ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC OPEN … HUTT CITY COUNCIL DRAFT OPEN SPACE ISSUES AND...

UPPER HUTT CITY COUNCIL | DRAFT OPEN SPACE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 1

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN UPPER HUTT

Our parks and open spaces

DRAFT OPEN SPACE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES | UPPER HUTT CITY COUNCIL2

Review record Internal Review 05/05/2017

Issue for Public Consultation 10/05/2017

Credits

Photo Credits Upper Hutt City Council

Sources:http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/parks-open-spaces/Pages/open-space-strategy.aspx

www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au

http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/council-reports/Report_PDFs/2009_545_2_Attachment.pdf

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/planspoliciesprojects/plansstrategies/Councilstrategies/Documents/parksopenspacesstrategicactionplan.pdf

http://www.rph.org.nz/content/d893f45e-9d35-4906-bde7-c4912036c97e.cmr

http://health.tki.org.nz/Teaching-in-HPE/Health-and-PE-in-the-NZC/Health-and-PE-in-the-NZC-1999/Underlying-concepts/Well-being-hauora

http://www.sportnz.org.nz/

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/about-doc/role/visitor-research/twt-visitor-trends-report.pdf

www.health.govt.nz, https://www.diabetes.org.nz

http://profile.idnz.co.nz/upper-hutt/home

https://www.google.co.nz/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instantandion=1andespv=2andie=UTF-8#q=diabetes%20nz


Contents Executive summary 5

Overview 6

What is open space? 7

Why is open space important? 8

Upper Hutt context 10

Our point of difference 11

Existing open space in Upper Hutt 12

What makes a good open space network? 14

Open space issues 15

Open space opportunities 16

Next steps 18

Background information

Who are we? 20

Our city vision 21

Strategic planning framework 22

Land management and ownership 23

Emerging trends 24

Revitalisation trends 25

Benefits of open space 26

What makes a good open space? 27

What makes a good linear corridor? 28


Open space protects and conserves features that make Upper Hutt special. We should understand the natural, heritage and cultural values of a place. It will enhance our ability to create diverse engaging and distinctive open spaces.

Open space is an asset highly-valued by the community and visitors to Upper Hutt; it contributes significantly to character, identity, lifestyle and biodiversity.

Open space delivers a sense of ownership and belonging to local communities and these attributes are known to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Open space plays a major role in improving human health, reducing crime, stimulating economic growth and boosting property values.


Executive summary Upper Hutt City Council has engaged Isthmus Group Ltd to develop an Open Space Strategy (‘the Strategy’) for Upper Hutt, for 2017 – 2043. This work supports Council's mission to enhance the quality of life in Upper Hutt by providing leadership, support, and services to the local community. This first stage in the process is to develop this issues and opportunities paper.

Open space makes a major contribution towards the quality of life in Upper Hutt and is integral to achieving the city's vision—Life. Leisure. Live it!

To keep the scope of the Strategy clear and within Council’s realm of control, the term ‘open space’ will refer to the land that is, or has potential to, be publicly accessible for recreation. For this reason, ‘open space’ includes parks for community and family recreation, sporting reserves for active sport and recreation, linear corridors and paths, river and stream reserves, civic spaces and community gardens.

The focus areas of the Strategy could be:

• Providing ample opportunities for people in open space to engage and connect with nature and each other, have fun and learn.

• The Upper Hutt community and visitors and are encouraged outdoors for informal and formal recreation activities and one-off events.

• The environmental values of open spaces are enhanced to provide benefits for the environment and recreational experience.

• A focus on domestic and international tourism for walking, tramping and cycling or mountain biking.

Identifying the community’s needs, desires and expectations for open space is a key step in developing the Strategy. This paper provides an opportunity to understand the open space resource we have and for you to have input into the future planning of our parks and open spaces.

The majority of the natural resource (hills and river) that contribute to the landscape values, setting and sense of place for Upper Hutt is managed by others or is privately owned.

In some areas, visual, ecological and landscape values contribute to the visual amenity and character of Upper Hutt City. Depending on the extent, or combination of these values and its contribution to open space, it may be necessary to protect them, through:

• District Plan policies, rules, and other methods such as zones and special overlays (i.e. Southern Hills, Significant Natural Areas, and Significant Natural Landscapes);

• Public-private partnerships; and/or

• Reserve and/or development contributions.

The drafting of the Strategy will follow this paper and will attempt to quantify the value of open space to the Upper Hutt community as it will become the principal document to support the planning and development of future open space within Upper Hutt. This process will build on previous community engagement and consultation processes. It will require ongoing engagement with the stakeholders, iwi, and the community.


Give us your feedbackWe want to know what you think the issues and opportunities for Upper Hutt’s open space are. Send us your feedback by Friday, 2 June 2017—see page 18 for feedback options.

OverviewPurposeThis paper introduces what open space is for the purposes of the Strategy. It explains the benefits of open space to the community and identifies the key issues and opportunities we have, based on our analysis. We have included some of the relevant background information used to inform our analysis in an appendix of this document. You may find this material useful if you are thinking of providing some feedback.

The issues and opportunities paper has been developed through:

• A review of Council and key stakeholder documents - to provide the wider strategic policy context

• Desktop study and fieldwork of the existing open space network - what does the network consist of and are there any gaps?

• A review of Upper Hutt’s demographic profile and NZ health trends - who are we now and in the future and what open space will we need as the city grows?

• Initial consultation with a stakeholder / community focus group - what values do they place on our open spaces?

• Understanding the benefits of open space based on NZ / International literature and best practice examples

• Looking at the wider regional context - what’s our point of difference?

Internal Review, community focus group meeting, councillor, and Council officer feedback

Consultation with community focus group, councillors, and Council officers

Formal community consultation

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

Research and investigations

Issues and opportunities identified

(Final) Open Space Strategy

Draft Open Space Strategy

We are here. Initial community feedback


What is open space?Definitions of what open space is can vary. These spaces provide different values, which include: ecological, biodiversity, visual amenity and a sense of belonging.

For the purpose of the Strategy, open space is land that is, or should be, set aside for public recreation. This incorporates active and passive open space that the community has a relatively free right of access to.

Active open space is land set aside for the main purpose of formal outdoors sports such as sports fields, courts, playgrounds.

Passive open space is land that is set aside for parks, gardens, linear corridors, conservation areas, reserves, civic spaces, community gardens, and for unstructured physical activity, play, and passive recreation.

What about areas that Council doesn’t manage or own?We also enjoy other areas with similar values. The majority of the natural resources that contribute to the landscape values, setting and sense of place for Upper Hutt is managed by other or is privately owned. These include landscapes and features like the hills that surround us, our regional parks, and the Hutt and Mangaroa Rivers. Most of these resources are managed by other organisations like GWRC and DoC, or are privately owned.

It is important to note the Wellington Regional Policy Statement requires Council to identify and protect areas with significant biodiversity values, and outstanding natural features and landscapes, in the District Plan. The Strategy still includes those open spaces we manage that connect to these places, and considers the value these areas contribute to our wider open space network.

Some of these values are protected through reserve and park management plans and the District Plan.

Whilst Council doesn’t actively manage other organisations’ spaces, we may be able to influence the way they’re managed through our relationships and partnerships with them.

Role of private land It is recognised that the private sector may also contribute to achieving the purposes that the Strategy may focus on, for example where private land is seen to contribute to amenity values, the absorption of stormwater, and spaces like golf courses that offer recreation opportunities.

Private land can therefore be seen as complementary, and in some cases may be used as a substitute for public open space where partnership arrangements and financial incentives can be negotiated to ensure public access to the use of privately-owned land.


Why is open space important?Open space makes a major contribution towards the quality of life in Upper Hutt. It is important for many reasons. High-quality parks, open spaces, and streets can create vibrant town centres and suburbs. Some of the most obvious functions come from use as a venue for sport and recreation. However, the less obvious are the ways in which open space influences and contributes to the health and wellbeing of our community as described here.

Social connectedness Mental health and wellbeing Spiritual wellbeingPhysical health and wellbeing

Informal recreation spacesSocial development in childrenCommunity events

Sense of belongingParticipating in organised sportSocial contact


Economics and tourism Biodiversity Events and artsCultural wellbeing

Wellington Cup Reintroduction of habitat diversityEnhancement of water qualityAdventure tourism

Permanent and temporary installationsHabitat for birds and native faunaTangata whenua cultural valuesVisitor destination points


Upper Hutt context

Upper Hutt is often referred to as a ‘gateway to the great outdoors’ and a ‘scenic playground’. We are fortunate to be located so close to green open spaces – local parks, reserves and walking and cycling trails. The character of these spaces contributes to what makes the city unique and distinctive. These spaces have a strong influence on the identity of our communities and complement the natural landscapes that surround us.

Most of Upper Hutt’s residents live within the main urban areas on the valley floor alongside the Hutt River (Te Awakairangi). The city straddles the River and is surrounded by bush clad hills and regional parks that we have easy access to. These natural landscapes provide important reference points and help define the urban area.

Upper Hutt is growing and we are experiencing increased demand for housing and business space. The function of our rural areas is also transitioning from primary production to lifestyle living. We’ll need to ensure that the values of open space are retained as our city changes.

We can do this by improving existing open spaces and investing in new spaces to extend and diversify the network of open spaces. These spaces should reflect the characteristics and needs of the areas and communities they serve. We can also create linkages, where possible, between spaces. There is also an opportunity to investigate better ways to provide community facilities on open space land.

Council also plans to continue to actively promote Upper Hutt’s extensive natural environment and the recreation opportunities it provides to our communities and visitors to our city.


Our point of difference Upper Hutt’s points of difference include the natural landscape which our city is nestled within and the open spaces scattered throughout the city that provide ample opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.

The beautiful resources that the City has are regional points of difference, a strong part of our identity and contribute to attracting visitors to the City. For example, the Hutt River has more than a million people visiting each year – more than any of the Wellington regional parks.

We can manage and plan for our open space network to support and leverage off the landscapes and regional parks that we in our backyard.

Walking, tramping and cycling are very popular outdoor recreation activities for visitors to NZ. Demand for these activities will increase as the region and city grows and we are well-placed to provide for this increase.

From what we know, we are well placed to:

• Provide ample opportunities for people to engage and connect with nature and each other, celebrate our uniqueness, have fun, and learn.

• Encourage the community outdoors for informal and formal recreation activities and one-off events.

• Enhance, where possible, the environmental values of open space, providing benefits for the environment and recreational experience

• Focus on domestic and international tourism for walking, tramping and cycling.

UPPER HUTT CITY COUNCIL | DAFT OPEN SPACE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

“If we want liveable cities and thriving communities, then we need to invest in these public spaces and ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to quality parks and green spaces”

– Andrew Leslie, Chief Executive of NZ Recreation Association, ‘Kaitoke in the winners’

circle again’ – Stuff 14 March 2017, regarding Kaitoke Regional Park receiving an

international ‘Green Flag’ award this year.


Located within the upper reaches of the Hutt River/Te Awa Kairangi, surrounded by Whakatikei, Akatarawa, Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges and the Southern Hills, this landscape provides a strong ‘natural’ setting. It’s linear character plays a significant role in the accessibility and connectivity of public open space.

Upper Hutt City Council manages 54 parks and reserves, (421 hectares) and when combined with the publicly managed land of Greater Wellington Regional Council, Department of Conservation, and the QEII Trust the total area of our open space network is around 35,000 hectares. This is approximately 65 percent of the total land area of Upper Hutt. Not all of this land is publicly accessible.

Each open space has its own identity within the network depending on its location, configuration and function. As part of developing the strategy the character of each open space has been assessed and the distribution mapped. This has provided an understanding of what open space exists, what the distribution is and the experiences provided for within each open space. The mapping shows gaps in the open space network and places where there could be an oversupply.

Did you know?76% of residents and workers in Upper Hutt are within an easy 10 minute walk of a park.

Open space role and character classification systems are based on land and activity use. Different types of open space have different values and functions. The individual neighbourhood open spaces will need to be assessed in terms of existing and possible future function (classification) and role.

Role and classificationSocial and Family Recreation—Provide a range of passive recreation activities in a predominately informal setting.

Sporting Reserves—Predominately used for active and competitive recreation.

Conservation and Nature Reserves—Reserves that contain biodiversity features of local, regional or national significance.

Water Bodies—Streams, rivers and lakes, as well as their associated land areas which warrant protection ahead of their use for other purposes

Civic Space—City centre open space for people to relax and recreate within

Road Reserve—Land located between the road edge and the front boundary of private property.

Linear Reserves and Paths—a contiguous network of open space that establishes recreational walking, cycling and ecological connections, with on-street connections - a great example is the Hutt River corridor.

Collectively these comprise the open space network

Existing open space in Upper Hutt


Mangaroa

Cloustonville

Moonshine Valley

Te Marua

Pinehaven

Trentham South

Akatarawa

Maoribank

Heretaunga

Emerald Hill

EldersleaClouston Park

Totara Park

Heretaunga-Silverstream

Riverstone Terraces

Maidstone

Poets Block

Brentwood

Ebdentown

Trentham North

Wallaceville

Existing Open Space + ParksRoad CenterlinesRailway CenterlinesBuildingsUH_Rivers

!H Community GardensCBDCemetery_AreasPlaygrounds Within Parks

DefencePrivate SchoolPublic SchoolOpen Space + Parks

This map shows the existing open space (green) within the urban area of Upper Hutt. Neighbourhood areas have been used to assess the open space network across the city. The 14 neighbourhood areas are the same as used for demographic forecasting. This has provided valuable data and information that will help inform and create more understanding of the nature of each neighbourhood and their demographic make up and forecast trends.


Although individual parks won’t necessarily satisfy all objectives, a good open space network will have the following characteristics:

• responds to the local context

• is well cared for, readily accessible, culturally appropriate and well connected

• responds to community needs and is developed in partnership with the community

• provides choice and variation of experiences across Upper Hutt

• respects and provides for a diverse range of cultures, ages, abilities and socio-economic status

• conserves and promotes cultural heritage

• builds on natural features to encourage a deep connection to place

• provides diverse habitats to enhance biodiversity and create ecological corridors

• creates safe and healthy places for connecting with others

• accurately reflects the current opportunities, community needs and constraints is flexible and allows for multiple use

Open Space Network AnaylsisRoad CenterlinesRailway CenterlinesBuildingsPark TrailsUH_RiversCBDOpen Space + Parks

This map shows the existing open space (green) within the urban area of Upper Hutt. The pale yellow buffer around the green open spaces is a 300 metre zone that represents an easy 10-minute walk to an open space. The white areas between show the gaps where houses or industry sit outside the walkable zone.

What makes a good open space network?


City centre issues:• Lack of open space / green space / parks with limited

opportunities to recreate in the city centre.

• Impact of future development on existing green / open spaces within city centre.

• Negative perceptions about Upper Hutt City centre as a destination for visitors.

Economic issues:• Missed opportunities around longer stay in the area for

casual users and event participants as they head to the destination (e.g. Harcourt Park or Karapoti Classic) and bypass the city.

• Limited marketing of Upper Hutt as an outdoor scenic and recreation destination with numerous attractions.

Infrastructure issues:• Linear nature of trails tend to have people moving

through / past Upper Hutt.

• Limited access for all abilities along river trail and steep areas in parks.

• People are less likely to stay longer or treat the river as a destination with the limited availability of recreation facilities close by.

• Streets and main roads are not cycle-friendly.

• Facilities maintenance—some parks receive more attention/resources than others.

• Limited seats for less able who like to walk some distance (e.g. at Pinehaven reserve after walking to and from supermarket).

• Limited links between the city centre, river, and regional cycle trails and reserves/open spaces.

• Lack of space for community gardens.

• Vandalism and abuse of facilities.

Operational / Management:• Multiple owners/land managers of open space.

Challenges of collaboration and coordination.

• Varied priorities can place focus on individual projects and forget about the space in between.

• Conflict between users of open space - with a growing demand for events and commercial use of open space.

• Fragmented nature of esplanade strips (Council ownership of land next to waterway), making access difficult and limiting opportunities for recreation and ecological enhancement.

• Legacy of mediocre / second rate land vested to Council reserves and open spaces, resulting in some parks that are not fit for purpose because they are in the wrong location for the neighbourhood layout and not the right size or shape.

• No strategic basis for management / investment vesting / disposal without an open space strategy.

Environmental issues:• Disconnect between nature reserves and ecological

corridors throughout the city and region.

• Increasing need for streams to be recognised for their ecological and recreational potential. Some streams are currently referred to as ‘drains.’

• Modified landscapes and playing surfaces interfere with natural patterns and features e.g. drainage of playing fields, roads etc.

• Loss of Upper Hutt’s natural character and visual amenity landscapes through development and land use changes.

Community issues:• Lack of knowledge about importance of parks and

reserves, e.g. Barton’s Bush.

• Limited visibility and connectivity - safety concerns.

• Impact of future development on open spaces.

• Changing character and demographic of the community - ageing population and strong family growth.

• Lack of structured exercise areas, both child and adult fitness/movement in the outdoors.

• Limited recreation opportunities for all abilities.

• Limited community ‘ownership’ of open spaces.

• Dogs in open space - conflict with other users, shortage of dog exercise areas.

Open space issuesAfter an initial review and open space analysis, a number of issues have been highlighted for the future of open space within Upper Hutt. A summary of the issues is outlined below:

DRAFT OPEN SPACE ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES | UPPER HUTT CITY COUNCIL

Open space opportunities Upper Hutt has a large open space network, with a diversity of spaces for the many sport and leisure activities carried out by the community. Our parks and open spaces provide opportunities for a wide range of users to get active and stay fit, as well as spaces for relaxation. They provide places to have fun, participate in formal and informal activities and learning. These spaces are well used by our clubs, community groups and volunteers.

Public open spaces are complex, organic things. The best spaces can evolve by experimenting with short-term improvements that can be tested and refined over many years. Places to sit, a community event, an open space / garden, painted crosswalks / cycleways are all examples of “lighter, quicker, cheaper” changes that capitalize on the creative energy of the community to efficiently generate new uses and revenue for places in transition. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else. If you have a success, build on it.

The opportunities within this section build on the key projects identified in the Community and Recreation section of the Long Term Plan 2015 – 2025.

• Harcourt Park paddling pool splash pad addition

• City-wide recreational walkway/cycleway network

• National cycleway – widening of the Hutt River Trail

• City centre environmental improvements

• Cruickshank Rail Tunnel - cycleway/walkway

• Sculpture trail throughout the city

• Beautification of the Upper Hutt’s entranceways

• Akatarawa Cemetery development plan

16


Through undertaking initial background research and analysis, on development trends of open space and our unique point of difference a number of opportunities have been identified for the open space network, for all people and all abilities.

Environment:• Consider/investigate the impacts of climate change

on parks and open spaces.

• Enhance the water quality and biodiversity of our open spaces.

• Connect our natural areas across the region.

• Create accessible corridors (linear as well as across the valley) through enhancing waterways, cycleways and walkways, naturalising ‘drains’.

• Create habitat for native flora and fauna to restore ecological functions and promote biodiversity.

Community: • Enable spaces for everyone - equity of open space,

promote democratic access so that all people, in all neighbourhoods can reap the benefits of a diverse and interesting open space network.

• Improve accessibility - 300m or 10 minute walk by filling in the open space gaps within the network.

• Improve wayfinding and interpretation throughout the open space network to increase awareness of parks and open spaces and their values.

• Work with mana whenua to identify, protect, preserve and manage waahi tapu and other places of significance within the public open space network.

• Community gardens - maximise the use of existing open space, where appropriate to invest in community gardens and multi-functional spaces for diverse communities.

• Involve communities in the design of spaces making them culturally and locally relevant.

• Work with community champions to build on skills and knowledge of the local community.

Economy:• Explore and promote the ‘brand’ of Upper Hutt to help

shape a gateway and wayfinding / navigation strategy to bring people into the city.

• There is a good opportunity to promote Upper Hutt as a recreational destination when visiting Wellington and the wider region (e.g. mountain bike park).

• Tourism - increase visitor numbers and leverage economic benefits.

• There are many great reasons why people spend time in Upper Hutt, either for leisure, activities, or to visit our attractions. While some of Upper Hutt’s residents regularly enjoy our facilities, some are simply unaware of our range of recreational offerings or quality events.

• Council will continue to support local event organisers in their events, particularly with promotions. Events provide a great opportunity for new audiences to start their relationship with Upper Hutt.

• Enhance the street environment - well considered, cared for and maintained streets can create vibrant town centres and suburbs.

Infrastructure:• The topography of the urban area provides

ideal opportunities to create integrated, connected ‘green corridor’ with cycleways and walkways - consider street greening initiatives, improvements to street connectivity, roading design and traffic management to increase walkability.

• Create a regional trail network that connects better with transport networks.

• Balance density and community by focusing development into urban nodes (Land Use Strategy) that contain neighbourhood open spaces, walkable amenities and public transport.

• Consider opportunities for rationalisation of land as a way to increase the number of open spaces to become multi-use destinations, e.g. in the city centre, prioritise open space development within urban settings over space for vehicle parking.

Operational/management:• Consider how can we manage open space

connectivity appropriately to contribute to ki uta ki tai (mountains to the sea), improving the integrated management of our natural and physical resources with the Wellington Harbour and Hutt Valley Whaitua Catchment.

• Opportunity for public private partnerships to enhance open space network and connectivity.

• Governance structure and processes needs to reflect goals to enable change.


Internal Review, community focus group meeting, councillor, and Council officer feedback

Consultation with community focus group, councillors, and Council officers

Formal community consultation

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

Research and investigations

Issues and opportunities identified

(Final) Open Space Strategy

Draft Open Space Strategy

Next steps

We are here. Initial community feedback

We want to know what you think the issues and opportunities for Upper Hutt’s open spaces are.

Give us your feedback Submit online or download a freepost form from consultation.upperhuttcity.com

Pick up a freepost form at Council reception, Upper Hutt Central Library or Expressions Whirinaki.

Email [email protected], subject: ‘Open Space’

Write to us at Private Bag 907, Upper Hutt 5140

/upperhuttcitycouncil

Send us your feedback by Friday, 2 June 2017.

If you have any questions, please call Liezel Jahnke on (04) 527 2170.

Background informationThe following information was used to support the development of this document in reference of our local context, emerging trends, and current open space science.


Population Growth

Upper Hutt City is forecast to grow to 48,297 by 2043, a growth rate of 0.6%

Understanding population size, growth and demographic characteristics are fundamental to responding to community needs including the provision of open space, and sport and recreation facilities.

In 2013, the total population of Upper Hutt City was estimated to be 40,179 people. It is expected to increase by over 8,100 people by 2043, at an average annual growth rate of 0.6%. An increase of over 4,500 dwellings will be required during the period, with the average number of people per household falling from 2.60 to 2.47 by 2028.

The number of households (couple and sole parents) in Upper Hutt City in 2013 with dependents, accounted for 42.0% of all households. It is expected to decrease by 2028 to 38%. The largest increase in poeple between 2013 and 2028 is forecast to be in ages 70 to 74 , which is expected to increase by 753 and account for 4.7% of the total people.

An ageing population and a relatively high proportion of families with children, are important considerations for open space planning for Upper Hutt. Both population groups are likely to seek structured and unstructured recreation activities.

The population increase and demographic shift highlights the need for quality sporting, recreation and play opportunities and these changing age cohorts will continue to guide Council in the long term planning and provision of an appropriate open space network.

National health indicators The table below shows the NZ statistics on a number of indicators of healthy diet and exercise.

Health Indicator NZAdults meeting physical activity guidelines (30 minutes on 5 or more days)

51%

Children 5 – 14 usually use active transport (eg, walking, cycling) to get to and from school

45%

Children aged 5 – 14 years usually watched two or more hours of television/screen time a day

50%

Secondary School Children meeting recommended 60 minutes activity a day

10%

Prevalence of Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes (accelerated by lifestyle) on the rise, worrying trend in youth

257,000 (mostly type 2)

Live in the urban environment 83%

Rates of Adult (15 years and over) overweight and obesity (2014/15)

66%

Rate of childhood overweight and obesity (2014/15) 33%

Source: www.health.govt.nz, https://www.diabetes.org.nz

Who are we?


Our shared city vision

Social, economic, environmental and cultural factors contribute to quality open spaces and influence on community and individual health and wellbeing. The Open Space Strategy provides a great opportunity as it aligns with the vision and supports the five priorities.

ECONOMYWe’re enabling growth

and success.

ENVIRONMENTWe’re a scenic playground.

INFRASTRUCTUREWe’re connected.

CITY CENTREWe’re a centre for

opportunity.

COMMUNITYWe’re family.

We’re immersed in natural beauty, we love our river, our stunning parks, and

we feel alive in our great outdoors.

We’re celebrate our heritage, culture, heroes, and uniqueness. We’re a caring, safe, and healthy

community.

Our city centre is alive, attractive and vibrant.

We attract new investment and offer

opportunities for people and businesses

to prosper.

Built on stable foundation we have reliable and efficient networks supporting growth

opportunities.

Over the next ten years, our city and our economy will continue to grow. We will continue to attract new families to our beautiful region who will contribute to thriving communities and businesses. Our plan is to improve our recreation offering, so valued by Upper Hutt residents and families. These enhancements would also appeal to a wide range of visitors who enjoy making the most of our spectacular outdoor and leisure opportunities. We also plan to continue the maintenance and renewal of our essential infrastructure assets so they remain at a high standard. We also plan to continue the maintenance and renewal of our essential infrastructure assets so they remain at a high standard.

—Upper Hutt City Council, Long Term Plan 2015 – 2025


Strategic planning framework The diagram shows how the management of Council’s open spaces are affected by our strategic planning framework.

National Policy StatementsNPS - Fresh water management

NPS - Urban Development Capacity

NPS - E Transmission

New Zealand Legislation Resource Management Act 1991

Reserves Act 1977

Conservation Act 1987

Local Government Act 2002

Soil Conservation and River Control Act 1941

Greater Wellington Regional CouncilNatural Resources Plan for the Wellington Region

Park Network Plan

Regional Policy Statement

Regional Open Space Strategy

Hutt River Flood Management Plan

Hutt River Environmental Strategy

HRES review user survey 2016

Regional Policy Statement

Wellington Regional Trails for the Future (in development)

Upper Hutt City

Legislation Policy Statement

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Upper Hutt City CouncilDistrict Plan 2004

Long Term Plan-2015-2025

Annual Plan 2016 - 2017

City Vision Strategy

Land Use Strategy 2016 - 2043

Sustainability Strategy

Parks and Reserves Rules

Southern Hills Environmental Management Study

Reserve management plans

Open space and the RMAThe Wellington Regional Policy Statement requires Council to identify and protect areas with significant biodiversity values, and outstanding natural features and landscapes, in the District Plan. The Strategy still includes those open spaces that are publicly accessible and considers the value they contribute to our wider open space network.

With the Strategy being a high level document, it could be applied to both public and private land through:

• District Plan policies, rules, and other methods such as zones and special overlays (i.e. Southern Hills, Significant Natural Areas, and Significant Natural Landscapes);

• Public-private partnerships; and/or

• Reserve and/or development contributions.

Ki uta ki tai (connectedness)is the concept of managing natural and physical resources and recognising they are interconnected and reliant upon one another from the mountains to the sea.


Land management and ownershipIn addition to the Upper Hutt City Council, a number of land management agencies are responsible for the provision, management and maintenance of land (including some open spaces) within Upper Hutt. The land management agencies and the area of land under their control is shown below.

Open Space: Port Nicholson Block, 60, 0.11%

Open Space: Department of Conservation, 116, 0.21%

Open Space: Guildford Reserves, 133, 0.25%

Open Space: Queen Elizabeth Trust, 144, 0.27%

Open Space: Other, 200, 0.37%

Open Space: Upper Hutt City Council, 432, 0.80%

Not Designated Open Space: Planned Zones (including residential, rural,

commercial), 18661, 34.56%

Open Space: Greater Wellington Regional, 34254, 63.43%

OPEN SPACE UPPER HUTT AREA [HA]

Greater Wellington Regional Council 63.5%

Privately owned (rural, residential and commercial 34.5%

Upper Hutt City Council 0.80%

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC)Greater Wellington Regional Council manages the majority of Upper Hutt’s open space lands: the Hutt River corridor, regional parks and forests. The GWRC Parks Network Plan provides policies and rules for the management of regional parks and forests in Upper Hutt. These include the Kaitoke Regional Park, Akatarawa Forest and Pakuratahi Forest.

GWRC also manage the Hutt River corridor. With over one million people visiting each year, the Hutt River has more visitors than any of the regional parks. Given its closeness to Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt, the green way along the river corridor is a unique resource of value to the local community. The Hutt River Environment Strategy guides the management, protection and enhancement of the Hutt River. The strategy is currently being reviewed and we’ll need to ensure consistency between that strategy and this one we’re working on.


Informal recreation – There is a growing preference for participation in informal, non-organised, no equipment based recreational activities such as mountain biking, bush-walking and nature based recreation. This trend also includes social modified sport opportunities including touch football and ultimate frisbee.

Formal recreation – There is an increasing trend showing lower levels of participation in formal organised equipment based recreational activities. A large number of clubs and groups are simply ‘surviving’, at a below sustainable level and venue costs and maintenance are a significant challenge. There is a growing awareness that we need to act now to preserve our sporting heritage.

Commercial use of open space – Demand is increasing for commercial use of open space for one off events including triathlons and endurance events, as well as more fixed ventures such as coaching schools, kiosks and fitness programmes and equipment hire.

Environment – There is increasing trends toward the integration of environmental protection values of recreation areas, this has the potential to provide dual benefits for the environment as well as for the recreation experience of people / users.

Domestic and international tourism – Walking, tramping and hiking are the most popular outdoor recreation activities for overseas and local visitors.

Edible spaces – Local governments are playing an increasing role in productive landscapes and urban agriculture, supporting and encouraging productive spaces such as community gardens and orchard plantings.

Sport and recreation continue to play an important part in the lives of Kiwis. The three most common reasons for taking part in sport and recreation activities are health and fitness, enjoyment and social reasons.

The most popular activities of choice (walking, swimming, cycling and jogging/running) are often recreational in nature. Participation is most often in outdoor environments, both in towns and cities (eg, paths/cycleways and urban parks) and in more natural settings (eg, waterways, bush and countryside).

However, participation in sport and recreation is declining. This is because of societal and demographic changes and, most importantly, what people want is changing. A lack of time is the number one reason people give as the reason for not doing more, with cost a distant second.

Emerging trends


Revitalisation trendsCommunities across the globe are experiencing positive outcomes from open space revitalisation projects, where the goal is to make places, communities, and regions more prosperous, civilized, and attractive.

There is growing momentum to get ‘back to the basics’ of what makes cities thrive. These small-scale, often temporary interventions are characterized by their community-focus and realistic goals. Many of the most effective and immediate solutions are ‘lighter, quicker, and cheaper’ than traditional top-down approaches to improving cities.

The quality of a public space has always been best defined by the people who use it. The growing success of these projects all over the world are leading to long term change. The key is local ideas for local challenges and knowing and responding to local needs.

These types of initiatives are intended to link urban development with social development to:

• promote community organization and participation;

• increase community safety and prevent antisocial activity; and

• help to strengthen the sense of community belonging, social cohesion, and equitable outcomes and progress.

Upper Hutt trends: Upper Hutt has a growing and ageing population. Household sizes are likely to be smaller and Upper Hutt’s Land Use Strategy has identified the need for more infill housing and a more diverse range of housing.

An increase in housing density may put pressure on our open spaces, so it’ll be important to maintain and enhance the spaces we already have to ensure they serve the populations they will provide for, in the future.


Benefits of open spaceThere is growing understanding about the importance of the relationship between green space and wellbeing, the interdependence of people and their surroundings, and how the participation in recreation, physical activity and sport has wide ranging physical health, mental health, social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits.

Health and well being/hauora The concept of well-being encompasses the physical, mental and emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health unique to New Zealand. It comprises taha tinana (physical well being), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional well being), taha whanau (social well being), and taha wairua (spiritual well being). This concept is recognised by the World Health Organisation.

The connections that are the most related to public health are:

• Open spaces increase people’s contact with nature and spaces of cultural significance (cultural/spiritual wellbeing/te taha wairua)

• Open spaces promote social interaction and cohesion (social wellbeing/te taha whanua)

• Open spaces promote physical activity (physical wellbeing/te taha tinana)

• Open spaces reduce stress and promote relaxation (mental wellbeing/te taha hinengaro)

source: (http://health.tki.org.nz/Teaching-in-HPE/Health-and-

PE-in-the-NZC/Health-and-PE-in-the-NZC-1999/Underlying-

concepts/Well-being-hauora).

Wellbeing factors related to Public Health and the development and maintenance of healthy communities Social: open spaces provide places for people to meet and interact, increasing social cohesion and social inclusion. They provide opportunities for education and lifelong learning. In addition, they create opportunities for community participation in caring for the environment. Well-designed spaces can promote a sense of place and be a source of community pride, helping to reduce crime and the fear of crime. They also provide opportunities for physical activity, helping to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Economic: open spaces bring measurable direct and flow-on economic benefits to local, regional and national economies. These economic benefits enable communities to function and prosper, allowing them to build social cohesion, social capital and healthy communities. E.g. parks and nature tourism are significant contributors to our regional (and national) economy / parks and associated tourism provide employment / urban greening attracts new businesses, consumers and tourists / significant natural features raise real estate values / contact with nature can reduce the burden of disease on the current health care system, promoting health and wellbeing.

Environmental: the contribution our green spaces make to our physical environment is immense. They maintain our clean air and water, enhance and protect biodiversity, cool our cities, store carbon, and protect the earth’s outstanding natural features and processes. Our open and green spaces also provide protection from environmental hazards and can support resilience of communities to hazards. For example, green space, particularly trees and shrubs, can protect people from the harm of key environmental exposures such as flooding, air pollution, noise, and extremes of temperature in urban environments. This protection is likely to become more important as the local impacts of climate change become more frequent and extreme.

Cultural: the importance to wellbeing of personal connections with nature is common to all cultures, and natural landscapes have traditionally been sources of inspiration for creative pursuits for all peoples throughout history. Urban spaces have a special cultural significance to tangata whenua, providing a sense of place and belonging intimately connected to concepts of turangawaewae. Natural landscapes, vegetation and waterways in urban areas, can provide Māori with access to mahinga kai (traditional food sources), and protection of wahi tapu (sacred sites). Open spaces create opportunities for cultural interaction, bringing people of different cultures together to celebrate community diversity, or for communities to celebrate their own cultures.

—Regional Public Health

source: (http://www.rph.org.nz/content/d893f45e-9d35-4906-bde7-c4912036c97e.cmr)


What makes a good open space?Parks and open spaces that are the right size and right shape maximise recreation opportunities.

Open space/park requirements• within an easy walk (10 minutes) of

where people live

• appropriate to the needs and demographic profile of the community it serves

• visible and easy to access with clear sightlines and wayfinding, logically laid out with no hidden corners.

• relates strongly to its surrounding environment, ideally fronting two or more streets and with natural features (streams, trees, bush, etc)

• the right size for the right activities and uses to accommodate the intended functions

• provide opportunities to enhance biodiversity

• connected to the wider walkway and cycleway networks

open space that is tucked land locked behind private properties, limited egress points and difficult size.

neighbourhood park with no street frontage with limited passive surveillance.

open space with clear circulation and generous entry and egress points

neighbourhood park with good passive observation located on a corner site with streets on two sides.


What makes a good linear corridorLinear corridors provide both ecological and recreational values to the community and environment. Corridors can be developed along main infrastructure routes like streets, railways and natural features like streams, rivers and escarpments.

Public access to rivers and streams is a ‘matter of national importance’ under the RMA. Currently, access to streams and rivers is by way of formed roads, paper roads, council reserves, esplanade strips and esplanade reserves. The Upper Hutt District Plan identifies a number of rivers and streams that require an esplanade strip or reserve to be created alongside when a property owner is undertaking a subdivision on a site that shares a boundary with the identified stream or river. This esplanade strip or reserve can then be used by the public to access the stream or river.

Knowing which streams and rivers contribute most effectively to the open space network would ensure that future corridors are identified and created, as opportunities arise.

Esplanade reserves are fragmented and disconnected, making management and access for recreation difficult with limited opportunities for ecological enhancement.

Linking reserves into a contiguous esplanade provides many opportunities to access for recreation purposes and provide greater opportunities to enhance biodiversity.

The Hutt River trail is a good example of a recreation corridor where people can access the full length of the reserve for all sorts of recreational pursuits cycling, walking, fishing, swimming, etc.

ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC OPEN … HUTT CITY COUNCIL DRAFT OPEN SPACE ISSUES AND...

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