Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy?
The Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (the Strategy), adopted in June 2007, is a bold and ambitious plan for managing urban development that protects water, enhances open spaces, improves transport links, creates more livable centres and manages population growth in a sustainable way.
The Strategy provides the strategic direction for the Greater Christchurch area, including the location of future housing, development of social and retail activity centres, areas for new employment and integration with transport networks. It establishes a basis for the Strategy partners and the community to work collaboratively to manage growth.
Where is the Greater Christchurch area?
The Greater Christchurch area has been defined by drawing a line around Christchurch City that takes in the communities within the 'commuter belt' (approximately half an hour drive from the Central City) in Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts. Greater Christchurch has therefore been considered as including the urban area of Christchurch City and Lyttelton harbour, the area of Selwyn District north of the Selwyn River and east of Kirwee (including the towns of Prebbleton, Lincoln, Rolleston and West Melton), and Waimakariri District south of the Ashley River and east of Swannanoa (including the towns of Rangiora, Waikuku, Woodend/Pegasus and Kaiapoi). The boundaries have been treated flexibly recognising that communities of interest and issues extend across arbitrary boundaries.
Who are the Strategy partners?
The Strategy partners are Environment Canterbury, the Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri District Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency (Transit New Zealand was a partner but has now been merged with Land Transport New Zealand to create the NZTA).
Why was the Strategy developed?
In 2004, population projections indicated the then resident population of 350,000 living in the Greater Christchurch area would swell by an additional 120,000 people over the next 35 years. This growth in population would impact upon housing, transport, employment, health, education and social services. The partners agreed the best way to manage the anticipated consequences of this population growth was to take a collaborative approach to planning for growth and involve all the relevant parties and communities from the outset. The goal of the Strategy development process was to produce a Vision for 2041, with strategic directions and principles for implementing the Vision hat would be agreed by all parties and the community.
How is the Strategy being implemented?
While the Strategy partners have primary responsibility for implementation responsibility is shared with government and non-government agencies, the private sector, Tangata Whenua and the community. Several organisational structures have been set up to ensure collaboration occurs throughout implementation.
The Urban Development Strategy Implementation Committee (UDSIC) manages the implementation of the agreed actions by the Strategy partners, and coordinates and engages other community organisations with a role to play. The UDSIC consists of representatives of each of the Strategy partners and Tangata Whenua. The key roles of the UDSIC are to oversee the implementation of the Strategy, coordinate implementation across multiple agencies, monitor progress, and review and adjust the Strategy if circumstances change.
In addition to the UDSIC, the Strategic Partners Forum (SPF) consists of representatives from a broad cross-section of community, government and non-governmental agencies drawn from the business, health, education, transport and other sectors. Key tasks for the Forum are to act as a community monitor of the implementation process, raising issues and providing feedback to the UDSIC.
Are there still opportunities to get involved?
While the strategic direction and priorities are set, each partner will be consulting with their communities as implementation of specific projects occurs, providing multiple opportunities for community engagement and participation in the implementation of the Strategy. For more information about specific projects, either refer to the UDS website (www.greaterchristchurch.org.nz) or visit each Strategy partners' website (links are on the Greater Christchurch website).
What's New
Urban Development Strategy 2009 Demographic Update Report [PDF 132KB]
Greater Christchurch residents are a step closer to the future they asked for in the Urban Development Strategy (UDS) as Environment Canterbury makes changes to the Regional Policy Statement.
For more information go to www.ecan.govt.nz/RPS.
Bringing alive a 35-year vision: UDS exhibition, Our City O-Tautahi, cnr Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace, 22 September-21 November 2009.
Smart travel choices key to a sustainable future by Bill Wasley.
The Greater Christchurch Travel Demand Management Strategy was accepted by the UDS Implementation Committee in June 2009. The strategy looks at ways people can change travel behaviour to make more sustainable choices.
