Key issues identified at the initial urban design consultation forums in 2003
Prior to commencing the development of the Draft New Zealand Urban Design Protocol four forums were held in November/December 2003 held in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland. These forums raised a number of key issues that were consistent across the country and are highlighted below.
Format and structure
- The Protocol needs to have a clear definition of urban design, a vision and principles that can be signed up to. In addition there needs to be an implementation or action programme, with specific actions relating to particular sectors.
- The Protocol needs to be binding and long term, with clear links to statutory processes. It is essential that all Government departments and agencies (particularly the operational departments) commit not only to the Protocol but also to concrete actions. Professional groups and regional and local governments also need to commit.
- It must provide a long term vision and action programme and should not be a one off document that sits on a shelf. Changing an urban area can take 5 - 20 years to give effect.
Coverage
- The Protocol should relate not only to our largest cities but also to smaller towns, settlements and suburban areas. Whilst the issues around growth are key, there are also issues relating to declining areas.
Education, training and research
- It is essential that different professional groups work together to bring about the required change in outcomes. The Protocol should include measures to encourage joint partnerships.
- Education and training is needed for professionals, politicians, decision makers and the community in the concepts and benefits of good urban design.
- Research is needed to establish the economic and other values of urban design and to communicate this to a wide audience including developers and decision makers.
- Education is also needed in schools and universities to enable students to understand cities better, and to understand the benefits of good urban design.
- Examples of best practice need to be collated and made available to all players in urban design.
- Research is needed on the potential to provide economic incentives/rewards to support good urban design.
Governance structures
- Central Government needs to provide coordination through a suitable structural arrangement, such as a Ministry of Urban Affairs or an urban affairs team to coordinate government action.
- There is a need for a statement of policy on urban affairs.
- There is a clear need to create an independent urban design institute
(such as CABE in the UK) to champion urban design across the board
and coordinate research and best practice. Their role might include:
- Providing leadership
- Encouraging debate on urban design
- Advocating for better urban design
- Developing centres of excellence
- Advertising best practice
- Providing advice and assistance to smaller centres
- Assisting in professional collaboration
- Coordinating research
Other critical issues
- Central and local government need to lead by design through their development and management of infrastructure in urban areas. These include hospitals, schools, roads, transport facilities, houses and community facilities.
- The public realm is critical to improving the urban design and liveability of cities and towns and should be given greater priority.
- The Protocol must ensure that the design of our towns and cities reflects Kiwi culture.
- Consideration should be given to changes to the Resource Management Act and other statutes where processes may not facilitate good urban design outcomes.
- Consideration needs to be given to monitoring of urban areas and indicators.
Last updated: 17 September 2007
