Greenfields Resilience

1600m lifestyle 2

MIXED USE TRANSPORT TOWNS

Greenfield Resilience A GROWTH STRATEGY FOR SOUTH EAST AUCKLAND Thomas keal, vicky williams, stephanie nossiter, John Allan

CONTENTS Introduction 6 7 8 9 11

Analysis 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21

Auckland’s Ecological Footprint Rationale Context Area Of Study 2050 Population Projections

Land Use Capability Hydrology Vegetation Slope Infrastructure Overview Available Land Zoning Criteria

Outcomes 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

The 1600 Lifestyle Lifestyle Case Study Mixed Use Transport Town Mixed Use Case Study Focused Study Area Development Constraints Development Opportunities Settlement Pattern Production Zones Revegetation Programme Structure Plan

35 Conclusion 36 References

Introduction

The vision of the new Auckland Council is to create the most liveable city in the world.

Their strategy to achieve this goal, as outlined in the Auckland Plan, includes the accommodation of one million new citizens by the year 2050. It is currently envisaged that a 60:40 spilt of development within and outside the current Metropolitan Urban Limit (MUL) will occur, with the possibility of a new Rural Urban Boundary (RUB).

“Auckland expects its rural areas to remain rural in character”, therefore urban growth into the traditionally rural areas remains a contentious issue (Auckland Council, 2011).

This study proposes that the intrinsic qualities of the landscape guide Auckland’s future use and development with an acknowledgement of the essential value of ‘ecosystem services’ - clean air, water, soil (food) and raw materials (Grant, 2011).

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Auckland’s ecological footprint Auckland’s ecological footprint in 2007 was 4.3 times the region’s land area. The majority of the footprint is derived from imported goods & services. The Auckland population in 2007 was 1.3million people. 2011 data estimates current population in excess of 1.5millon. (Auckland Regional Council, 2007)

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RATIONALE Auckland’s current urban growth pattern and the global economic situation highlights the need to examine city planning processes and land use practices. The increased costs of energy and transportation, and the subsequent ecological effects means imports are becoming less economically and environmentally viable. The approach of this study has been to examine the agricultural capability and existing patterns of the landscape to determine areas of production, retirement, and settlement. This process includes analysis of hydrology, vegetation, topography and cultural elements.

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CONTEXT

The initial study undertakes an analysis of the area around Auckland’s south-east urban edge, framed by the current MUL to the west, the coastline to the north and east, Waiheke, and the Bombay hills to the south.

Crossing the MUL the Whitford and Clevedon area present an essentially rural landscape character of undulating pastoral lowlands strongly influenced by the coast and “incorporating many views out to sea” (Boffa Miskell Ltd, 2005). The land

is “characterised by headlands, sandy beaches and coastal parks” (Boffa Miskell Ltd, 2005). The coastal settlements of Beachlands, Maraetai, Omana and Kawakawa Bay extend along the northern coast complete with sandy beaches and bays (Boffa Miskell Ltd, 2005). Te Puru Stream dissects this area with steepening coast valley hills to the east and gentle undulating landscape to the west.

Further east the Hunua ranges, of predominantly indigenous planting, act as

one of the water reservoirs for Auckland city. Bordered on the west the Wairoa River and estuary has been identified as an Area of Significant Conservation Value (Soul Environments Ltd, 2010).

Papakura district to the south is predominantly flat and much of the landscape has been highly modified for farming activities with little indigenous vegetation remaining. (Boffa Miskell Ltd, 2006).

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Area of study WAIHEKE

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

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2050 Population PROJECTIONS This graph merely speculates how the next 250,000 Aucklanders could be distributed in the area to the south of the current Metropolitan Urban Limit. Focusing the density into the areas along the main transport routes of motorway and rail, the majority of the increase goes to Papakura, with 100,000 new citizens. The coastal areas of the south east have the potential to house an extra 45,000 people if Waiheke Island is considered in the same zone as Beachlands, Maraetai and Pine Harbour.

These figures are used as the basis of further exploration in this study.

100000 90000 80000 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000

2050 2012 Pokeno

Brookby

Bombay

Pukekohe

Papakura

Waiheke

Clevedon

Orere Point

Kawakawa Bay

Whitford

Beachlands

0

Maraetai

10000

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LAnd use capability WAIHEKE

The Auckland area has some of the highest producing soils in the world due to its volcanic fields. Whilst looking at areas to accommodate population growth in south-east Auckland land use capability was given the highest propriety with regards to analysis of areas for production and possible development.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

highly productive productiVE VIABLE production unstable Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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HYDROLOGY WAIHEKE

Hydrological systems of the area were next analysed. Significant waterways in the region are the Wairoa River and estuary, running from the Hunuas to the sea via Clevedon valley, and the Te Puru Stream, running north-south between Beachlands and Maraetai.

The Hunuas act as a significant water catchment for the region, comprising four reservoirs used by Auckland City for much of its water.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

rivers & streams

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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VEGETATION WAIHEKE

Integration of all existing native vegetation and significant exotic plantings were considered of significant value to any future development in the region.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

native forest exotic forest

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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Slope WAIHEKE

Slope was an important indicator of suitability for building development.

Erosion prone areas above 20 degrees were immediately eliminated. All other slopes were considered buildable, with the knowledge that slopes below 8 degrees may be more suitable for production than building.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

0-8째 8-20째 20째+

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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ASPECT WAIHEKE

Aspect was used to identify areas unsuitable for development due to their south-facing orientation.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

south facing* * Slopes of 0-5 degrees of southern aspect were still considered suitable for development due to their flat nature.

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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SETTLEMENT PATTERNS WAIHEKE

Currently the MUL defines building development within the Auckland area, with rural and coastal settlements of Whitford, Brookby, Clevedon, Pine Harbour, Beachlands, Mareatai and Kawakawa Bay to the east and the larger townships of Papakura and Pukehoke to the south. The inclusion of historically significant pa sites indicates areas of potential cultural sensitivity.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

historically significant Pa sites existing settlement

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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Infrastructure WAIHEKE

Historically Auckland has developed along infrastructural lines with new townships planned around motorway off ramps. This map indicates the correlation of existing settlement along existing infrastructural lines in this region.

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

PAPAKURA

roading ferry routes rail

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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OVERVIEW Infrastructure Settlement Aspect Slope Vegetation Hydrology Land Use Capability

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AVAILABLE LAND new density = 12/Ha WAIHEKE

According to 2006 Census Data, the population density of the former Manukau City Council Area = 6 people per hectare.

Available land area 21,424 Ha. Projected population outside MUL = 250,000

^ N

AUCKLAND CBD

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

Therefore the resulting density based on 100% consumption of available land = 12 people per hectare PAPAKURA

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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zoning criteria AVAILABLE LAND WAIHEKE

^ N

EXISTING SETTLEMENT PROXIMITY TO TRANSPORT HUB MIXED USE OPPORTUNITY

BEACHLANDS

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

REMAINING AVAILABLE LAND allocated to 2 1600m lifestyle Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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THE 1600 LIFESTYLE Resilient Communities

Local Energy Production

Up to 1600m2 sections

Local Water + Waste Management Walk + Cycle Infrastructure

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LIFESTYLE CASE STUDY Village Homes, Davis, California (1975) Designed to encourage a sense of community and conservation of energy and natural resources 28 Hectares 225 Homes + 20 Apartment Units Average 1250m2 sections Common productive areas N-S construction aids passive solar designs Water sensitive urban design (Village Home Owners Association, 2009)

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MIXED USE TRANSPORT TOWN

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LOCAL POWER GENERATION

CYCLE + WALK + WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE DESIGN FOR BIODIVERSITY

LOCAL PRODUCTION FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION

MUTT

LOCAL WASTE MANAGEMENT BUSINESS WASTE EXCHANGE

LOCAL FOOD NETWORKS

LOCAL TRADE + CURRENCY

MIXED USE TRANSPORT TOWNCENTRES

EDIBLE PARKS

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MIXED USE Case studY Zurich - Seewurfel - Lake Cubes Mixed Use Regeneration Development “New centre for working and living … integrates … harmoniously into the existing historic fabric of the area.”

Low density 15 dwellings per hectare - 666m2 sections 64 people per hectare Offices and/or retail lower three floors Upper two floors apartments Shared recreational spaces Alternative geothermal energy use (Arpa, Mozas, & Per, 2007).

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FOCUSed STUDY AREA WAIHEKE

Analysis of the south-east region was further refined to focus on the rural area and coastal settlements to the east of the MUL. Rather than extending or altering the current urban boundary, intensification of sites on existing infrastructural routes are recommended alongside development of new lifestyle opportunities with large sections and new production zones.

These outcomes offer lifestyle choice, enhance ecological outcomes and create resilient environments, safeguarding future communities and meeting the criteria of the Auckland Council to become “the world’s most liveable city” by 2050.

^ N BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

KAWAKAWA BAY

WHITFORD

CLEVEDON

(Auckland Council, 2012).

Scale 1:200,000 @ A3

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DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS Highly productive soils reserved for food production

^ N

South facing slopes, gradients over 20째 and other erosion-prone areas Rivers, wetlands and riparian margins, native forest and other significant patches of vegetation to preserve biodiversity Character of existing settlements and areas of cultural significance are preserved

Scale 1:100,000 @ A3

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development OPPORTUNITIES Fertile soils are allocated for local food production

Areas close to existing settlements and potential transport hubs are opportunities for intensification

^ N

Desirable aspect, elevation and buildability

Scale 1:100,000 @ A3

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PRODUCTION ZONES 1000 hectares of the highest quality productive soils reserved for feeding the local and wider community.

WAIHEKE

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

^ N

KAWAKAWA BAY

Scale 1:100,000 @ A3

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REVEGETATION PROGRAMME Ecological connectivity and biodiversity are enhanced by a revegetation programme of riparian corridors and flood plains.

BEACHLANDS

WAIHEKE

MARAETAI

^ N

KAWAKAWA BAY

riparian corridors EXISTING native forest revegetation programme EXISTING exotic forest

Scale 1:100,000 @ A3

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SETTLEMENT PATTERN 80 hectares of an increased density ‘MUTT’ based on proximity to existing settlement and ferry infrastructure

WAIHEKE

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

^ N

780 hectares for 1600m2 lifestyle zones.

KAWAKAWA BAY

existing settlement 1600m2 lifestyle zones mixed use transport towns Scale 1:100,000 @ A3

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Structure plan

WAIHEKE

NEW FERRY LINKS

1600m2 lifestyle living is dispersed through large patches of vegetation and productive land.

New ferry links enable coastal intensification via mixed use transport towns and connection to the Hauraki Gulf islands and central Auckland.

NATIVE FOREST EXOTIC FOREST REVEGETATION FOOD PRODUCTION 1600M2 LIFESTYLE MIXED USE TOWNS

BEACHLANDS

MARAETAI

^ N

KAWAKAWA BAY

Scale 1:100,000 @ A3

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Conclusion Greenfields resilience represents a growth strategy that creates highly liveable spaces through low density, mixed use transport towns and 1600m2 lifestyle options, helping to reduce Auckland’s ecological footprint.

45,000 people can be accommodated within the 860 hectares of appropriate land with low density outcomes.

High-quality soils are prioritised for food production.

Ecological integrity is enhanced through revegetation of riparian margins to create 100m patch corridors and connectivity with existing native vegetation.

Mixed use is prioritised around infrastructure proximity i.e. intensification around transport hubs, with the addition of ferry services to coastal villages creating commercial centres. New 1600m2 lifestyle choices are designated in the surrounding land, dispersed and clustered within the landscape.

Commercial activity occupies the lower levels of apartment buildings enlivening town centres while shared open space encourages community interaction.

Live/work developments support localisation creating diverse and resilient communities.

The Greenfields resilience strategy outlines a means to achieving a quality, sustainable lifestyle, providing for Aucklanders now and in the future. A positive move towards the goal of being the most liveable city in the world.

Recreational opportunities are provided alongside existing and restored vegetation which act as connective pathways.

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References 3 News. Retrieved from: http://www.3news.co.nz/Critics-call-Auckland-30-year-plan-unachievable/tabid/370/articleID/248584/Default.aspx Arpa, J., Mozas, J., & Per, A. F. (2007). Dbook. Density, data, diagrams, dwellings.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain: a&t ediciones.

Auckland Reigonal Council. (2007). Auckland Sustainability Framework. Retrieved from http://www.aucklandoneplan.org.nz/auckland-sustainability-framework/.

Auckland Regional Council. (2010). A brief history of Auckland’s urban form.

Auckland Council. (2011). Auckland Draft Plan. Chapter 7. Retrieved from http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/aboutcouncil/planspoliciespublications/ theaucklandplan/draftaucklandplan/pages/home.aspx Boffa Miskell Ltd. (2005). Beachlands Growth Management Strategy Draft 2 November. Prepared for Manukau City Council Boffa Miskell Ltd. (2006). Takanini plan change: vegetation, landscape and visual assessment.

Boffa Miskell Ltd. (2006). Takanini plan change: vegetation, landscape and visual assessment.

Bogunovich, D. & Bradbury, M. (2011). Auckland 2040: a resilient urban region on the water. Proceedings from the 11th Asian Urbanism Conference. Hyderabad, India.

E-architect (n.d.) Seewurfel Zurich: Lake Cubes’ : Mixed-Use Regeneration Development. Retrieved from: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/switzerland/seewurfel.htm Grant, G. (2011). The importance of biodiversity. Urban Design, Issue 117, p22.

Ignatieva, M., Meurk, C., Simcock, R., Stewart, G., van Roon, M. (2008). How to put nature into our neighbourhoods. Lincoln, New Zealand: Manaaki Whenua Press McDonald, R., & Marcotullio, P. (2011). Global effects of urbanisation on ecosystem services. In J. Neimela (Ed). Urban ecology: patterns, processes, and applications. New York, NY: Oxford University Press Soul Environments Ltd. (2010). Clevedon village and surrounding area landscape assessment.

Village Home Owners Association. (2009). Village Homes, Davis, California Retrieved from: http://www.villagehomesdavis.org/

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