NZ regions secure growth options for housing and business

Mayors say community feedback was an essential part of the process

NZ regions secure growth options for housing and business

Nelson and Tasman regions have secured future growth options for housing and business after consulting with developers, businesses, government agencies, and residents.

The Nelson Tasman Future Development Strategy (FDS), designed to secure land for housing and business development, aims to provide up to 24,000 extra homes by 2048.

In a press release, Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese said that feedback from the public was an essential part of the process.

“Understanding the communities’ views on the sort of development they want, and where, really helped to set the framework for managing our predicted future growth. The strategy is an important step in ensuring that we have the infrastructure and other development requirements in the right place at the right time to meet future demand,” said Reese.

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Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne explained that feedback helped reinforce the need to protect highly productive land and develop a climate change action plan to improve the region’s resilience.

“Predominantly development has occurred with expansion of our urban areas, some of which butts directly up against some of the region’s most productive land. Feedback reinforced the need to protect highly productive land wherever possible and look to intensification. Couple that with the need for a climate change action plan to improve the region’s resilience and the need for a 30-year directional plan becomes essential, if not critical,” said Kempthorne.

“How that land is developed is another key decision, with the need to enable housing choice in the region. The strategy provides a range of options.”

Other feedback from the community included intensifying urban settlements and areas near the coast with a climate change adaptation strategy as well as minimizing use of high-quality rural land.

Both regions also expressed support in intensifying areas that can accommodate growth to provide opportunities for different housing choices, support passenger services, and help bring people closer to shops, jobs, and activities.

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