Canterbury/Waitaha has a network of urban areas, which vary in their size, role, and character.
Christchurch/Ōtautahi is New Zealand’s second largest city with a population of nearly 400,000 people. Greater Christchurch/Ōtautahi, comprising Christchurch City and the surrounding towns in Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts, is the largest urban area in the region, with around half a million people, or 82 percent of the region’s population. Here we look at the urban development issues facing our region that inform our planning framework.
Urban context and policy direction
Urban development in Waitaha and national policy.
Urban form
The impacts of urban expansion on our resources.
Housing
Meeting housing needs as the Waitaha population grows.
Urban infrastructure
Transport, energy production, wastewater and stormwater affects on the environment.
Find out more about the current state of the environment
Canterbury/Waitaha overview Air Biodiversity Climate change Land Natural character Natural hazards Water