Client
Services
Year
Location
: Kāinga Ora
: Strategy + Policy
: 2024
: New Zealand
Ngahere Framework
The Urbanist was commissioned by Kāinga Ora to develop a national Ngahere Framework guide to establish a high-level pathway for Ngahere targets within the neighbourhoods in which Kāinga Ora work.
The framework sets out how Kāinga Ora and their partners can work better together to create quality ngahere outcomes on development properties and within neighbourhoods. It supports a ‘whole of catchment”, Te Taiao and Whenua approach. This prioritises an understanding of the natural environment where developments sit within the wider catchment. It is guided by matauranga māori and gives effect to Te Rautaki Māori and the Kāinga Ora Strategy.
The Ngahere Framework provides guidance to retain and increase quality ngahere and to support biodiversity across the neighbourhoods in which Kāinga Ora work. Nature and the biodiversity that supports it sustains our economy, communities and wellbeing. Quality ngahere contributes to increased levels of wellbeing across environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes and is an essential part of climate-resilient urban environments.
The framework proposes that we establish ngahere as critical infrastructure and take an intergenerational approach for long-term outcomes.
“The team at the Urbanist have developed a comprehensive approach to put our Ngahere policy into practice based on data analysis which acknowledges the complex needs of our projects and distils this into an easy-to-implement strategy.”
Jenny Chilcott, Ngahere Lead for Kāinga Ora
The Urbanist team:
Reviewed and compared recent Kāinga Ora Projects to evaluate current practice and advise ways to achieve more robust and repeatable outcomes for increasing ngahere and biodiversity.
Worked collaboratively with diverse teams at Kāinga Ora.
Developed a comprehensive ngahere and canopy targets tool for use within Kāinga Ora, utilising it on common housing typologies.
Developed straightforward strategy to provide better biodiversity on development lots that integrates with the wider context.
Proposed targets which are achievable under current conditions in the short term, with ambitious targets for better longer-term outcomes.
Lead workshops engaging key stakeholders to present the findings, build support, and provide feedback which was incorporated into the work.
Produced a guide which is easy to understand using visual cues and diagrams along with supporting text to convey key messages.