3 Results: Organisations Conducting Research

OPUS International Consultants

Justine Bray (Partner)

National Planning Manager
Private Bag 5848
Auckland

Phone: (09) 355 9577
Fax: (09) 355 9584
Email: Justine.Bray@opus.co.nz
Website: www.opus.co.nz

In planning:

Nil.

In progress:

Title:

'Reducing transport CO₂ emissions'

Purpose:

To understand behavioural influences on fuel use, identify systematic and individual barriers to better travel, and measure the social impacts of reduced fuel use.

Co-researchers:

Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (Massey University).

Title:

'High performance roads'

Purpose:

Pavement strengthening through shoulder reinforcement; low-noise high-strength surfacing.

Co-researchers:

Transit New Zealand, University of Canterbury.

Title:

'Roading enhanced by Maori knowledge and values'

Purpose:

To develop culturally appropriate tools and processes that allow the identification of Maori values and knowledge with respect to roading projects, and for this knowledge to be properly incorporated into such projects.

Co-researchers:

Ngati Whatua, Landcare.

Title:

'Sustainable cities and settlements'

Purpose:

To develop more effective approaches to the ongoing need to adapt and manage the shape and form of our cities and settlements so as to reduce the environmental degradation generated by New Zealand cities and settlements and optimise the environmental, social, cultural and economic performance.

Co-researchers:

Centre for Research Evaluation and Social Assessment, Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (Massey University), Environmental Sciences Research (University of Auckland).

Title:

'Social and economic recovery from natural hazards through community resilience'

Purpose:

How to enhance the resilience of New Zealand urban communities to bring about a more rapid social and economic recovery following a natural disaster.

Completed:

Nil.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

Helen Beaumont (Assistant Commissioner)

PO Box 10 241
Wellington

Email: helen@pce.govt.nz
Website: www.pce.govt.nz

In planning:

Title (provisional):

'Mobility in our cities'

Purpose:

To look at issues of land use planning and urban form as they affect mobility, including pedestrians, bicycles, public transport and private motor vehicles.

In progress:

Nil.

Completed:

Title:

Showing the Way: Curitiba: Citizen city (June 2002)

Purpose:

A study tour to Curitiba, examining methods used to overcome obstacles associated with rapid growth, and the potential application to New Zealand's towns and cities.

Title:

Managing Change in Paradise: Sustainable development in peri-urban areas (June 2001)

Purpose:

A review of the environmental planning and management carried out to ensure the sustainable development of peri-urban areas in New Zealand. The report highlights the complexity and variety of approaches adopted and seriously questions the adequacy and effectiveness of these in achieving desirable environmental outcomes.

Title:

Beyond Ageing Pipes: Urban water systems for the 21st century (April 2001)

Purpose:

Following on from the discussion paper Ageing Pipes and Murky Waters: Urban water system issues for the 21st Century (PCE, June 2000), this report presents the findings of the PCE's investigation into urban water systems. The report highlights issues such as the fragmented nature of water management, the importance of raising stakeholder awareness of the issues, pricing and charging for water services, and placing urban water systems into an ecological context.

Pinnacle Research

Dr Carolyn O'Fallon (Director)

Phone: (027) 240 4196
Email: pinnacle.research@clear.net.nz
Website: www.pinnacleresearch.co.nz

In planning:

Title (provisional):

'Drivers of residential location choice and their effects on transport and land use' (proposed Land Transport New Zealand research project)

Purpose:

To develop an understanding of, and to quantify (through a stated preference experiment), the relative importance (marginal contribution) of key attributes or characteristics that urban New Zealanders consider when they choose where to live. Given the focus on integrated development, the attributes considered will include transport- and non-transport-related characteristics.

Co-researchers:

Dr Charles Sullivan (Capital Research Ltd).

In progress:

Nil.

Completed:

Title:

Trip chaining: Understanding how New Zealanders link their travel

Purpose:

There are several aims, but of relevance here is to correct widespread misunderstandings about the nature and frequency of short trips and to provide inputs for the development of business cases for policy and infrastructure programmes. Transfund research project, publication forthcoming - check www.landtransport.govt.nz

Co-researchers:

Dr Charles Sullivan (Capital Research Ltd).

Title:

Identifying Factors to Change People's Transport Use (2003)

Purpose:

Provides baseline analysis of travel behaviour of different segments - weekend vs weekday, older people (compared with rest of adult population), morning car commuters, vehicle occupancy - including discussion on the implications for policy- and decision-making. Reported on www.pinnacleresearch.co.nz.

Co-researchers:

Various, but primarily Dr Charles Sullivan (Capital Research Ltd).

Premier Consultants Limited

Mike Grunsell

PO Box 302 545
North Harbour
Auckland 1330

Phone: (09) 414 1004
Email: mikeg@premierconsultants.co.nz

Ken Cuttle

PO Box 11 008
Wellington

Phone: (04) 499 4004
Email: kenc@premierconsultants.co.nz

In planning:

Title:

'Whangarei CBD, Rotorua CBD and Kuirau Park, Auckland CBD'

Purpose:

Not specified.

In progress:

Title:

'Lighting strategy and master plan for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC)'

Purpose:

To provide QLDC with a sustainable and long term lighting solution for the urban and rural townships within their district. Specific emphasis is given to maintaining the natural night sky environment in rural areas.

Co-researchers:

Queenstown Lakes District Council Urban Design and Open Space Planners.

Title:

'Lighting plan for Papakura CBD'

Purpose:

To provide Papakura District Council with a sustainable lighting solution that will create a friendly and safe environment in the town centre at night and encourage people to remain in or visit the CBD during the hours of darkness.

Completed:

Title:

Auckland City and Isthmus Area Lighting Strategy and Master Plan (2003)

Purpose:

To provide Auckland City Council (ACC) with a long term sustainable development plan for lighting throughout the CBD and Isthmus areas. The plan provides a cohesive approach to lighting streets, buildings, parks and special features within the district. The plan takes into consideration crime, accidents, retail benefits, energy effectiveness and central control of the lighting.

Co-researchers:

Lighting Design Partnership (Sydney), ACC Open Space Planners.

Comments:

CPTED lighting workshops:

Premier Consultants provide lighting seminars and workshops specifically targeted at lighting for crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). The sessions are designed for those who have little or no technical experience in lighting. It includes practical demonstrations and examples, and interaction and questions are actively encouraged. Participants to date have included people from Safer Cities, councillors, landscape architects, consultants, parks and reserves, New Zealand Police and security groups, Justice Department and business associations. The workshops last between 1 and 1.5 hours and can be held in conjunction with a general CPTED seminar or stand-alone.

Completed:

Auckland City Council, Whangarei District Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Bay of Plenty District Council, NZ Police, Taupo District Council, Manukau City Council.

Sally Peake, Peake Design Ltd

Sally Peake (Principal)

117 Fowlds Avenue
Sandringham
Auckland

Phone: (09) 620 1161
Fax: (09) 620 1163
Email: sally.peake@xtra.co.nz

In planning:

Nil.

In progress:

Title:

'Designing better streets for Auckland neighbourhoods: the spatial logic of accessibility'

Purpose:

A Unitec Master's project using three case study areas in Auckland, to analyse street connectivity and explore new street design for increased accessibility within residential neighbourhoods.

Research references:

Space Syntax and Auckland Growth Strategy.

Completed:

Nil.

Scion

Karen Bayne (Manager)

Sala Street
Private Bag 3020
Rotorua

Phone: (07) 343 5372
Fax: (07) 343 5507
Email: karen.bayne@scionresearch.com
Website: www.scionresearch.com

In planning:

Nil.

In progress:

Title:

'Future needs for consumers'

Purpose:

Understanding changing lifestyles on dwelling size and form, and patterns of dwelling.

Researcher:

Susan Bates.

Completed:

Title:

Slips, Trip and Falls in the New Zealand Residential Construction Sector - full report (September 2004)

Purpose:

This study resulted from recognition at a national level that slips, trips and falls (STF) were a leading cause of injury and compensation cost across all major industries in New Zealand (ACC, 1997; OSH, 2001). Three national bodies - the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and the Occupational Safety and Health division of the Department of Labour (OSH) - jointly funded a major programme of research concerned with the prevention of STF injuries in small business residential construction.

The study aimed to address gaps in knowledge about risk factors for STF in residential construction.

Researchers:

Tim Bentley, Richard Parker, David Tappin, Liz Ashby, Dave Moore.

Title:

Impact of Forest Industry on East Coast communities (2003)

Purpose:

The Gisborne/East Coast region has been experiencing land use change and has a range of development options. A baseline of urban and rural awareness and attitudes concerning land use change and development generally was required.

Co-researchers:

Lisa Langer, Tim Barnard.

Title:

Intensification / MRTFC Neighbourhoods / Smartgrowth (2002)

Purpose:

To visit international best practice intensification initiatives and recommend solutions for New Zealand cities; and to understand the limitations to sustainable development in New Zealand.

Co-researchers:

Brad Ridoutt, Bryan Walford, Fran Maplesden.

Title:

Scenario Visualisation (2002)

Purpose:

To understand key business and social drivers relevant to the design of future homes, workplaces and communities; emphasis is on the current and future expected emotional and physical needs of the individual and community.

Co-researchers:

Susan Bates, Karen Bayne, Shaun Killerby.

Title:

Community and Urban Issues (2003)

Purpose:

Further investigation of best practice urban renewal and community growth for healthy and active settlements; developing a better understanding of the social, cultural and economic environment in New Zealand, and the specific needs, aspirations and values of cultural and ethnic groups, including Maori, Pacific Island and Asian communities, in building function and design.

Co-researchers:

Liz Ashby, Shaun Killerby.

Tauranga City Council

Andy Ralph (Manager, Environmental Policy)

Phone: (07) 577 7192
E mail: andyr@tauranga.govt.nz
Website: www.tauranga.govt.nz

In planning:

Nil.

In progress:

Title:

'Recruitment of urban designer professional' (first for council)

Purpose:

To provide expert advice on three main areas of work: special projects such as roading and shopping centre upgrades; growth and development such as new urban growth areas design/layout; and policy development such as new design guidelines/performance measures for residential and business areas.

Title:

'Urban intensification policy approach'

Purpose:

Application of sub-regional 'Smartgrowth' policy within Tauranga City. There is a proposed three-year project timeframe for community discussion, technical research/analysis and plan changes.

Also:

Papamoa East Planning Strategy (new town, greenfields growth area within Tauranga. Urban design framework leading to detailed planning provisions and plan change.

Completed:

Nil.