Understanding medium density development in Kāpiti

This piece of research was undertaken following the completion of the Housing and Business Assessment (HBA) in 2019. A finding of the HBA was that lower risks and strong preferences for standalone housing meant that opportunities for medium density development were being ‘trumped’ by standalone housing. The purpose of the research was to better understand the factors influencing medium density development across the Kapiti Coast District. Understanding these factors is important as medium density development is seen as playing an increasingly important role in meeting the future growth needs of the district.

The findings of the report will help inform a number of pieces of work that will shape how medium density development is provided and managed in the future. This includes the review of the District Growth Strategy, and the Urban Development Plan Change that will update the District Plan to meet requirements to enable intensification under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. The work will also help inform Council’s evolving Housing Work Programme to develop relationships and partnerships with iwi, developers and community housing providers to provide solutions to help address the district’s growing housing needs.