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    Local tourism planning and urban design : the reinforcement of "image" at National Park township, Tongariro, National Park : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Regional Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1990) Vivian, Brent A
    This study addresses a tourism planning problem at a small service settlement on the western border of Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island of New Zealand. The name of this settlement is National Park Township. Over the past 10 years, National Park Township has become an increasingly important accommodation base for Tongariro National Park. The Park itself is internationally renowned for its spectacular volcanic and mountainous landscapes, and offers a variety of recreational activities. Additionally, it is easily accessible by road. The tourism planning problem addressed by this study is related to research indicating that the physical appearance of National Park Township detracts from its overall 'image' as a desirable tourist destination. As such, it is one of many initiatives being organised by the Ruapehu District Council (formerly the Taumarunui County Council) to promote and develop the township as a tourist resort. The subsequent overall aim of the study is to improve the image of the township through formulation of urban design suggestions relating to a new zoning may, design guidelines, and works programmes. These suggestions will seek to achieve a satisfactory visual and physical environment, and build form that harmonises with the 'unique' features of the surroundings. They will be formulated through implementation of a 'National Park Township Design Process' involving analysis of the visual elements of the township and of existing guidelines. Implementation of the suggestions by the Ruapehu District Council will help to improve the image of National Park Township in terms of its physical appearance, both in the short and long term. This in turn will make the township a more desirable accommodation base from which to experience the many and varied recreational activities of the Ruapehu region. Ultimately, they will accrue econonic benefits to the Council and district alike.
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    The challenge of planning for urban residential environments under the Resource Management Act 1991 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Resource & Environment Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2009) Ross, Joanna Margaret
    Planning for urban areas is a process of proactively and creatively providing for the future physical form of an urban area, including its design, development and subsequent use, through the development and implementation of policy and other measures seeking to ensure quality environmental, economic and social outcomes. Yet in New Zealand, the legislation enabling such intervention, the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), makes no reference to the term urban or any of the elements of the urban environment. This thesis proposes that there is a remit, and indeed a requirement, under the RMA to sustainably manage the built form, and that this should be sought through anticipatory policies in district plans. The extent to which elements of urban planning are currently being provided for in operative district plans was examined using content analysis as a research method - i.e. a word count of specific words/phrases relating to urban elements from which inferences could be drawn. The results indicated that elements of urban planning are being provided for in district plan provisions to a greater or lesser extent, although in most instances were not within its 'power house', i.e. the objectives and policies. Further interpretive analysis of actual district plan text suggests that references to urban elements lacked specificity. The results also showed that few associations existed between the various urban elements examined, and that there were no clear causal factors for high urban element word counts. This paper concludes that planners can confidently provide for elements of urban planning in district plans. In doing so their legacy will be district plans that are more strategic, and therefore in alignment with the purpose of the RMA - the sustainable management of natural and physical resources - as opposed to the prevailing view that they should take a more retrospective perspective, seeking only to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of activities on the environment.