The way our cities and towns grow and change will have a big impact on our region's outcomes.

Most people in our region live in urban areas. Around half a million people, or 80 percent, live in Greater Christchurch (which comprises Christchurch and the surrounding towns in the Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts, including Rolleston, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Lincoln). A further 10 percent live in other urban areas across the region, including larger towns like Timaru in South Canterbury and Ashburton in Mid-Canterbury, and smaller rural townships like Temuka, Waimate and Darfield.

Many of these areas have rapidly grown over recent decades and are now facing the challenges of more forecast growth, changing demographics, climate change, greater risks from natural hazards and environmental degradation.