2018 Event 

Urbanism NZ 2023 builds on previous conversations held at the Urbanism NZ 2018 conference which was held in Wellington in May 2018. The theme of that conference was ‘joining the dots’ and was attended by a wide range of participants; designers, planners, developers, politicians, academics, economists and local and central government representatives.

The issues from the 2018 conference were summarised as:

  1. Our cities and towns are becoming increasingly unaffordable and this is producing multigenerational problems for housing, health, and productivity.
  2. Our cities and towns are suffering from a lack of medium and long term spatial planning and as a result are becoming increasingly vulnerable to shocks from weather, earthquakes, impacts of climate change, growth pressures, economic changes and energy shortages.
  3. Our cities and towns are unhealthy. Poor planning and urban design is increasing the number of deaths from traffic accidents and obesity-related illnesses. Physical connectedness remains central to social cohesion which in turn supports mental health outcomes. Walkability is a pre-condition for good public health and a strong sense of community.
  4.  The economy is suffering because of poor planning and urban design. Costs are increased by inefficient public transport systems, subsidised infrastructure on greenfield sites and lost productivity owing to longer travel times.
  5. Many of our towns and cities are modelled on global prototypes and images. Yet, we have an obligation to use the urban environment to tell stories about own part of the world. This history can be sourced from tikanga Māori, pākehā heritage and the integration of other migrant cultures.
  6. Our planning systems are too complex and have become dependent on legalistic language and consultation that is slow, expensive and makes public participation difficult.

These issues still have validity and the debate needs to continue, but the world has also changed since 2018:

Positive aspects:

  • A growing appreciation of te ao Māori
  • A greater awareness of issues in the health sector, and water infrastructure
  • The rolling out of transport solutions that favour walking, cycling and public transport

Negative aspects:

  • The on-going effects of the Covid pandemic
  • Greater global political uncertainty
  • Climate change impacts are more obvious
  • Supply chain issues   

The Urbanism NZ conference series are about joining up critical conversations. 

Are our urban environments fit for purpose? 

What are good urban environments for all people? 

What processes are required to deliver good places?