We have nothing to be scared of with medium density developments When you are use to low density urban geographies, going to medium density can seem scary while high density … Continue reading Medium Density in Cities are your Friend
Category: Community/Environment
Finally some sensible planning: Mixed Use, and Transit Oriented Developments wanted in latest Planning Reforms
Proposals to make Mixed Use as of right, and defining walking catchments and transit corridors! Imagine, amenities within walking distance. Imagine, actual non car alternatives to work, school, places of … Continue reading Finally some sensible planning: Mixed Use, and Transit Oriented Developments wanted in latest Planning Reforms
A Look at Japanese Land-use Law and its Influence on Proposed Aotearoa Planning Law
Reflections on the Japanese Planning System Let’s kick off on what the Japanese regulators are around land-use (aka Planning). Note: the PDF version of the Wiki article will be at … Continue reading A Look at Japanese Land-use Law and its Influence on Proposed Aotearoa Planning Law
National Standardised Zones to Stop Urban Design Nitpicking?
Who is to blame or do both need to adapt better? No sooner had the announcement about National Standardised Zones come out into the public sphere, do we see a … Continue reading National Standardised Zones to Stop Urban Design Nitpicking?
National Standardised Zones top off busy week in the Aotearoa Planning Sphere
Aotearoa is diving headfirst into the National Standardised Zones (NSZs), ripping apart over 1,000 zoning categories to embrace a mere 17-20, mirroring Japan’s and Victoria’s models. This radical overhaul promises uniformity across cities, but is it truly beneficial? While gamers cherish the consistency of zones like those in Cities Skylines, the real question looms: Will this homogenization in planning stifle diversity and creativity in urban design?
#OurManukau Update 2024
Auckland’s second City Centre, #OurManukau, is undergoing a major urban renewal program called Transform Manukau. Despite setbacks due to Covid and changes in government policy, the area is gearing up for renewed activity, particularly with the anticipated economic recovery in 2025. Of particular interest is the Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Stage 2 (A2B), which, once construction starts, is expected to be a game-changer for Manukau and Southern Auckland. Keep an eye out for more updates in November after a tour of Manukau City Centre!
Enhancing Communities through Mixed-Use Urban Planning
Minister Christopher Bishop champions mixed-use development, citing global examples and touting its benefits for urban areas. He stresses its potential to enhance accessibility to amenities, promote social interaction, and improve transit efficiency. Bishop argues that mixed use can lead to better outcomes in traffic, pollution, productivity, and community cohesion. He also advocates for embracing low-density mixed use through terraced housing. This model integrates commercial or office spaces on the lower floors and residential units above.
TAKE TWO: Regional Rapid Rail, Inter-Regional Planning, and a National Planning Agency. Transforming and Unlocking Places (in the 2020s & 2030s)
A revolutionary vision for intercity rail in New Zealand promises to reshape the landscape and unlock unforeseen potential in the upper North Island. The Regional Rapid Rail proposal, with its strategic goals and outlined benefits, aims to connect major centers, catalyze regional development, and bolster environmental sustainability. By leveraging existing infrastructure and prioritizing integrated land use, the plan seeks to stimulate economic growth while enhancing the liveability of towns and cities. This visionary approach transcends mere transportation, offering a transformative solution for urban connectivity and unlocking untapped opportunities.
Urban Renewal Works. My Plan to (re)Build Strong Towns!
An urgent call to action for Aotearoa: Make a bold move to revive our struggling towns and Metropolitan Centres. Lifting ourselves out of the recession demands real economic intervention. It’s time to kick-start a Public Works Program to spur job creation and consumer spending. Forget the ineffective slash and burn tactics—we need a solid plan for urban renewal and infrastructure investment. Let’s embrace this opportunity to transform our urban landscape, attract businesses, and propel Aotearoa into the modern era. It’s an investment in our future, not just an expense.
Enter Singapore (or Hong Kong): Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Finally? Yes Please
Provocative Summary:
“Enough with the delays and dithering! Let’s bring in the masters to get our transit projects off the ground and out of the public books. With Japan’s expertise in rail and potential assistance from Singapore or Hong Kong, we can finally achieve a reliable inter-city rail and a much-needed Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Stage 2. By keeping costs off the public books and creating vital transit-oriented developments, it’s time to stop dithering and ask for the help we clearly need.”
Talking Southern Auckland 