Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy

The Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy (HPUDS) is a combined effort by the Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council to plan for urban growth in the years ahead. In the past, Hastings and Napier have planned for such growth independently.

Both Hastings and Napier have Urban Development Strategies in place to successfully guide the development needs of these areas through until 2015-21.

The proposed Regional Strategy will therefore pick up from 2015 and project those needs for the next 30 years and beyond.

Aim

The aim of this strategy is to ensure that local authorities work together to plan for growth on the Heretaunga Plains, while recognising the value of the soil resource for production.

Goals

Describe what level of growth will be over the next 30 years and beyond by identifying

Propose policies to guide growth through:

Study area

Detailed PDF map (PDF 2MB)

Study Area

The boundaries of the study have been established to coincide with transport considerations, encompassing the Heretaunga Plains Transportation Study.

The study area covers the Heretaunga Plains including the small rural settlements on the fringes such as Maraekakaho, Puketapu, and Paki Paki. The coastal settlements of Waimarama, Ocean Beach, Te Awanga and Haumoana also fall into the study area as does Waipatki on the northern boundary.

It is recognised that while Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa sit outside the study boundary, there will be a number of people who live in these areas and work within the study area or vice versa.

Strategy Development Process and Timeline

The development of HPUDS involves five phases, summarised in the diagram below (click to enlarge) and supported by the following text.

Strategy development process and timeline

Phase 1 – Data Needs Review

Phase 1 involved a data needs review and a gap analysis of all existing strategies. It was completed in May 2009, drawing together relevant Council discussion documents and consultation with Council staff.  This review identified what research needed to be done, as well as the process for developing, evaluating and consulting on the strategy.

For detailed information on existing council strategies, please visit the following links

Phase 2 - Further Research

This includes undertaking further research to fill the gaps identified as part of Phase 1.

Summary of Findings

This paper summarises the key findings that have become apparent through the seven pieces if further research work that has been completed to fill gaps in existing strategies and plans that were identified through the Phase 1 Data Needs Review Report.

Full Reports of Findings

Full reports can be accessed via the table below.

The Phase 1 Gap Analysis identified a need to complete further research into seven broad areas.  Consultants have been engaged to complete these work packages in collaboration with Council Officers. 

This table contains summaries of the seven works packages and engaged consultants.

Work package

Consultant

  

Demographic and Economic Projections

Economic Solutions Ltd has been engaged to complete an assessment of demographic and economic projections, as well as looking at retirement sector. Over recent year ESL has been engaged to provide demographic and economic projections as part of the 10 Year Plan and triennial review cycles, as well as being engaged to assist on specific projects.

 

Market Demand

Telfer Young Ltd has been engaged to conduct a market demand review of the various sectors within the study area, including an assessment of residential, compact living, lifestyle, rural, coastal and non-permanent housing demands.

Infrastructure and Services

MWH NZ Ltd has been engaged to assess the issues, opportunities and constraints around infrastructure and services and their impact upon urban development.

Retirement Sector

Economic Solutions Ltd has been engaged to complete an assessment of demographic and economic projections, as well as looking at retirement sector. Over recent year ESL has been engaged to provide demographic and economic projections as part of the 10 Year Plan and triennial review cycles, as well as being engaged to assist on specific projects.

Mana Whenua

Wiki Design and Consultancy has been engaged to assess and investigate the urban development aspirations of mana whenua.

Wiki Design and Consultancy is well respected throughout the community and brings extensive knowledge and experience having been involved in project managing the Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Housing Strategy as well as the Papakainga Development Guide.

Brownfields Sites

 

Boffa Miskell has been engaged to assess and identify the opportunities for Brownfield development, including broad density and design parameters to achieve amenity.

Climate Change

EMS Ltd has been engaged to assess the implications of climate change on planning for urban development.

EMS Ltd has a sound understanding of the region, and the climatic issues that we are required to consider through our long-term planning.

Phase 2 work is scheduled to be completed by mid October 2009.

Phase 3 - Scenario Development and Evaluation

Phase 3 is comprised of two stages. The first involves scenario development and informal consultation, and the second involves an evaluation of scenarios.

Paper associated with Phase 3 can be accessed via the links below.

Phase 4 - Draft Strategy Development

This involves the development of the draft strategy.

Phase 5 - Consultation, hearings, decision and adoption

This is the final phase - formal consultation, hearing of submissions and adoption of the strategy.

Timeline

Many of the tasks in each phase and between phases will be undertaken in parallel. This allows for a more timely approach to completing aspects of each phase.

It is proposed that the strategy will be completed and adopted by 30 June 2010. The completion dates for individual phases are outlined in the table below.

Project Phase

Milestone

Phase 1 – Data Needs Review and GAP Analysis

Completed

Phase 2 – Further Research Works

Completed

Phase 3, Stage 1 – Scenario Development

November 2009

Phase 3, Stage 2 – Scenario Evaluation

November/December 2009

Phase 4 – Drafting the Strategy

February 2010

Phase 5 – Publication, consultation, hearing of submissions, decisions and adoption of the Strategy.

June 2010

Project Governance and Personnel

Project Governance

Overseeing the development of the strategy is a Governance Group comprising the Mayors and Committee Chairs for the Environment & Asset Management Committees of all respective Councils. Hastings District Council as lead agency is tasked with administering the development of the strategy on a day-to-day basis.

The Governance Group is supported by a Technical Advisory Group. 

Lead Consultant Team

We have engaged consultants Wasley Knell Ltd to lead the strategy development. They are regarded as national leaders in the development and implementation of growth strategies, such as HPUDS. 

In collaboration with the Councils, Wasley Knell Ltd will lead the scenario development, evaluation, drafting of the strategy and consulting the public on the strategy.

Consultation and Communication

Throughout the project all the Councils will keep stakeholders, interest groups, mana whenua, and the wider community informed and engage them where appropriate.

For more information

Erin Harford
Hastings District Council Communications Manager
(06) 871 5000
027 275 5205

Barbara Arnott
Mayor of Napier / Project Governance Group Chair
834 4198