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Integrating urban land use and regional transport

Last updated: 01 November 2023
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Portfolio: Air quality, transport and urban development

We are working with our partners to manage land use demand and supply in creative and innovative ways, to align land use and transport planning, and champion increased density of urban areas and multi-modal transport options to transform urban environments to enrich how people live and work.

We are supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and freight and ensuring our transport networks and urban environments are resilient to the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

This work includes:

  • preparing Regional Land Transport Plans and providing submissions on Government proposals relating to land transport
  • preparing advice and acting as a secretariat for the Regional Transport Committee, implementing a work programme that aligns with the direction provided by the Mayoral Forum
  • acting as a secretariat for the South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Group
  • our role in urban development, including reviewing local and regional policies and plans, and providing advice and support to territorial authorities. We will also begin investigations into developing sub-regional and regional spatial plans.
  • we contribute to partnership discussions and decision making as part of the  Greater Christchurch Partnership (GCP). The partnership provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with our partners to unlock the key opportunities and address the key challenges facing Greater Christchurch.

How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?

Level of Service 30: Support well-functioning transport networks and urban environments across the region.

To achieve this Level of Service, we will: 

  • 30.1: Provide planning, information, advice and support that enables the Regional Transport Committee to advance its priorities. 
  • 30.2: Support the Greater Christchurch Partnership to operate efficiently and effectively.

How are we doing: The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee met on 5 October and again on 7 November 2023. Support was provided at both meetings. The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee received the 2022/23 annual monitoring report on the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31 monitoring indicator framework at its meeting on 27 November 2023. The Committee approved the draft Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-34 for public consultation at this meeting. Public consultation was carried out in January and February 2024. The final plan will be considered for approval by the Committee in April 2024 and for adoption in May 2024. 

Our leadership team are heavily engaged in the planning, delivery and governance of the work of the Greater Christchurch Partnership, including work to complete the Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan. Read the agendas and minutes for the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee meetings.   

On track
Level of Service 30: Support well-functioning transport networks and urban environments across the region.

To achieve this level of service, we will: 

30.3: Deliver a regional spatial plan (to commence in 2023/24).

How are we doing: Initial investigations into the development of a Canterbury regional spatial strategy have been put on hold pending direction from the Government on the role of regional spatial planning, following the repeal of the Spatial Planning Act in December 2023. 

  

At risk

How are we doing on key initiatives?

Greater Christchurch 2050

How are we doing: The Greater Christchurch Partnership is developing the strategic framework and plan in consultation with mana whenua and other partners.

On track
Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan

How are we doing: Public consultation on the draft Spatial Plan was undertaken between 19 June and 23 July 2023. 355 submissions were received, with 144 indicating they wish to present to the Hearings Panel. 

Hearings and deliberations for the draft Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan were held in October and November 2023. The Greater Christchurch Spatial Plan Hearing Panel has begun preparing its recommendation report. 

On track
Greater Christchurch Transport Plan and Transport Investment programme

How are we doing: The Greater Christchurch Partnership is developing the strategic framework for the plan, and an overview of the current transport investment programme and estimated investment gap, in Greater Christchurch.

In quarter two, the Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) Reduction work was paused due to changing central Government direction on this programme and funding was withdrawn. Staff are considering next steps to progress this work as part of the broader Greater Christchurch Transport Plan and Investment Programme. 

Monitor
Regional Speed Management Plan

How are we doing: The regional approach to implementing the Setting of Speed Limits Rule in Canterbury is being considered by partners, including the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and district councils. 

In quarter two, we continued to work towards finalising and publishing the Canterbury Regional Speed Management Plan, seeking approval of the draft from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi. In December 2023, the Minister of Transport amended the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022 to revoke the deadlines set by the NZTA, including the 29 March 2024 deadline for submitting the final draft speed management plans for certification.

Monitor

Recent highlights and updates

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