a shared vision and good governance.
By world standards, NZ is a highly urbanised nation, with 72% of the population living in the 16 main urban areas - around 33% of the population live in the Auckland urban region alone - and another 
Image via Wikipedia14% live in smaller towns. The way NZ's towns and cities have developed is the result of both deliberate planning and the choices and decisions made by investors, property developers and home buyers. The location and type of housing available has a big influence on economic performance, social cohesion, and the ability of a large number of NZers to lead sustainable, productive and enjoyable lives. The quality and location of retail and commercial buildings, of our community services and amenities like schools and recreational facilities also matter, because people need to be able to get between home, work, shops, offices, schools, parks and playgrounds relatively easily.
NZ is increasingly seeing significant economic, social, environmental and cultural changes in its urban areas. It is also dealing with issues such as affordable housing, increased fuel prices, congestion, pollution, social disadvantage, climate change, population growth, rapid technological change and changing demographics.
The discussion paper outlines a possible approach to sustainable urban development with a view to encouraging the development of sustainable urban areas that contain a number of housing choices.
Submissions close on 28 November 2008. They go to sudu@dia.govt.nz or Sustainable Urban Development Unit, DIA, PO Box 805, Wellington 6011. The discussion paper is at
http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Resourcematerial-Building-Sustainable-Urban-Communities-Index?OpenDocument .Copies are also in public libraries and the offices of local authorities, or you can email
sudu@dia.govt.nz or tel freephone 0800 824 824 for one--
Blair Anderson ‹(•¿•)›
Spokesperson on Climate Change, Environment and Associate 'Shadow' Law And Order.
#6 'on the list' http://www.republicans.org.nz/
Social Ecologist 'at large'
http://mildgreens.blogspot.com/
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http://blair4mayor.com/
http://efsdp.org/
ph (643) 389 4065 cell 027 265 7219
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