What is structure planning?
Structure planning takes a comprehensive approach to shaping new urban areas. It considers the unique characteristics of a location and determines how different land uses — such as housing, businesses, and public spaces — can be integrated. By guiding the placement of essential infrastructure and services, structure planning ensures that new communities develop in a well-functioning, cohesive, and sustainable way.
Structure planning in Te Tumu: Building a strong foundation
Structure planning for Te Tumu has been a carefully considered process, evolving over several years. It began with a strategic planning study that assessed key factors and confirmed there were no critical barriers to moving forward. This milestone paved the way for a deeper exploration of the area’s potential for delivering much-needed land for housing.
Since then, significant progress has been made to better understand Te Tumu’s unique features and challenges. This has involved extensive assessments and ongoing conversations with landowners and tangata whenua. While many of these assessments were already well advanced, changes to national direction and policies means this work continues to be revisited, ensuring the planning process stays aligned with legislative requirements.
The assessments to date are wide-ranging and captured in detailed technical reports. They consider the impact of natural hazards—including the implications of sea level rise—as well as infrastructure needs, ecological considerations, cultural significance, and landscape factors. Together, these insights form the foundation for a thoughtful and sustainable approach to Te Tumu’s future.
What are the assessments telling us about Te Tumu?
The technical assessments offer valuable insights into Te Tumu’s potential for urban development. They highlight the land’s physical limitations, reaffirm its rich historic and cultural significance, and help identify opportunities for delivering well-functioning and sustainable growth.
Some areas, particularly those near the coast and freshwater bodies such as the Kaituna River and Wairākei Stream, have been deemed more sensitive to urban land uses. Instead, these spaces are ideal for preserving and enhancing natural, cultural, and landscape values, ensuring they contribute positively to the area and remain protected for future generations.
Beyond these constraints, Te Tumu presents significant potential for urban development. Large portions of the area could support a mix of residential, commercial, and community activities, complemented by parks, sports fields, transport networks, and water sensitive stormwater systems. Together, these elements create the framework for a thriving, well-connected community capable of delivering thousands of homes over the long term.
The work so far has informed the development of a draft structure plan— a high-level blueprint that outlines how these areas might come together to create a vibrant and sustainable extension of the city.