Learn about Wellington Regional Growth Framework

The Wellington Regional Growth Framework (the Framework) is a spatial plan that will describe a long-term vision for how the region will grow, change and respond to key urban development challenges and opportunities in a way that gets the best outcomes and maximises the benefits across the region.

It will develop and test possible future scenarios for the region over the next 30 to 100 years. It will test the need for significant infrastructure and other investments and recommend a prioritised regional programme of work that will require joint action and investment.

The Framework will identify where areas for housing, public transport and roads, three waters infrastructure (stormwater, wastewater and drinking water), businesses and jobs, are recommended in the context of issues such as housing affordability, climate change, resilience and natural hazards. It will seek to reflect the housing and urban development aspirations of mana whenua in the region.

Working together

The Framework will draw on and incorporate the local and regional planning and engagement work on growth that has been undertaken already. It will be aligned with the Transport Outcomes Framework and Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding, the proposed National Policy Statements on Urban Development, Highly Productive Land, Freshwater Management and Biodiversity and the Governments’ Urban Growth Agenda.

Central Government, councils from the region and mana whenua are working together to develop the Framework and build an enduring regional growth partnership.

The project is an opportunity for regional spatial planning to incorporate Te Ao Māori, strengthen existing regional partnerships and be reflective of its Treaty partners.

The project partners recognise the values and aspirations of mana whenua and will continue to recognise the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the role of mana whenua as kaitiaki and the relationship of Māori with their ancestral lands, water sites, waahi tapu and other taonga.

Active engagement and collaboration between project partners will be central to the development of the Framework. The project kaupapa includes the principles of Ki uta ki Tai (connectedness), Wairuatanga (identity), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Tō Mātou whakapono (judgement based on knowledge) and Mahitahi (partnership).