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1    Introduction

Urban design is becoming increasingly important in New Zealand. Quality urban design can result in cities, towns and neighbourhoods that maintain their identity, character and amenity values, while allowing for development, redevelopment and potential population growth. Quality urban design is sympathetic to the surrounding environment and cultural values of a location, encouraging urban development in a cohesive and structured manner, and integrating with existing urban form.


Quality developments at any scale can have a range of economic, environmental and social benefits, which appeal to both developers and potential investors, as well as being of greater benefit to the public.
Matamata-Piako District Council is a signatory to the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, signalling its intent to implement good urban design within the district. The Protocol sets out the 7 Cs of urban design which are discussed in more detail in Part I of the guidelines, in section 3: Core Subdivision Design Principles. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is also an important part of urban design and involves designing areas that people feel safe in and where potential criminal activity is deterred.


These design guidelines help ensure that the subdivision performance standards in Section 6 of the Matamata-Piako District Plan are achieved.


Part I of this guide provides an overview of why guidelines are necessary for the district, and the core principles that should be considered in the design of all subdivisions. The guide then looks at development layout and site planning issues, including relevant urban design matters to be considered during the subdivision stage. Part I has been based on the Kapiti Coast District Council’s Best Practice Subdivision Guide.


Part II of this guide discusses matters to be considered in smaller subdivisions (1–5 allotments). However, these matters are not restricted to smaller subdivisions and can also be relevant for larger developments. Council also endorses that developers employ a suitably qualified person (or persons) when undertaking subdivisions of 5 or more lots.