Rethinking spatial planning in a more hazardous world: An examination of climate change adaptation integration in spatial plans in New Zealand: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Lincoln University

Abstract

Spatial planning is a process and tool for the management of space and resources in a specific geographical area. Competing demands and conflict over the use of space can be resolved by spatial planning. The challenge of enabling well-functioning urban environments while promoting resilience against climate change induced natural hazards is an example where spatial planning can be used to determine strategic land use objectives. Climate change is already having an adverse impact on New Zealand and future events will be more frequent and severe. Simultaneously, there is pressure to promote growth in urban areas that are resilient to natural hazards. Flooding events such as Westport 2021, Nelson 2022 and Tasman 2025 demonstrate New Zealand’s urban environments do not possess the resilience to withstand the current and future effects of climate change. On this point, there is discussion on what climate change adaptation should be implemented. New Zealand does not have a history of spatial planning and the literature reflects this situation. The research examined how climate change adaptation has been integrated into spatial plans. Two case studies and questionnaires with professional planners were used to examine spatial plans in New Zealand and internationally. The results were examined via the use of integrated environmental management theory. The key finding was that spatial planning in New Zealand has not sufficiently integrated climate change adaptation to effectively meet the challenges of a warming planet. Greater problem definition, including the identification of the connections between the various aspects of a spatial plan must be assessed. Future efforts to develop spatial plans should consider the critical factors that enable or inhibit the integration of climate change adaptation.