Introduction

In this chapter, we report on the development of a trans-disciplinary research programme now under way in New Zealand which is designed to bring low impact urban design and development (LIUDD) practices into the mainstream. The development of LIUDD in New Zealand has drawn on earlier initiatives such as Low Impact Development (LID; Shaver, 2000), an alternative approach to stormwater management in North America. LID has much in common with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) in Australia (Lloyd et al., 2001b) which deliberately embraces LID as well as other elements. A strong driver has been the need to enhance sustainability of the built environment through an integrated approach to urban design and development (van Roon, 2005). LIUDD aims to avoid a wide range of adverse physiochemical, biodiversity, social, economic and amenity effects that arise from conventional urban development and, at the same time, aims to protect aquatic and terrestrial ecological integrity (van Roon and Knight, 2004; van Roon and van Roon, 2005). With appropriate planning, funding and management, it is possible to have different patterns of development and intensities of development, whilst still meeting environmental standards and economic aspirations.

The chapter first provides some commentary on urban development practices in Auckland and New Zealand which provides a rationale for the development of the research approach. Second, key environmental, economic and social benefits of implementing LIUDD are identified through stakeholder interviews and literature reviews. Finally, the research programme and its four themes are outlined.