Gunnell, S.N.; Beban, J.G. 2021 Planning for natural hazards in the Wellington region under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science miscellaneous series 140. 73 p.; doi: 10.21420/SFFT-GY91
Abstract:
Councils in Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest cities are currently grappling with the implementation of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD), with effect needing to be given to the prescribed development intensification provisions in their land-use planning documents by August 2022. In addition to these relatively short timeframes, the evidentiary bar is set high for excluding areas subject to natural hazard risk where a higher intensity of development is directed. The concern is that at least some Councils may not have sufficient time to gather the level of evidence required and, as a result, inappropriate development will be enabled in areas at risk from the effects of natural hazards, increasing the risk profile of our largest cities. This report explores the options for managing natural hazard risk against the development directives of the NPS-UD, with specific reference to the Wellington region. It provides wider discussion on how ‘significant risk’ is being defined and applied in an Aotearoa New Zealand context and guidance to help councils determine what constitutes a significant risk in terms of the specific hazards faced by the region, along with practical options of how to ensure that risk is appropriately managed in the face of increased pressure for urban development. Ultimately, an overarching aim of the planning framework in Aotearoa New Zealand is to create urban environments that allow people to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing, as well as for their health and safety both now and into the future. Enabling intensification of development where it will create or exacerbate a high risk from natural hazards runs contrary to this outcome, therefore decision-making under the NPS-UD must ensure that it is avoided (auth)
