The Ngarara Farm residential development proposal is founded on an approach that’s still new in this country: ‘ground up planning’.
The idea is that the shape any development takes is found in the existing environment, in the land and in the community. The design ideas, and decisions made about them, are all based on the things that are already important here – the way the land lies, the streams run, the water settles after rain, the critters that live here, the plants and animals that can survive nowhere else, the way people have settled here, built their lives, how they like to move around, how they played and how they think.
The approach is not purist. It takes in the complete heritage of an area, for instance acknowledging recent changes to landscape as well as ancient ecological patterns – bach architecture as well as the play of pingao on sand dunes. At the same time, it seeks to enhance what is unique – native and local communities that are inherently ‘of this place’ and would not be found anywhere else if lost from here.
Its ultimate aim is to ensure the local environment, character and heritage is respected and reflected in the new development.
The approach, when applied to the real world, has two key aspects:
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planning principles that make for sustainable developments
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research and mapping, to gather accurate information to apply those principles to.
Cornerstone planning principles of the Ngarara Farm residential development
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Natural systems
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Connectivity
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Social equity
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Character
See How sustainable planning principles have been applied to Ngarara for more information.
The research and mapping carried out before planning began for Ngarara
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physical form: geology, topography, soils, water (streams, drainage, flooding) etc
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ecological communities: plants and critters big and small, native and introduced, and their interactions and inter-relationships with place
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the physical human overlay: what’s been built, hownatural systems have been changed, what effects and impacts humans have had, what needs fixing, what could be made more of
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social and cultural heritage: how have communities formed over time, how are they interconnected, what values are held dear here, what aspects of local culture and character do communities want to preserve and build up.
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Natural systems inform the development design:
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built form (which includes all landscape modifications) to reflect and blend into existing landscape and settlement character
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water supply, stormwater, sewerage, drainage, flood control etc based on careful use (and protection) of natural water systems
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existing wetland areas, including regionally recognised Kawakahia wetland, protected and enhanced
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existing ecological assets strengthened, including 'blue green' corridors between Kapiti Island Wildlife Reserve, Nga Manu Nature Reserve, and Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve (and Tararua ranges beyond).
Connectivity is enhanced in every possible way:
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improved connections between Waikanae township and Waikanae Beach, and within new neighbourhoods, including pipelines, low impact roading, and walkways and cycleway networks.
Equity is supported by ensuring:
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surrounding community has fair share of benefits of the development, equal access to resources and services, including open areas, tracks and lookouts, and informal public spaces within villages.
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long term costs to the community are sustainable.
Character is respected and reflected through:
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different styles of dwelling to suit different areas, ranging from eco-residential to apartment style living, all in keeping with local natural character
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design guidance to support sustainability and ‘building with integrity’ – so that people keep long-term impacts in mind when they design and build their home, including the impact their decisions will have on the community.
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