To utilise our existing infrastructure more efficiently, we need to drive the intensification of our existing urban areas – but to be successful, this has to be well-designed and attractive. Here is my plan:
1. Adaptation planning first
To be smart with infrastructure, we need to be clear about risk. I’ll lead an honest, district-wide conversation about hazards like flooding, sea level rise and fire risk – and how we adapt in ways that are affordable, fair and future-focussed.
2. Run an Urban Design Competition
Let’s visualise the future of Richmond – and our smaller centres – through a professional design competition. With 30 years of growth to plan for, we must grow smart, not sprawl. A bold, visual strategy will help drive public input and shared direction.
3. Neighbourhood Plans, Less Red Tape
I’ll push for spatial Neighbourhood Plans that guide gentle intensification – allowing well-designed townhouses and apartments in the right places without endless bureaucracy. We’ll back this with pattern books: pre-approved building designs that developers can lease and build quickly, improving design quality and speeding up delivery.
4. Affordable housing
I’ll champion inclusionary zoning rules, requiring new residential developments to include a share of social and affordable housing. I’ll push for tiny homes in our housing mix and explore Community Land Trusts and different other innovative models to improve long-term affordability.
5. Stand Up for Tasman in RMA Reform and Transport Funding
Tasman’s transport network is underfunded and new planning laws could sideline local decision-making and deliver poor results. I’ll demand our fair share of central government spending and work with other councils to push for workable rules and Tasman-specific exemptions where necessary.
6. Ensure Developers Pay Their Share
Greenfield development creates big costs: roads, pipes, stormwater, just to name a few. I’ll review our development contributions policy to make sure developers, not ratepayers, cover the full costs they create.
7. Fix Our Rating System
I’ll push for a land-based rating system with fair differentials – encouraging smart development, discouraging land-banking, and better aligning rates with actual infrastructure needs.
8. Create a Nelson-Tasman Design Office and Urban Development Agency
Let’s stop duplicating efforts. I’ll propose a joint regional design office to drive coherent land use and transport planning – and establish an Urban Development Agency to assemble land and de-risk development for the private sector.
9. Launch an Urban Greening & Water-Sensitive Design Taskforce
Great towns have great public spaces. I’ll launch a taskforce to roll out more street trees, pocket parks and rain gardens – and embed water-sensitive urban design into all new projects. That means daylighting streams, increasing permeable surfaces, and capturing rain and cooling our towns – building greener, healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods.