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You are here: The issues Contains: Urban issues Contains:

Frequently asked questions about urban issues

What is an urban area?

Urban populations are defined internationally as towns with 1000 people or more. For more information on this definition go to the Statistics NZ website.

Why is the Ministry for the Environment involved in urban affairs?

Our urban population is growing. At the end of the 19th century New Zealand was firmly a rural country, with just under 60% of our population living in rural areas. During the 20th century, the balance of our population moved from rural to urban areas. Today New Zealand is one of the most urbanised nations in the world, with almost 87% of our population living in urban areas. The challenge is to manage this legacy of rapid and ongoing transformation in a way that connects all the different interest groups. Inevitably this challenge also presents an opportunity to create vibrant urban areas and support a high quality of life for everyone. The Ministry for the Environment is leading government to play a key role in the quality management of our urban areas.

Proportion of People Living in Urban and Rural Areas

1886-2001 Censuses of Population and Dwellings

Graph showing the steady increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas over those that live in rural areas in New Zealand between 1886 and 2001.

Source: Statistics NZ

What policy guides the Ministry’s urban work?

Photo of view over Invercargill City from the Invercargill City Council building. Under the Ministry's Statement of Intent (SOI) the Ministry's strategic outcome three relates to our urban work. Outcome three: “Our towns, cities and communities function well and are healthy and attractive for business, social and cultural life”. All the Ministry's urban work is aimed at achieving this outcome.