Avanzar Consulting

Why the shape of our cities matters

As New Zealand’s planning system undergoes its biggest transformation in decades, there’s a critical conversation we need to have about what “well-functioning urban areas” actually means.

Too often, urban development conversations default to purely technical metrics: density, efficiency, infrastructure capacity, compliance costs. Sure – these do matter—but they’re insufficient on their own. The Planning Bill’s current goal to create “well-functioning” urban areas lacks context and maybe is setting the bar low. Many shantytown’s in the third world can be described as technically functional. Don’t our communities deserve better?

The business case for beautiful cities

Here’s what the research tells us: beauty in urban environments isn’t decoration—it’s a measurable driver of economic and social outcomes. Aesthetic quality significantly impacts city satisfaction, quality of life, and community pride. Well-designed urban landscapes can reduce mental stress and improve happiness. These aren’t soft benefits—they translate to workforce retention, property values, and community resilience.

For developers and investors, this matters. Projects that prioritise good design, amenity, and proven urban design principles consistently outperform purely functional developments over the long term. They attract better tenants, command premium pricing, and generate less community opposition during consenting.

What’s missing from current planning reform

The Planning Bill appears to have jettisoned the definition of ‘amenity’ and need to consider this as, is currently the case under the Resource Management Act.  This has well researched implications particularly on those systems that protect quality of life for lower-income residents who have fewer options to relocate from poorly designed environments.  It may also ultimately end up frustrating those innovative solutions seeking to ‘shift the dial’ from ‘sausage flats’ to perimeter block housing.

At Avanzar, we’re advocating against a ‘free for all’ and ‘race to the bottom’ mentality that recognises that the shape of  our cities is the shape of our future. Not only do we work with individual private clients, we also work with developers, councils, and investors to integrate:

• Evidence-based urban design principles that enhance long-term asset value
• Solutions that reduce consent risk and community opposition
• Health and well-being outcomes that strengthen social license
• Maintenance frameworks that protect investment over time

Strategic implications for your next project

As the Planning Bill progresses, forward-thinking developers have an opportunity to differentiate through design excellence. The projects that will thrive under new frameworks will be those that demonstrate genuine commitment to creating places people want to be—not just buildings that are functional.

Avanzar’s resource management planning team helps clients navigate this complexity, positioning projects for success in both consenting processes and market performance.