Preserving a green space network for a regional Auckland

Abstract

Large cities often become regional cities. This has become a global trend emerging in early 20th century. As the urbanised area grows, the connection with nature tends to weaken – therefore green space networks can play an important role in shaping regional urban form. New Zealand’s largest urban region, Auckland, is facing the challenges of increasing population and ongoing urban growth.

This research project aims to preserve Auckland’s green network to retain Auckland’s unique lifestyle and ensure that the future growth is environmentally sustainable. By identifying the distinguishing characteristics of Auckland’s lifestyle and urban patterns, this research project takes the view that Auckland regional development should focus on the strong interrelationship between city and nature. Based on knowledge of other cities’ experiences, this research work not only includes design theories and techniques, but also incorporates the implementation policies necessary to achieve the goal of preserving Auckland’s green network.

Research methods include defining appropriate environmental criteria and social criteria. Regional Auckland, the Warkworth-Silverdale (W/S) greenbelt and the Puhoi village were used as case studies to test this approach. Firstly, a set of environmental criteria was established in order to analyse green space features and identify potential green belts in regional Auckland. By combining all the important environmental conditions, six possible green belts were identified as buffers between urban developments. Secondly, the W/S greenbelt was used to show how the environmental criteria could be used at the local scale. After identifying the green network around the W/S greenbelt, social criteria (which were derived from an independent Remuera study) were used to shape Puhoi’s future urban structure inside the W/S greenbelt. Finally, a master plan was carried out to show how both sets of criteria, environmental and social, could be integrated to maintain a high quality lifestyle with great access to nature.

The research findings suggest that a green network can, in addition to offering the growing population a new regional park system, also provides more urban land for the growing Auckland and ensures a high quality lifestyle for its future citizens.