The Christchurch greenbelt - a cultural icon : acknowledging intangible values in resource decision making

Abstract

The greenbelt policy in Christchurch has recently been the subject of much local publicity. This has been in reaction to development proposals in the greenbelt, and changing regional policies required under the Resource Management Act. This paper is interested in why this issue has generated such concern amongst the local Christchurch community. It traces the greenbelt's historical and cultural origins as a means to understanding its significance. It finds that the greenbelt policy has become a symbol for intangible values about the relationship between the urban and the rural environment. While the term may not be appropriate under the new planning environment, the concept remains an important icon. The challenge for planning is to recognise that such intangible values are not only valid, but significant. Resistance to change will continue until such values are recognised and respected. It is only from here that new, more appropriate concepts may emerge.