19 Dec 2008: Soil use in Tauranga

An important and exciting part of my role is getting out of the office to meet with people around the country. It is particularly interesting finding out about the different ways in which different councils address environmental problems.

On a recent visit to Tauranga (pictured right with Robyn Skelton of Environment Bay of Plenty and Jennie Francke, Office of the PCE), I was particularly pleased to learn that the ‘SmartGrowth’ project used information about soil versatility in setting urban limits.

SmartGrowth is aimed at developing and implementing a plan for managing urban growth in the western Bay of Plenty. The programme is being led by Environment Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and Tangata Whenua, on behalf of the community.
 
Local soils were assessed for their versatility to help determine which land is suitable for urban development or and which land is suitable for food and fibre production. These results have been used to assist in the setting of proposed urban limits for the fast-growing city of Tauranga.
 
In my view, soils should be listed in section 6 of the Resource Management Act as a matter of national importance.
 
As always, if you have any feedback or comments, please email me at pce@pce.parliament.nz. I would also like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.