Wellington now has a binding target to slash greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.
Greater Wellington Regional Council wants to see a 40 percent increase in cycling, walking and public transport use. Photo: LDR / Chloe Ranford
The changes to the Regional Policy Statement will encourage urban density near public transport, and cleaner travel options.
Greater Wellington Regional Council yesterday voted for the measures which aim to halve dangerous gasses by 2030, and bring them to net zero by 2050.
In eight years it wants to cut transport emission by a third, and see a 40 percent increase in cycling, walking and public transport use.
New consenting rules will require transport plans to minimise private vehicle use in favour of public transport.
Councillor Thomas Nash said putting targets into regulations gives them statutory force.
All other planning documents will have to give effect to the new rules.
"The Regional Policy Statement is one of the most powerful tools in the council's toolbox so today's decision is a landmark one," he said.
He said developers will need to demonstrate no increase in emissions - and it should now not be possible to develop new suburbs where people have no option but to own a private vehicle to get to and from.
Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter said these were ambitious goals supported by an equally ambitious range of policies - but were necessary in the face of rapidly advancing climate change.
He said it would significantly influence the region by encouraging urban intensification that will lead to low emissions infrastructure and new housing development around travel corridors.
"Also at the heart of the change is a focus on arresting the degradation of freshwater. It will strengthen existing provisions for protecting biodiversity and restoring native ecosystems," Ponter said.
"It will also incorporate Te Mana o te Wai, which encompasses principles relating to the roles of mana whenua / tangata whenua and other New Zealanders in the management of freshwater."
The public has until the middle of October to give its feedback.