Urban development
Most of us live, work, learn and play in urban environments. Around 84 percent of New Zealanders live in urban areas.
Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Healthy urban development
Most of us live, work, learn and play in urban environments. Around 84 percent of New Zealanders live in urban areas. We thrive best when these environments support our health, safety and wellbeing. Principles for consideration in urban development processes include:
- healthy, safe and resilient communities
- wai ora – healthy environments
- equity
- climate change mitigation and adaptation.
A safe and healthy urban environment supports equity, health and wellbeing
Healthy, safe and resilient communities support the wellbeing of whānau and individuals. The urban environment is a determinant of health and wellbeing through equitable access to:
- air quality
- amenity values eg noise management
- appropriate land use, zoning and urban form
- community services (education, healthcare)
- cultural and natural environments
- employment opportunities
- essential infrastructure (sanitary works such as drinking-water supplies, sewage disposal, waste management)
- food security (including mahinga kai)
- freshwater and recreational water
- healthy housing
- public spaces and recreation
- resilience and adaptation to climate change
- retail and commercial facilities
- safe and active transport, public transport
- safe management of contaminated land.
Opportunities for supporting healthy urban development
The health and disability sector, including district health board public health units, have recognised the following opportunities to support urban development:
- demonstrate the contribution and value the health sector can add to planning process and practices
- integrate better with the planning and development sectors
- identify cross-sector funding and resources to create healthier and safer communities
- identify opportunities to support equity and access for all
- reflect mātauranga Māori in urban development; ensure appropriate engagement with Māori, iwi, hapū and Pacific peoples in the development processes and outcomes.
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Principles for healthy urban development (goes to another website)
The urban environment is a determinant of health and wellbeing. Our vision for healthy urban development is pae ora – healthy futures. -
He Korowai Oranga (goes to another website)
He Korowai Oranga sets the overarching framework that guides the Government and the health and disability sector to achieve the best health outcomes for Māori. -
Pae Ora – Healthy futures for all New Zealanders (goes to another website)
To deliver Pae Ora (Healthy Futures), six strategies were identified to set the direction for a system that is equitable, accessible, cohesive and people-centred. -
Public Health (Wellbeing) in New Zealand: Interface with Local Government (goes to another website)
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Integrating Health Impact Assessment in Urban Design and Planning: The Manukau experience (goes to another website)
More information
Related websites
Related websites
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Development – Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development
- Ministry for the Environment – National Policy Statement on Urban Development
- United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals
- World Health Organization – Integrating health in urban planning
- World Health Organization – Barcelona: Using urban design to improve urban health
- Office for Seniors - Creating age friendly urban places
- Waka Kotahi Aotearoa Urban Street Guide