New Zealand's urban centers are on the brink of a transformation. The government's bold move to densify housing is not just a response to the housing crisis but also a step towards a greener future.
This article explores how the country is navigating the delicate balance between urban development and the preservation of biodiversity.
Building Up and Branching Out (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The push for higher-density housing in New Zealand's urban areas has been met with mixed reactions. While it promises to alleviate the housing shortage, it also raises concerns about the loss of green spaces and biodiversity.
In Dunedin, the debate is heated, with residents fearing that their leafy suburbs will be replaced by concrete and steel. Yet, amidst the outcry, there's a growing recognition of the need to integrate nature into our cities.
Urban Nature's Role in Climate Resilience
The concept of 'density with biodiversity' is gaining traction as a way to make cities more livable and climate-resilient. Urban nature serves as a buffer against climate-related events like flooding and heatwaves.
It also provides a haven for both wildlife and city dwellers, improving mental health and well-being.
Learning from Global Pioneers
New Zealand can look to international examples for inspiration. Melbourne's commitment to planting 3,000 trees annually aims for a 40% tree canopy cover by 2040, combating rising temperatures and fostering biodiversity.
Toronto's green-roof bylaw mandates vegetation on 20-60% of roof areas in high-density developments, addressing air quality and the urban heat island effect.
Challenges in Creating Biodiverse Developments
Despite these aspirations, New Zealand has struggled to create biodiverse residential developments.
The shift to medium-density often leads to a significant reduction in permeable areas, which are crucial for stormwater management and biodiversity.
The Aotearoa BiodiverCity research group's ongoing work reveals that many developments lack ecologically meaningful vegetation, highlighting the need for strategic design to achieve more biodiverse cities.
A Strategic Blueprint for Sustainable Urbanization
The Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development (GPS-HUD) is New Zealand's roadmap for housing and urban development.
Developed alongside the National MÄori Housing Strategy (MAIHI Ka Ora), it aims to create thriving, resilient communities that grow sustainably within environmental limits.
Four Pillars of the GPS-HUD
The GPS-HUD outlines four key action areas to achieve its vision:
Reducing Barriers to Building: Simplifying planning and regulation settings, making funding more accessible, and partnering with the construction sector to enhance performance.
Building More Homes Where Needed: Establishing MAIHI and place-based partnerships, increasing housing supply through urban development, and continuing to build public housing.
Assisting People into Affordable Homes: Helping more New Zealanders own their homes and increasing the supply of quality, affordable rentals.
Addressing Urgent Housing Needs: Delivering the Aotearoa Homelessness Action Plan and reforming the emergency housing system.
Implementing the Vision
To bring this vision to life, the GPS-HUD emphasizes the importance of MÄori partnership, ensuring that MÄori-led housing solutions are supported and delivered locally.
It also calls for an adaptive and responsive system that can meet the demands of land-use change, infrastructure, and housing supply.