Conservation Design

Conservation Design in Kaipara

The Kaipara Spatial Plan (2020) and District Plan Review (2021) identified the need for improved rural residential development and subdivision practices. These both called for a fresh approach to accommodating growth while protecting the features of the area. These and other plans and policies highlight the importance of integrated stormwater management, protecting environmentally sensitive areas, fitting development into the landscape, and creating high-quality built form.

Detailed site analysis (as outlined in Section 2) further identified the need for a fresh, alternative approach to planning the Mangawhai Hills site. A multi-disciplinary team was assembled; and relevant international best practices were investigated.

This led the Mangawhai Hills team to adopt a 'Conservation Design' approach to the planning of this site. The team's approach went, however, beyond conservation to environmental restoration, revegetation and 're-wilding'. A decision was made to also incorporate low impact (or water-sensitive) design and slope-adaptive development principles.

Conservation Design ('CD') is an alternative to conventional rural residential development. Now common practice in North America, this approach has also been used in various forms and to different extents in New Zealand.

The approach dates to landscape architect Ian McHarg's famous book Design With Nature (1992) and planner Randall Arendt's books Conservation Design for Subdivisions (1996), Growing Greener (1999) and Rural by Design (2015). This design approach is highly aligned with the objectives of the RMA as well as Kaipara District Council planning policies.

Conservation Design involves protecting site and ecological features and clustering development, so as to create "an interconnected network of conservation lands" (Randall Arendt - 1996). While focused on environmental objectives, it also generates positive economic, social, and cultural outcomes.

Discussions with Te Uri o Hau are underway to seek input and reflect cultural values in the planning and design of the site. This may include cultural wayfinding (Environs Toi), monitoring (Kaitaki), native planting (through a local nursery) or other actions to be included in future planning applications.

What is Conservation Design?

Environmental

Conserves more land in a natural
state and better allows revegetation and
re-wilding.

Protects and connects environmentally sensitive areas and habitats.

Allows ongoing management through conservation covenants and easements.

Supports integrated stormwater management and Water Sensitive (or 'Low Impact') Design

Economic

Generates more economic activity (than rural 'lifestyle block' subdivision).

Supports the local economy, employment and tax base.

Generates ongoing site management and operational investment.

Social

Expands trail and pathway networks for local residents and the larger community.

Supports outdoor recreation, access to nature and community wellness.

Creates social interaction and sense of community through common amenities and spaces.

Provides safe walking, cycling and active transport options.

Cultural

Provides the opportunity to make local culture, arts and history more visible and accessible.

For this project, it will involve relevant Iwi authorities (discussions underway) to reflect their values.

Incorporates common gathering and activity spaces for cultural, community and arts events.

In short, Conservation Design offers an "alternative to traditional development that local governments may offer to balance the potential influx of new residents, with conservation of open space, scenic vistas, and agricultural lands" (Community Planning and Land-Use Community of Practice - 2019).

Conservation Design Process

The follow diagrams illustrate the planning and design process used to generate the Conceptual Structure Plan.

The Mangawhai Hills team has gone further than past conservation 'subdivision' practices through:
• A strong focus on hydrology and water sensitive / low-impact design;
• Moving beyond conserving native vegetation to re-vegetation and 're-wilding'; and
• Proposing a hierarchy and network of trails and multi-use pathways supporting recreation and active transportation.

The conservation and revegetation areas will be protected by covenants registered on all property titles. These areas will be managed and maintained by a Homeowners' Association, or potentially a different ownership structure to manage the preservation, maintenance and conservation status in perpetuity.

Finally, the proposed Structure Plan will help to achieve the objectives of the Mangawhai Spatial Plan, including:
• Enhance and protect ecoloqical corridors from the hills to the sea
• Improve connectivity and public access to the local natural environment
• Provide blue - green infrastructure to enhance biodiversity, environmental health, and stormwater management

Regional analysis - building on the Kaipara Spatial Plan (e.g. context, connections and character)

Detailed site mapping and analysis (e.g. topography, orientation, ecology, hydrology)

Identifying / mapping primary and secondary conservation areas (proposed 'green network').

Identifying / mapping intermittent streams,
streams and wetlands (proposed ' blue
network).

Mapping of residual lands for potential development, common amenity and recreational areas.

Delineating vehicular, pedestrian and cycle networks and connections (proposed 'grey' network)

The resulting Structure Plan area of circa 220 Hectares proposes that approximately:
• 25% of the site are Primary Conservation Areas (including 20 Ha of existing native bush).
• 15% be identified as Secondary Conservation Areas through revegetation / rewilding.
• 10% be set aside as open space for community and public use.
• All existing wetlands will be preserved and enhanced with planting.
• Target of 15km of paved pathways, gravel paths and native bush trails be provided for public use