Last Amended 10 July 2009 Rural Area Design Guide Operative 27/07/00

Rural Area Design Guide

Table of Contents

Page

1.0 Introduction ……………………………………… 2

 Intention of the Design Guide
 Natural and Rural Character
 The Design Guide and the District Plan
 How to use this Design Guide
 Consultation

2.0 Site Analysis Requirement ………………………... 4

 Recognising local and site character
 Extent and scale of site analysis plan

3.0 Natural Features, Ecosystems and Habitats …….. 5

4.0 Planting …………………………………………… 7

5.0 Rural heritage ……………………………………. 9

6.0 Access ……………………………………………... 10

7.0 Boundary Location and Treatment …………….. 11

8.0 Locating Buildings ………………………………. 13

9.0 Design of Buildings and Structures ……………….16

10.0 Providing for Change …………………………… 17

Appendices ……………………………….18

Character Analysis
A1 Overview
A2 Makara
A3 Ohariu Valley
A4 South Karori
A5 Horokiwi
A6 The coastal landscape
A7 Takapu Valley
A8 City fringe areas

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1.0 Introduction
Intention of the Design Guide
This Design Guide applies to subdivisions and residential
buildings and associated residential accessory buildings in the
Rural Area. Its intention is to provide for sustainable rural living
while enhancing and protecting rural character and amenity.

It is intended that subdivisions and residential buildings will be:

 sensitive to the unique rural landscapes of Wellington;
 environmentally sustainable;
 attractive places to live; and
 efficiently integrated into the infrastructure of services.

When planning new development the amenity of both existing

residents as well as newcomers must be considered. Privacy,
shelter, access to open space, the maintenance of a quiet
environment, and security need to be thought about to ensure the
quality of lifestyle is sustained for existing residents while
offering the same for newcomers.

The Design Guide also applies to access tracks, roads and

buildings (excluding wind turbines or wind energy generators)
associated with wind energy facilities.

Natural and Rural Character

Any new development should seek to endorse and enhance the
existing natural and rural character. In rural areas there is a
blending of the functional and the aesthetic, the natural and the
cultural. Rural environments are most valued for their natural
and open pastoral character and it is this character which new
development can threaten. The challenge for developers is to
provide for a balance, to ensure that development does not
overwhelm the natural and rural character with geometric and
fragmenting patterns and prominent built structures.

Most of Wellington’s rural landscapes have been subject to

varying degrees of human modification. Rural settings
commonly offer a mix of managed and cultivated landscapes and
wild natural areas. Individual preferences vary; some people
prefer more ordered settings while others enjoy unstructured
wild places.

The appendices provide an overview of the character and

qualities of rural landscapes around Wellington. They include
the perceptions of the communities who live in these places,
what they appreciate and what they regard as important.

The Design Guide and the District Plan

This Design Guide provides the objectives and criteria against
which resource consent applications for subdivision and
residential buildings provided for as discretionary activities in
the District Plan rules will be assessed. Applicants seeking
resource consent approvals will be required to demonstrate that
the requirements of the Design Guide have been satisfied when
formulating their proposal. As such the Design Guide is an Valued rural character
important reference document.
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Proposals must recognize and respect the existing character and

qualities of a site as well as demonstrate a commitment to
developing quality rural residential living environments.

No precise formula exists for the skilful planning and design of

rural development so the Guideline allows considerable
flexibility in terms of detailed design. It outlines clear design
principles that new developments are expected to observe, but
these should not be considered as rigid rules. The illustrations in
the Guide are intended to support the text by explaining
principles. They are not intended to represent actual design
solutions.

How to use this Design Guide

The Design Guide is formatted to reflect the steps an applicant

should follow. These include:

1. Develop an understanding of the general character and

qualities of the area and what the local people care about.
The area specific character analysis in the appendices
provides a starting point for this.

2. Identify the attributes of the site and its immediate environs

that need to be recognized and integrated into your design
through the development of a site analysis plan. Section 2.0
of the Guide outlines the scope and extent of the required
site analysis. With the benefit of a site analysis plan showing
critical features and patterns it will be possible to explore
options for boundary locations, access ways and locating
buildings.

3. With reference to the appropriate sections of this guideline,

consider the treatment of boundaries, access ways and
building sites. Most of the guideline will be relevant
whether you are planning a whole subdivision or simply the
layout of a section or lot.

4. When proposing a new residential building or extension,

consider the scale and design of buildings and ancillary
structures in relation to the objectives and guidelines.

5. Document the decisions made and reasons for these. This

will support the proposed site plan and can be evidence of
matters raised by the design guide having been addressed in
your resource consent application.

Consultation
While formulating the proposal be mindful of the potential
adverse impacts on adjacent properties. In order to identify
opportunities for coordination and help identify and resolve
potential conflicts it is worthwhile discussing aspirations and
plans with adjoining neighbours.

It is also recommended that before you finalise your proposal

you arrange to discuss the general concept with council officers.
A meeting can be arranged by contacting the Urban Strategy
Group at Wellington City Council. This can help the resource
consent process to run more smoothly.

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2.0 Site Analysis Requirement

Recognising local and site character

When planning development in rural areas the important

characteristics of the site and locality must be identified. An
area-specific character analysis is provided in the appendix
and the appropriate section should be used to inform the
development of your site. In addition, recognising that each
site will have special local characteristics, a site analysis plan
will be required. This must show the defining attributes and
features of the site and its immediate surroundings including:

 Contours sufficient to understand general landform and to

assess the visibility of features from key viewing points.
 Roads, public reserves and walkways
 Location and general type of planting; trees, shelterbelts,
hedges, native and plantation vegetation
 Open and treeless or pasture areas
 Waterways, wetlands and their associated vegetation
 Existing buildings (identifying their type)
 Fence lines and boundaries
 Heritage sites and any other places, elements or structures Indicative Site Analysis Plan
of historic or cultural significance.
 Major services eg major power pylons and lines

Aerial photographs with an overlay of contour lines are ideal

for developing an understanding of the site and identifying key
features. These can be obtained from Wellington City Council.

Additional information may be required. Wellington City

Council, Greater Wellington, the Department of Conservation
and the Historic Places Trust are all sources of useful
information and advice.

Extent and Scale of Site Analysis Plan

The site analysis must show the development site in its local
landscape context. The landscape around all sides of the site
must be shown. The amount of adjoining area shown on each
side of the site should be not less than the width of the site
itself. (The site at the centre of the plan will occupy around
1/9 the total drawing area.)

Plans must be at a scale sufficient to show the defining

characteristics of the site in its context.
 Site analysis for a very large development might be at a
scale of 1:2000, 1:5000 or even 1:10,000, whereas a small
development might be drawn at 1:500 or 1:1000
 A series of plans at varying scales might be necessary.
Where a development site is very large, a small scale (for
example 1:10,000) may be used to show wider landscape
patterns, and a second drawing of a larger scale provided
to show defining patterns on and immediately around the Extent of Site Analysis
site.

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3.0 Natural Features,

Ecosystems and Habitats

Analysis
The visual coherence of the landscape is important. Views of
long stretches of natural coastline and open ridges and spurs
can be highly valued, especially when built structures are
minimal and their impact is minor. Natural patterns of woody
vegetation and pasture establish character, provide coherence
and add interest.

Prominent natural landforms

Prominent landforms contribute to local character. Landforms
unique to Wellington and of particular interest and concern
include the coastal escarpment and terraces, and all main
hilltops, ridges and spurs.
Landscape elements as defining features
The coastal environment
The coastal environment has a wild and expansive character.
Pasture is often interspersed with scrub and along some parts of
the coast a reversion to an indigenous plant cover is occurring.
Indigenous regrowth is most prolific on steep southern faces.
Settlement is generally tightly contained and the wild and
natural landscape dominates farming infrastructure.

Wetlands and waterways

The wetlands and waterways of rural Wellington are frequently
associated with access and settlement. Wetlands and
waterways are of significance to wildlife as well as to human
welfare. Water as a feature is very important to character and
amenity.
Prominent ridges
Ecosystems and Habitats
Features of ecological value include wetlands, streams, native
vegetation, and groups of mature exotic trees. Indigenous
vegetation is particularly important as native birds often return
with the re-establishment of indigenous cover and this
contributes to enhanced biodiversity. Waterways and their
associated vegetation contribute to a visual and ecological
connectedness and coherence. Rebuilding wildlife corridors is
particularly important as a means of re-establishing habitats.
An extended framework of habitat is more sustainable than
isolated pockets.

Vegetation with habitat potential

Objectives

O1 To protect and enhance the distinctive natural character of

prominent landforms, the coastal environment, wetlands,
streams and their margins.

O2 To provide for the long term sustainability of ecosystems

and habitats by recognising and providing for natural
processes.

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Guidelines

G1 Maintain streams (including small intermittently flowing

watercourses) wetlands, and associated vegetation
(particularly stream side riparian vegetation).

G2 Ensure that the quality and quantity of water associated with

streams and wetlands will be unchanged by development.

G3 Protect and enhance waterways and drifts of vegetation

running through the development site, particularly those
making connections with the surrounding landscape.

G4 Protect significant indigenous vegetation and habitat. This

may require buffer planting, connecting vegetation
fragments, fences and ongoing weed and pest control.

G5 Link existing habitats and vegetation with additional

planting.

G6 Minimise the intrusion of 'cultural' elements into very

natural/wilderness environments

G7 Protect any features of geological interest such as

terraces, escarpments, and rock outcrops.

G8 Minimise any earthworks disturbance to the natural ground

form.

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4.0 Planting

Analysis

Existing exotic trees and shrubs are extremely important to the

character of settled rural areas in Wellington. Some conifer
plantings are of historic interest, macrocarpa in particular.
Groups of old macrocarpa scattered through a development
confer a cultural coherence and are reminders of the area's
history of settlement. Following the removal of the indigenous
vegetation cover early settlers soon discovered that conifers were
essential as a first step in providing shelter and making an area
habitable. People moving into elevated and exposed landscapes
today observe the same practices.

New planting can enhance natural character and indigenous

biodiversity while fulfilling the functional needs of shade and
shelter. It may also mitigate any adverse effects of structures.
Planting can provide buffers where there are conflicts between
uses.

Maintaining or extending existing patterns of vegetation in new

subdivisions is important for visual integration and coherence.
Sensibly designed planting which traverses public and private
spaces can greatly assist in the future visual integration of
buildings and structures. Hedges are a common element and
rows and groups of trees are often planted for functional
purposes, typically defining lot or paddock boundaries. Species
diversity is limited except in areas of settlement, and in the
private gardens around houses.

Carefully placed planting along roads and access-ways provides

shade, shelter and privacy. Memorable landscaping and open
space frameworks can contribute to a sense of community
identity and increase real estate values.

Planting for shelter and privacy

Traditional farm homesteads were effectively buffered from the
extreme winds of open pastoral landscapes by intensive shelter Extended pattern of tree planting
planting to create attractive and liveable enclaves. Similar
planting can also create spaces and provide buffering and
privacy for future infill. Although vegetation is not a
particularly effective noise barrier it does serve to screen out
activities in a psychological sense. Solid planting can also screen
out potentially intrusive rural activities - movement, noise, dust,
and chemical spray drift.

Objectives

O1 To reinforce, extend, and complement established patterns of

planting.

O2 To provide shelter, privacy, and screening to enhance living

environments and minimise the adverse visual impacts of
structures as viewed from neighbours houses and public
roads.

O3 Where appropriate, establish planting of indigenous plant

species to enhance or restore indigenous biodiversity.

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Guidelines

G1 Use species and planting combinations characteristic of or

indigenous to the local area. Take cues from existing species
and patterns of vegetation associated with buildings, access-
ways, hilltops, ridges and spurs, and remnant stands of
indigenous vegetation.

G2 Retain significant trees and hedges when they are part of a

defining pattern within the local landscape, such as a
boundary shelter belt. Maintain the continuity of existing
patterns of planting extending beyond the boundaries of the
development site.

G3 Encourage the natural regeneration of natives and plant

natives where this is consistent with the established rural
character.

G4 Consider extending existing bush areas or groups of trees to

provide a setting for new buildings and help to integrate
new buildings into the landscape.

G5 Avoid placing woodlots on prominent ridges and spurs, and

ensure their edges reflect natural patterns and contours and
are softened and integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Edges could be softened by planting at a variable density,
planting groups of different species, or by encouraging the
natural regeneration of natives.

G6 Where contour modification is necessary for building

platforms and access roads use planting to soften visual
impacts.

G7 Use planting around building sites to screen and soften

structures and to create shelter and private space. Take cues
from established plantings in the area.

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5.0 Rural Heritage

Analysis

Retaining and enhancing the heritage features of a site can lend

character and interest while helping to integrate the development
into the wider landscape. Respecting the contribution of earlier
occupants efforts can provide important cues to sensible
connections, planting and building location.

Existing features such as old shelter-belts, indigenous remnants,

and even old buildings should be kept if possible to provide a
sense of well established rural character and connectedness.

The heritage features of an area include places, pathways and

structures of spiritual and historic significance to Maori, Woolshed establishes rural character
Europeans, or both.

Old agricultural buildings and structures – woolsheds and other

farm sheds, and elements such as loading races and stock pens -
are significant reminders of traditional rural activity. They
make historical links to activities often long past, and are
important determinants of rural character.

Objectives
O1 To protect important cultural and heritage features including
older trees, houses, and other rural buildings.

Guidelines

G1 Retain any historic roads, walkways, paths and tracks and

ensure the main landscape features that establish their setting
are maintained or enhanced.

G2 Retain buildings and structures with historic relevance or

character including, for example, old woolsheds and features
such as loading ramps and stockyards.

G3 Explore the adaptive reuse of rural buildings that

characterise the agricultural use and the history of the area. Loading race

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6.0 Access
Analysis
Travel on rural roads is an important part of the rural experience,
for those who live in rural areas as well as for visitors. Safe
access ways for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders needs to be
provided. A network of walkways and cycle ways connecting
amenities such as schools and public open space may also fulfil
a wider recreational purpose.

Roads and access ways

Roads have significant impacts on natural character and
amenity. Roads can have major visual as well as ecological
impacts and vehicle noise can be intrusive.

Narrow roads that follow the contour, involve a minimum of cut

and fill, and have rough grass verges with an absence of
shoulders sit most comfortably in a rural setting. Wide verges,
formed footpaths and kerbing and channelling are out of
character in such settings.

Numerous side roads and property entrances can be difficult to

see, dangerous and distracting. New entrances off main roads
should be minimised, with one access-way being provided to
serve groups of buildings where possible.
Typical rural road
Walkways and cycle ways
Formal walkways, cycle ways, and possibly bridle paths need to
be considered, particularly in relation to larger subdivisions.
Easy and safe access in attractive settings is one of the
traditional expectations of rural areas. New development also
allows the possibility of adding to the range of characteristic
rural recreational opportunities already existing. Access to
natural areas along lake and stream edges and onto hills and
ridges can add to the amenities for residents as well as
expanding recreational networks for visitors.

Objectives

O1 To ensure that new development is accessible and the road

network provides for efficient, convenient, and safe access.

O2 To ensure that roads and access-ways are designed to

minimise visual intrusion and that their construction is of a
rural character.

O3 To enhance the recreational potential of the road and access

way system

Guidelines
G1 Ensure that new roads and access ways are in character with
rural areas.

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o Keep public roads and private access ways at a

rural or farm scale.
o Discharge road runoff onto open ground or into
swales and where possible avoid curb and channel,
hardened surfaces, and pipes.

G2 Align roads and access ways to follow contours and respect

landforms in order to avoid unnatural patterns in the
landscape and to minimize earthworks and their visual
impacts.

G3 Ensure that planting adjacent to roads and access ways adds

to the amenity value without creating safety hazards.

G4 Where possible use shared access ways to minimize the

adverse visual effect of multiple driveways.

G5 Provide public roads through new subdivisions where

important public amenities need to be linked.

G6 Provide for safe walking, cycling and horse riding along the
verges of any new roads that are created. Minimising the effect of multiple accessways

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7.0 Boundary Location

and Treatment
Analysis

It is often the fragmentation of the landscape rather than the

addition of buildings that detracts from rural character and
amenity. Large areas of pasture with simple groups of conifers
or naturally patterned mixtures of grass and reverting scrub are,
when subdivided, often fragmented into geometric shapes
reinforced by rows of trees. New development must be
designed to mitigate this tendency to fragmentation. Access
ways and legal boundaries need to be located to minimize the
impacts of fragmentation and their treatment should ensure that
the traditional patterns and precedents of the wider rural
landscape are retained.
Established pattern of shelter belts
Varying lot sizes and locating buildings to maintain openness
In areas such as Makara and Ohariu Valleys, where only one
new lot can be subdivided from a large lot, a combination of one
large lot and one small lot can help to maintain the openness and
coherence of the rural landscape. In conjunction with this a
sense of openness can be retained by locating buildings with
mature trees or where they are absorbed into the landform; in
natural hollows for example. In this way new buildings are
contained rather than being seen to take over and dominate
open areas.

In areas on the urban fringe, where the District Plan allows

subdivision into smaller allotments, a combination of a few very
large lots complementing many small lots can help to maintain
the openness and coherence of the rural landscape. The benefits
of this approach are increased by co-locating dwellings in
carefully screened groups. Vegetation screens reduce the visual
impact of new dwellings and help to achieve privacy between
buildings.

Objective

O1 To establish boundaries and lot configurations that are in

keeping with both the natural features and the traditional
patterns of the rural landscape.

Guidelines

G1 Retain the scale, pattern, and treatment of enclosure or

openness occurring within the surrounding rural landscape.
Consider:
o Varying lot sizes to fit the existing scale and
pattern of enclosure; and
o Combining a limited number of very large lots
with a greater number of small lots to reduce
the adverse effects of boundary definition and
dispersed buildings and ancillary structures.
This strategy is particularly relevant where it
is desirable to retain an existing openness,

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such as over extensive pasture areas.

G2 Observe the pattern and treatment of existing boundaries

where these reflect traditional and valued practices.
Consider:
 Retaining traditional boundary markers such as old
shelter belts and groups of exotic trees.
 Maintaining a similar orientation, alignment, and
style of fences and planting to that already
existing.
 Continuing the alignment and character of planting
across lot boundaries to achieve visual coherence.
 Avoiding patchy and fragmented boundary
planting on adjoining lots.

G3 Consider using bulk planting and woodlots to shape

subdivisions and ensure their integration within the wider
landscape, simultaneously creating house sites with privacy
and shelter. Combining lots of different sizes to minimize
effect on rural character and outlook

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8.0 Locating Buildings

Analysis
Buildings should be located to maximise the benefits of the
rural setting while minimising their impact on that setting for
others. Ideally this means siting buildings away from the sight
and sound of the road, and sheltered from the wind.

Established rural buildings are generally settled into the

landscape, by time or by design, with plantings that shelter and
embrace them. New buildings need not be hidden but when
visible they should be low profile and nestled into, rather than
dominating, the site.

Reference to the traditional location of buildings in rural areas

suggests that:
 Buildings are typically set back from roads and hidden
from view by trees.
 Rural buildings are often set in trees or against hedges. This
means that even if located on a low ridge it is the
vegetation which is seen on the skyline rather than the
geometric form of the building.
 Buildings are usually located up off the flats, which can be
frosty and flood prone, and set on the lower slopes of hills,
on river terraces, or on natural plateaus. In a setting of
mature trees they are not generally visible. Rural buildings in the landscape
 Buildings are generally grouped. With the exception of
isolated barns, farm buildings tend to be clustered around
the homestead.

Dispersed development
In the past buildings in rural areas have been either dispersed on
large lots, located at the functional centre of a farm as a group,
or less commonly, grouped around community amenities to
create a ‘village’ setting. Where lots are smaller isolation is
difficult to achieve, and as buildings become more common
they begin to increase in significance and change the open,
undeveloped character of the rural landscape. Dispersal of new
buildings across the rural landscape at relatively frequent and
regular intervals will noticeably and irrevocably change the
character of the landscape from rural to suburban.

Careful development planning which uses natural landscape

features such as topography and vegetation to create screening
may in some circumstances allow a sense of isolation and
openness to be retained, even when buildings are relatively
common and dispersed across the landscape. The challenge is to
ensure that signs of habitation are not visually prominent.

Grouping buildings
The characteristic and traditional pattern of aggregated
buildings and intensive mixed plantings, set in relatively simple
and undivided areas of open pasture, can be maintained by
generally grouping new buildings or locating these in proximity
to existing buildings. Features of the site such as topography
and existing planting can be used as a basis for co-locating
buildings in a way that privacy is maintained. Co-location may
also enable shared access-ways to be considered, which would
reduce the intrusion of multiple entrances along a rural road. Traditional patterns of building aggregation

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Minimising the visual effects of earthworks

The location of potential building platforms should be
considered early on in the site planning stage, and this is
particularly important for steeply sloping sites. Locations that
require major and highly visible earthworks for access and
building platforms should be avoided.

Open space and visual privacy.

Choosing a rural lifestyle is usually about the prospect of space
and privacy. Views out from a sheltered and private enclave
onto areas of un-fragmented open space, bush or pasture are
valued. Considering the scale and demarcation of spaces is
important not only in terms of what the neighbours see, and
don’t see, but also in maintaining the openness that is
characteristic of rural areas. This means keeping buildings back
from the road, grouping buildings to avoid covering the
landscape with structures, and using established vegetation as
well as natural bumps and hollows to give visual separation and
screening. The planting of solid groups and buffers of
vegetation may be required to create real privacy. Any
subdivision of open space should be moderated in order to
maintain a sense of rural expansiveness.

Acoustic Privacy
Acoustic privacy for the dwelling might be achieved by
physical separation from other dwellings or the detailed design
of the dwelling, its ancillary buildings and surrounding
landscape features. The primary consideration is that people in Buildings placed to minimise impacts
or immediately adjacent to dwellings experience a sense of
acoustic privacy, and the noise associated with their typical day
to day activities does not effect their neighbours.

Maximising separation distances and dispersing new dwellings

across a development site without detracting from rural
character may be possible when lots are large and topography or
other landscape features can be used to screen new buildings
from view. Wide dispersal is usually only possible however
when the development intensity is very low. Most sites in a
rural environment do however offer the opportunity for
separation distances that are many times in excess of those
possible in urban situations.

When development is relatively intensive the scattering of

dwellings for acoustic reasons is likely to compromise the rural
character. In these circumstances detailed design measures such
as the detailed placement and orientation of living spaces,
acoustic barriers and screening elements, should be considered
in order to enable some grouping of buildings.

Objectives
O1 To reinforce valued characteristic patterns of building
placement.

O2 To minimise the visual impact of buildings in an open rural

environment.

O3 To maintain the open, un-built character of important

hilltops, ridgelines and spurs.

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O4 To ensure that development achieves the sense of space and

privacy characteristic of rural areas.

O5 To minimise ground disturbance in site development and

access provisions.

O6 To achieve reasonable acoustic privacy for dwellings.

O7 To optimise energy efficiency in the placement of buildings

Building location relative to ridgelines
on site

Guidelines

G1 Locate buildings to constrain their visual impacts using one

or more of the following methods:
o Keep buildings off prominent hills, spurs and ridges,
especially where they are seen against the sky.
o Use existing vegetation to screen, shelter, and convey a
sense of maturity.
o Locate buildings to use valleys and ridges to screen
them from each other and the road.
o Generally set buildings back from main roads and
avoid manicured garden frontages along road verges.
o Group buildings to reflect traditional patterns and to
maintain unobstructed openness on other parts of the
development site.

G2 Plan for enclosure and shelter to provide privacy and shelter Locating buildings to maintain characteristic
for the house site while maintaining long views out and the openness
sense of rural open space.

G3 When identifying house sites consider their relationship

with those on adjoining lots.

G4 Locate buildings to minimise the visual impacts of

any earthworks associated with access and
building platforms.

G5 Where acoustic privacy is likely to be of concern, consider:

o The use of topographical features, solid walls, ancillary Grouping buildings
buildings or a combination of these to provide acoustic
screening. Such acoustic barriers will be most
effective close to the source or the receiver of noise.
o Locating and orientating outdoor spaces directly
associated with the living areas of dwellings away
from similar areas on adjoining sites.
o Creating acoustic enclosures around stationary
mechanical equipment.
o In combination with the above measures, using
intensive planting to screen the source of noise and
create the impression of acoustic privacy.

G6 Orientate main living and associated outdoor spaces to the Buildings screened for privacy and orientated
sun and provide shelter from prevailing winds. for sun, views and a sense of openness

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9.0 Design of Buildings

and Structures
Analysis
The sense of being rural derives as much from the character of
the cultural dimension as it does from the natural. If buildings in
prominent locations are large and have an overt urban or
suburban residential appearance then the rural character will be
lost, regardless of the 'naturalness' of the setting.

Some of the more important features of the character of rural

buildings and structures include:
 Houses are generally single storey of a modest scale, of
simple form, and are often timber framed and clad.
 Ancillary structures such as fences and gateways, sheds and
barns are typically simple and visually restrained.
 Simple post, wire and batten fences are most commonly
used.

Objective

O1 To ensure that new buildings and structures are in keeping

with and do not visually dominate the natural and rural
character.

Guidelines

G1 Maintain the characteristic modest scale of rural buildings

and ancillary structures.

G2 Where new buildings are in prominent locations, use visually

recessive finishes and colours.

G3 Choose roofs that are dark and absorb rather than reflect
light.

G4 Use fences and other features at boundaries that are simple

and extend characteristic rural patterns

G5 Place services underground where possible, otherwise use

simple utilitarian timber poles.
Typical rural 7-wire post and batten fence

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10.0 Providing for Change

Analysis
The initial configuration of a subdivision and individual lots
must, in any area where future intensification is a possibility, do
more than protect rural character and deliver amenity to the first
residents. The initial location of access ways, buildings and
planting should be planned to ensure that any future
intensification can sustain the natural character and amenities for
existing and subsequent settlers. For first residents the prospect
of future neighbours and a desire to maximize the value of the
lot should provide the incentives for judicious planning and
design.

Allowance for possible future intensification is critical in city

fringe areas where urban expansion is likely over time. At the
initial planning stage connections to existing infrastructure
should be made and a layout to accommodate future growth or
intensification established. The location of dwellings and its
associated planting on lots in the initial development will
determine the viability of future subdivision options.

Objective
O1 To ensure that access and building location has regard to
future intensification where this is possible.

Guidelines
In areas where future intensification is possible:

G1 Consider road layout and plan to allow the possibility of long

term future access to infill with provision for future road
reserves, allowance for possible widening and extension to
areas of possible intensification.

G2 Locate structures and access so that eventual intensification

can preserve aspects of rural character and amenity.

G3 Locate major planting to provide screening for additional

buildings and their privacy should intensification occur in
the future.

G4 Locate initial buildings to allow for future subdivision. This Locating buildings to allow for further
will usually mean placing buildings towards the side or subdivision
corner of a lot rather than in the centre.

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Appendices:
Character Analysis

A1 Overview
This appendix describes Wellington places with a notable
‘rural character’ and highlights the attributes which make
each unique. In recognising a need to understand and
respond to the particular visions and concerns of
communities the appendix draws on community plans
developed by Wellington City Council for each of South
Karori, Makara, Ohariu Valley, and Horokiwi. In all
Community Plans the need to protect natural character and
amenity values is highlighted.

General character
The rural landscapes of Wellington retain a remarkable
sense of remoteness and naturalness in spite of their
proximity to the city. Roads are few, narrow, and follow
the natural contour and pattern of the land. With the
exception of the Horokiwi area these corridors follow
valleys within which flat land is often limited, and flood
prone. Settlement tends to be limited to the road corridors
and where more intensive development occurs this is often
constrained by steep valley sides.

Heritage
There are a number of sites in the coastal environment of
particular significance to Maori. The coast was always an
important access way for Maori, and then European. An
important historic pathway for Maori traverses the skyline
and hills between the coast at Makara and Otari Bush. The
Old Coach Road between Ohariu Valley and Johnsonville
is also of historic interest. There are gold workings on
Terawhiti Station.

Local character
Public roads afford only a limited experience of
Wellington’s rural landscapes. Beyond the road there are
expansive areas of indigenous as well as cultivated nature,
high ridges from which spectacular views are possible, and
a remote un spoilt coastline. The variation in topography,
vegetation cover, landmarks, and views makes every place
different and special in its own way. This diversity
includes places where the cultural dimension is all but
absent and the indigenous character dominates, and places
where nature clearly dominates but is of a pastoral and
managed character with an overlay of ordered pattern and
built structures.

Some landscapes are able to absorb new structures without

detracting from the natural character. Places such as South
Makara and South Karori Stream which have well
established vegetation on undulating and often steep
topography are able to accommodate new structures and
access ways if these are thoughtfully integrated. In the
more open and pastoral landscapes of Ohariu Valley it is
more difficult, at least in the short term, to introduce new
Districts and areas of distinctive local character

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allotments and buildings without detracting from the rural

character. On the broad and exposed Horokiwi hilltops the
character has recently changed from being an expansive
and pastoral landscape to one where pine shelter belts have
compartmented the landscape into tight enclosures. In the
Takapu Valley a strong sense of containment at the bottom
gives way to an increasing sense of space and openness
moving up the valley. At the bottom there is the prospect
of absorbing new structures whereas out on the open tops
any land-use intensification and additional structures must
inevitably alter the character. In the coastal environment
any new structure, unless located within existing areas of
settlement, will be a conspicuous addition and almost
inevitably detract from what is otherwise an extremely
wild and natural setting.

Community values

Rural communities identify a diversity of characteristics

and experiences to capture their sense of what is important
about the rural environment. The predominance of the
natural over the cultural with uncluttered open spaces was
a central theme. Associated with this communities favour
land uses and activities generally associated with the
traditional rural environment, pastoralism in particular.
There was a clear recognition of the importance of giving
primacy to patterns and processes characteristic of rural
areas, whether natural and indigenous or pastoral. There
was a general unease about new activities which are overly
intrusive. Industrial activities threaten peace and quiet,
subdivision often brings a proliferation of buildings, and
plantation forestry can visually overwhelm a relatively
open and diverse landscape with a uniform dark green
cloak.

Communities very clearly recognize that how the

landscape is used and managed directly affects what they
see, feel and experience.

A2 Makara

Summary landscape features

 Although having an overall rural character the Makara
Stream environment includes areas of intensive
cultural development and activity with a village
character.
 At the southern end of the south Makara Valley, where
the valley widens, there is space to accommodate an
intensification of development.
 Pastoral farming is interspersed with extensive areas
of reversion.
 Settlement and cultural structures tend to be located in
valley bottoms and along road corridors, clustered Makara
where flat land is limited and dispersed where valley Qualities valued by the Makara community
bottoms are wider in the South Makara Stream.  Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
 Slopes above the valley bottoms are often steep and  The ridges- sense of place.
difficult to build on with ridges being exposed and  The gorse plus bush- personality.
inhospitable.  The roughness- natural, unaffected.
 The views from hill/road- escape.
 Although ridge tops are open with rough pasture the  Rural and recreational.

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faces are generally steep with reversion occurring;  Farming/ lifestyle community.
indigenous re-growth is often well advanced on south  Rural, bush, sea, horses, ruggedness, escape.
 Rural atmosphere, peaceful outlook and views, unspoilt hills
facing slopes. and ridgelines.
 The very broken and difficult topography has meant  The mixture of landscapes.
that access has largely been confined to the bottoms of  Open space, lack of people and structures.
valleys, along ridgelines, and along the coast.  Birds, animals, sound of stream running through the valley.
 The coastal escarpments, the beach, the views from the tops
of the hill.
 Sense of isolation in contrast to the city.

A3 Ohariu Valley
Summary landscape features
 Open pastoral hill country with a strong sense of
order, coherence, security and stability.
 The natural dimension of character is overwhelmingly
pastoral rather than indigenous.
 Characterised by largely undivided open space
running from valleys, up gentle slopes and out onto
rolling tops and ridges. Maintaining uncluttered hills
and ridges is fundamental to sustaining the rural
character and the sense of space and freedom.
 The location of woody vegetation, almost exclusively
exotic, follows a very coherent pattern. Older
plantings of pine and macrocarpa reflect functional
farming requirements; shelter for stock, buildings and
working areas.
 Areas to the north of Makara Beach and west of
Ohariu Valley are remote and sparsely populated but Ohariu Valley
intensively managed with developed pasture and few Qualities valued by the Ohariu Valley community
areas of scrub weeds and re-growth.  Clear skylines.
 Buildings of any significance are generally scattered  Quiet and serene.
and folded into valleys so the structured dimension of  A quiet peaceful place where people can do their own thing
the landscape is low key. without disturbing others.
 A farming area.
 With the exception of a few recent buildings designed  Natural surroundings.
for views and hence assuming an uncharacteristic  Low levels of population and development.
detached dominance, buildings are typically  Housing in moderation. (not on show but tastefully hidden
understated and unobtrusive. behind trees.)
 Rolling hills, peaceful sounds, farming, horses.
 Beautiful, calm, serene, green.
 Horses, sheep, cattle and birds.
 Fresh air, calm, green, ridgelines, hills and mountains, water
and streams, trees.
 Mainly open rural landscape uncluttered by large houses on
A4 South Karori smaller subdivided blocks now common in other areas.

Summary landscape features

 Comprises two quite distinctive landscapes: to the
north the area including South Karori Road and to the
south the more rugged and exposed scrub covered
areas of coast and high ridges.

South Karori Road Area

 Narrow winding road shares the valley with the Karori
Stream.
 There is a strong sense of enclosure with tall woody
vegetation covering the steep valley sides and
extending out to the road edge.
 Structures, houses in particular, are generally set back
from the road and are not readily visible.
 Often houses are located on terraces or at the
confluences of the Karori Stream and side creeks
where there is space and sun, but generally

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development is dispersed along the stream. South Karori

 Presents a strong sense of coherence with modest and
Qualities valued by the South Karori community
generally well-integrated structures set within a mix of  Rugged and mostly undeveloped hills; interesting landforms.
exotic conifers, groups of ornamental trees and shrubs,  Views and landscape environment.
and healthy indigenous vegetation, especially on the  Relatively steep sided valleys (so houses are often close to the
shaded faces. stream.)
 Pastoral land, useful land.
 Some original native forest and regenerating bush as well as
exotic trees.
 Streams and freshwater springs, uncontrived regenerating
bush along the Karori Stream.
 Fresh air, sense of remoteness.
A5 Horokiwi  Low density housing allowing privacy/seclusion, quiet
lifestyle.
 A distinctly rural area despite its proximity to Wellington.
Summary landscape features
 High and exposed, but less rugged than the coastal
landscapes of the south
 The extensive broad ridges and spurs are readily
accessible and for the most part covered in pasture.
 Farm buildings and trees are located where the
topography affords much needed shelter.
 Vegetation associated with steep areas and streams
gives emphasis to natural patterns and edges.
 Trees are generally few in the agricultural landscape
and limited to isolated groups of pines and macrocarpa
 In more recently subdivided areas there are small scale
enclosures of radiata pine. Where these enclosures sit
on spurs off the main ridge they are absorbed within
the larger landscape and views from ridges extend
across and beyond them. Where they are associated
with main roads however, views are becoming
obstructed and the expansive character of the
landscape is giving way to enclosure. Horokiwi
 Waterways are well defined and distinctive with scrub
weeds and indigenous re-growth filling entrenched Qualities valued by the Horokiwi community
 Bush/ bird life, harbour views.
gullies.
 Rural sanctuary, not overly developed.
 Isolation, green space, clean, distance from neighbours, light
traffic flows, small and medium-scale farming, no street
lighting.
 No-exit road which maintains the un-spoilt character of
Horokiwi.
 Wind, wind, wind and horizontal rain. Misty days.
 Country smells, fresh air, animals, the sun, the space, the
quiet, the natural topography, the native bush.
 Native birds; Sea breeze; Frogs; Peacocks; Llamas.
 No industrial buzz whatsoever; Quiet , Silence! Lovely.
 Rural; sheep sounds at shearing, wind in trees, tranquil.
 Stormy ridgelines; landscapes and views are important.
 The ridgelines give great views in relation to the Maori and
European history of Wellington.
 Subdivision of rural land is the greatest threat.
 Restrictions on pine plantings, height restrictions too.
 Ignorance of historical value means some residents or visitors
unwittingly destroy these places.
 Others don't consider places of cultural or historical
significance as important as their commercial concerns.

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A6 The coastal landscape

Summary landscape features

 The coastal environment, especially Wellington’s
South Coast, is spectacularly wild and expansive.
Pastoral farming has altered the patterns of vegetation
but much of the indigenous character remains.
 Obvious cultural patterns and structures are minimal.
Settlement is very tightly contained within the few
sheltered and accessible bays. A number of ancient
pa sites are also an integral part of the coastal
landscape.
 Such settlement as there is takes shelter in the valleys
and shares space with the limited developed pasture,
the road and the river.
 There is coherence in the patterns of extensive farming Typical coastal landscape
with pasture grasses interspersed with scrub. The low
key infrastructure of tracks, fences, and power lines is
generally confined to ridges and valley bottoms. Qualities valued by the community
 There are vast areas of wild, remote, and inaccessible  The sea- rugged plus refreshing.
country extending from the South Karori Stream  Ruggedly beautiful, with coastal views and vistas.
 Makara Beach - windswept pebble beach.
around the coast and including Mount Misery,  A spectacular coastline and wild coastal environment that can
Terawhiti Ridge, Quartz Hill and the coastal be bleak and windswept.
escarpments north to Makara Beach.  Wind and sea, oyster catchers, seagulls, Kotare (Kingfisher.)
 In the rugged and windswept landscapes of the south
extensive farming has battled with scrub weeds and
the return of an indigenous cover.
 Variations in vegetation cover reflect the topography.
Vegetation management is extremely difficult and any
substantial tree growth tends to be on steep southern
faces.
 The coastal environment of the south and south west is
particularly inhospitable, with any strong sense of
cultural presence constrained to uplifted coastal
terraces and the outlets of streams such as the
Oteranga.

A7 Takapu Valley

Summary landscape features

 A tightly enclosed valley opening out at the top nto an
expansive open landscape.
 A narrow, winding, fenced road with a very rural
character.
 Most of the valley is grazed with small fenced
enclosures and groups, rather than rows, of trees.
 There are remnants of indigenous vegetation along the
stream and on steeper faces with a southerly aspect.
 The historic pattern of ownership is reflected in
traditional farm buildings and their ancillary structures Takapu Valley
located close to the road.
 Recent buildings tend to be set back from the road and
hidden by topographical features or set into
vegetation.
 On balance the traditional farmed character remains
intact as built structure is either traditional, modest in

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scale, or is hidden within the landscape.

Retaining the existing rural and natural character of

Takapu Valley will require that the road is maintained in
its present form and that the scale and impact of any new
buildings is minimized. The intimate scale of the valley
with the stream and the road could very easily be
overwhelmed. The existing scale and pattern of enclosure
might suggest that additional subdivision could be
accommodated but unless great care is taken, the
associated addition of buildings and ancillary structures
would irreversibly alter the existing character.

A8 City fringe areas

These are areas in transition, on the edges of and
sometimes within intensively developed areas. They are
diverse in character, often having both the natural qualities
of rural landscapes and the cultural elements typical of the
urban environments to which they are attached. These
areas are a focus for attention because of their potential for
intensification and urban development, especially in the
northern part of the city. Where sites immediately beyond
the city boundary comprise relatively accessible and gently
sloping land it is likely that they will be taken into the city
and developed over time.
Pressures for intensification are countered by desires to
retain the sense of green and open space when viewed
from existing residential areas.

Summary landscape features

 Often on steep country so that even when these sites
are located within the city or on its edges the
topography has made them difficult to develop.
 Many areas on the edge of the city are highly visible
from the developed parts of the city and, as open rural Typical city fringe area
land, are often valued for the sense of connection to
nature that they offer those urban dwellers that look
out on them.

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