Waikato Regional Spatial Inventory

Report: PS 2024/16

Author: Hannah Craven, Katrina Andrews, Miffy Foley

This Waikato Regional Spatial Inventory (RSS Inventory) has been prepared by Waikato Regional Council (WRC) as the evidence base for the development of a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).

This RSS Inventory establishes what an RSS is, what matters it may include, and how it fits into the statutory context of New Zealand. It identifies that the purpose of an RSS is to steward the use of space in a way that is consistent with regional priorities, economic and social strategies, and national strategic goals, shaping positive economic, social, cultural and ecological outcomes through place making. The government’s recent announcements on resource management reform indicate that regional spatial plans should be focused on identifying sufficient future urban development areas, development areas that are being prioritised for public investment, and existing and planned infrastructure corridors and strategic sites.

Guided by this understanding of spatial planning, the RSS Inventory provides a snapshot of the information currently held by WRC, other local authorities in the Waikato region, and other stakeholders that may be useful or relevant in developing an RSS. This includes highlighting the overall context of the Waikato region and the key issues and opportunities identified by policy and community, and also collating existing work and information regarding economy, infrastructure, land-use and environment (covering terrestrial, marine and coastal). This includes analysis of demographic and economic information sources, local authority policy documents and central government agency strategic direction.