Integrated Land Transport and Land Use Planning Opportunities for Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Urban New Zealand: A Case Study of the Wellington Region

<p>The New Zealand Government has the desire to be the first carbon neutral country in the world. Climate change policy has identified transport as a key contributor resulting in the goal to halve per capita domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. In order to reduce CO2 emissions whilst achieving core land transport outcomes, this study focuses on the Wellington region and explores the available frameworks for integrated planning in land transport and transport-related land use. Legislation and regional policy is reviewed and international best practice in integrated planning is identified. Perspectives from practitioners in land transport and land use planning in New Zealand are given. Integrated planning in urban transport and design is well established in many developed countries but is not prevalent in New Zealand. Recent and proposed legislation and policy in land transport management and climate change aim to rectify this but the policy and planning landscape remains complex. Transit oriented development aligns well with regional policy outcomes and could contribute to CO2 emissions reductions in the long term. A reprioritisation of land transport investment away from fossil fuel dependency to support low carbon transport via active travel modes and freight movement by rail and sea is recommended.</p>