Model Communities and Integrated Planinng Toolkit

Abstract Remit

The NZ Transport Agency recently announced that New Plymouth and Hastings will collectively receive funding of $7.28m to become New Zealand's first walking and cycling model communities.

The purpose of this investment is to help create an environment that will make walking and cycling easy transport choices for people in New Plymouth and Hastings. Through this funding we’re also encouraging councils to integrate walking and cycling into their transport planning and other initiatives.

We are now working closely with New Plymouth and Hastings to progress their approved programmes, and for the next two years we’ll also be focussing on learning as much as we can about investing in model communities, so this knowledge can be shared with the many other communities who have shown real enthusiasm about moving in this direction.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has been developing an online Integrated Planning Toolkit.

The purpose of the new Integrated Planning Toolkit has been to create a resource that provides access to transport related Tools, Concepts and Processes in an integrated manner. The toolkit is developed from a transport planning perspective but is not confined to traditional transportation solutions. The toolkit links the high level Government Policy Statement on land transport funding to individual tools that can be deployed. The case studies that support the toolkit have been chosen to represent a wide array of solutions to meet various transportation needs. Being a live and active toolkit there is constant expectation that both the tools and case studies will be updated and supplemented over time.

Author Profile  

Gerry Dance is a Principal Advisor for NZTA. His role is leading and/or contributing to the development and implementation of NZTA’s walking and cycling policy and operational initiatives.  Previously Gerry was the Policy and Asset Manager (Community and Recreation) with Taupo District Council where one of his roles was leading the development and implementation of the District’s walking and cycling strategy.

Quintin Howard is a senior advisor for NZTA. Quintin has a background in urban planning and community development. Quintin has worked in New Zealand, Australia and a number of Pacific Islands planning and delivering community facilities.