Rural and urban land use capability assessment: Macandrew and Company Bays, Otago Peninsula: A project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Post-Graduate Diploma of Natural Resources in the University of Canterbury [Lincoln College]

Abstract

Nature of the Problem: Erosion within urban areas has often not been adequately recognised in the past, creating numerous problems and resulting in heavy economic and social losses. To ensure well-planned urban development, environmental as well as socio-economic factors of the area in question need to be examined. A knowledge of the erosion potential of the land must therefore become a major consideration throughout the planning of urban development. This survey includes an area of four small catchments totalling some 1000ha behind Macandrew and Company Bays on the northwestern slopes of Otago Peninsula. The area is wholly within the Dunedin City Council (D.C.C.) boundaries (refer Fig.1). These catchments have a long history of mass movement and instability problems, and some landslide damage has occurred to existing residential properties. The D.C.C. draft district scheme, Part 28, Macandrew and Company Bays, is presently being considered by interested parties. It shows vacant sections within residential zones and several areas set aside for future residential development (refer Fig.2). Subdivision of adjacent rural land down to a minimum of 4ha is also proposed. Aim of Study: The aim of this study is to produce capability assessments of the survey area to assist the D.C.C. planners make recommended land use decisions in the district scheme review.