Urban development shapes the future of our communities by improving cities to support changing populations, enhancing transportation systems to keep people moving, and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Why do we need a Future Development Strategy (FDS)?

It is a requirement for all councils in Aotearoa New Zealand meeting minimum population and growth levels to plan for the expected demand for housing and business land over the short, medium, and long term. The rules around this are set out in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (NPS-UD).

Each local authority is classified in the NPS-UD by their population size and growth rates.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 local authorities are required to develop a Future Development Strategy (FDS). This FDS is a strategic document that will form the foundation for integrated, long-term urban planning and ensures sustainable growth. 

Dunedin City Council (DCC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) are Tier 2 local authorities.

Under the NPS-UD, Otago Regional Council (ORC) is required to jointly produce an FDS and an accompanying implementation plan with each of DCC and QLDC.

Under cl 3.17 of the NPS-UD, tier 1 and 2 local authorities are “strongly encouraged” to use the relevant FDS to inform infrastructure strategies, regional land transport plans, and any other relevant strategies and plans.

For more information on the DCC and QLDC NPS-UD work programmes, click the links below. You can also read the full NPS-UD document.