Health Impact Assessment in New Zealand

Completed Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) in New Zealand

2009

2008

2006

2005

Avondale Liveable Communities Plan HIA

Wairoa Waste Management Plan HIA

Wairoa District Council (WDC) recognises that waste management in the district is not perceived to be ideal by the council or the community, despite providing significant resources for waste management and litter control. The draft Wairoa Waste Management Activity Management Plan (the Plan) has been developed to provide options to improve waste management.

WDC was invited to engage with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the Plan.

The Plan has a number of principal objectives. The two principal objectives around waste minimisation require a comprehensive approach in order to be achieved. The Plan requires more emphasis on minimisation within the programs/options presented. At present the main approach presented is user-pays refuse collection. The HIA recommendations suggest other options to support these principal objectives and complement current minimisation practice.

The recommendations of the HIA address the principal objectives that aim to ‘engage communities in the options and choices for their waste disposal’; and support the principal objective for ‘appropriate and environmentally sound ways to manage waste’

The HIA focussed on rural communities, and it was clear from rural stakeholders (and the literature evidence base) that joint council-community management options are a promising approach to minimise waste, reduce fly-tipping, promote recycling and composting and for collection of domestic refuse. Stakeholders believed such approaches could work in Waikaremoana, Mahia and Rauponga. Wairoa township would maintain a Council-led service.

Stakeholders consulted in the HIA and the literature evidence base did not support disinvestment from education initiatives. Investigating different ways to educate each community in waste minimisation via education and co-management arrangements is a promising approach. The health promotion workers at the Hawke’s Bay DHB have a particular skill set on how to implement community education programmes.

The school based waste education programmes should include a whole-school approach (similar to Health-Promoting Schools), taking into consideration: curriculum, learning and teaching; school organisation, ethos & environment; and its community links, relationships and partnerships. The actions flowing from these school-based programmes should align directly with WDC’s Waste Management Plan priorities. The HBDHB Health-Promoting Schools Advisor for the district is available to work in partnership with the WDC to achieve this outcome.

Full subsidy domestic refuse collection works against the waste minimisation principal objectives of the Plan. Full user pays stimulates positive waste minimisation behaviours but leads to issues of fly-dumping by a small component of the community and resentment about ‘paying twice’. Partial subsidy is a middle ground which is suitable for Wairoa township, providing some incentive for positive behaviours, equalising the burden of expenditure across all socio-economic households in the district, and potentially reducing fly-tipping.

Download Wairoa Waste Management Plan HIA (PDF, 374 KB)

Related information
Evaluation of the HIA on the Wairoa Waste Management Plan

Hawke's Bay Proposed Air Quality Plan Change HIA

Air quality in Hawke’s Bay complies most of the time, but monitoring by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) shows that high PM10 levels (poor air quality) occur over the Hastings and Napier urban areas on cold, clear winter nights and that the main cause is home heating, i.e. small-scale solid fuel burners such as wood burners and open fires; and outdoor burning.

National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ) require that by September 2013 the amount of PM10 in the air cannot exceed a 24 hour average of more than 50 µg/m3 (microgram per cubic meter) more than once per year. Currently PM10 levels over Napier and Hastings urban centres on cold, clear winter nights exceed this NESAQ.

In December 2008, HBRC proposed a Plan Change to comply with the NESAQ and thus improve air quality in Hawke's Bay; including rules restricting use of small-scale solid fuel burners and outdoor burning. As a result of the Plan Change, HBRC has developed a Healthy Homes and Clean Heat Initiative (Clean Heat) to ease the transition for households towards home heating which do not contribute to breaches of the NESAQ. Clean Heat provides financial assistance for households towards insulation and clean heat and includes communications, marketing and public education.

HBRC was invited to engage with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) to conduct a health impact assessment (HIA) on the Plan Change.

The HIA concentrated on the replacement/removal of heating sources, including both the one off and ongoing costs/impacts on the low income population group. This component was the most able to be influenced at this stage in the Plan Change, and the implementation of this component covers important issues for Council and the community such as financial assistance which could be part of Clean Heat. The HIA examined how the NESAQ, Plan Change and Clean Heat might have intended effects on outdoor ambient air quality (PM10) with subsequent direct and indirect impacts on health and wellbeing; and unintended effects on indoor air quality and temperature with subsequent direct and indirect impacts on health and wellbeing.

The HIA recommended that the HBRC:

along with the HBDHB, continues to support the Healthy Homes Coalition and their implementation and business plan for 2009-2012
develops a holistic and “wrap around” approach with other agencies/organisations to implement the Plan Change and Clean Heat
develops a community education programme which focuses on new requirements of the Plan Change and raises awareness of the financial assistance packages
works in partnership with the Health Promotion advisors at the Hawke’s Bay DHB on how to implement community education programmes
supports manufacturers, carpet/curtain/wood banks in the Hawke’s Bay region to complement the Clean Heat programme
works with appropriate agencies/organisations to develop and optimise local workforce and industry capacity.

Download Hawke's Bay Proposed Air Quality Plan Change HIA (PDF, 573 KB)

Flaxmere Town Centre Urban Design Framework Proposal HIA

Flaxmere town centre was developed in the 1970s, as a privately owned area of several small commercial premises including a supermarket, post shop and health service providers. Associated with the town centre are a number of community and recreational facilities, including an adventure centre, library and a swimming pool complex, on a Hastings District Council owned site of 5.63 hectares.

Flaxmere has a high deprivation index and significant health issues. The Flaxmere Town Centre Urban Design Framework (the Framework) has three main objectives which would significantly benefit the health and wellbeing outcomes of the Flaxmere community:

A strong, prosperous and thriving economy
Safe and secure communities
An environment appreciated, protected and sustained for future generations.

The Hastings District Council (HDC) was invited by the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) to participate in a health impact assessment (HIA) on the Framework.

The HIA compared the status quo with the overall concept of the Framework, looking at the Framework’s potential effect on transport, economic factors, safety and neighborhood housing on the population groups of Pacific families, Māori youth and the elderly.

The HIA recommended that the Hastings District Council:

proceeds with implementing the Framework
ensures ‘sense of place’ and connectedness issues are addressed within the redesign of Flaxmere.
incorporates the concept of the Te Aranga Maori Cultural Landscape Design Strategy and other local initiatives into the Framework.
ensures quality building design of new buildings, especially housing, ensuring noise control standards are met to prevent sleep disturbance resulting from mixed use housing.
incorporates the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in the Framework.
continues to explore the economic and employment opportunities for Flaxmere to facilitate the positive pathways which were identified during the HIA
be aware of the potential for fast food restaurants and additional alcohol outlets to become established as a result of the Framework.
investigates increased public transport and active movement options for the community of Flaxmere.
along with the Hawke’s Bay District Health and other stakeholders, undertakes a benchmarking exercise of the current health and well-being indicators in Flaxmere and then monitor these indicators at regular intervals after the implementation of stage 1 of the Framework.

Download Flaxmere Town Centre Urban Design Framework Proposal HIA (PDF, 1 MB)

Implementation of the Oral Health Strategy: Location of a Community Clinic in Flaxmere HIA

A nationwide upgrade of community-based oral health facilities to support the delivery of child and adolescent oral health services and to improve oral health outcomes was funded in 2006. Addressing the current inequalities in oral health outcomes is a priority for the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB).

The model for the HBDHB oral health strategy proposes to increase access for Hawke’s Bay high need populations and engage families early, through prevention and education programmes and by promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age.

A ‘hub and spoke’ model proposes moving from the current 45 school-based clinics to 3 community clinics, 6 fixed clinics based on school sites and a fleet of four double-operator mobile clinic caravans, one single-operator mobile clinic caravan and a mobile screening van. The model proposes that the community clinics will be in the “high need” communities of Wairoa, Flaxmere and Napier South/Maraenui, with fixed clinics in Onekawa, Greenmeadows, Hastings Central, Havelock North, Mahora and Waipukurau.

The HIA was led by the HBDHB and drew together evidence from the social science literature, submissions and feedback from community representatives, community organisations and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

The HIA focused on the three options for development of a community clinic in Flaxmere, which is part of phase one of the Hawkes Bay District Health Board Oral Health Strategy. The three options for the location of the community clinic are:

As a part of a wider ‘health’centre in partnership with a community provider
A site within the Flaxmere village
Develop a school site for the suburb of Flaxmere.

The HIA also looked at how best to engage with caregivers/Whānau/Pacific families to ensure optimal access to the community clinic and involvement with their children’s care and treatment.

The HIA makes the following recommendations to the HBDHB Oral Health Steering Group:

The community clinic should be located in the Flaxmere village and/or co located with another health provider.
Community trust in the service and the staff will need to be established early and maintained.
Implement an oral health community education programme in Flaxmere
A collaborative approach to engaging schools in any health service delivery and health promotion activities should be taken.
Workforce issues and succession planning for Dental Therapists needs to be addressed.
A robust information and tracking system needs to be in place to prevent children being ‘lost’ in the system.
Transport options for getting children and families to the community clinic need to be considered as part of planning.
Regular communication with the schools and the Flaxmere community about the service developments should occur throughout the process.

Download Implementation of the Oral Health Strategy: Location of a Community Clinic in Flaxmere HIA (PDF, 393 KB)

Manukau Built Form and Spatial Structure Plan HIA Report

This report details the findings of a health impact assessment (HIA) of the Manukau Built Form and Spatial Structure Plan (the BF&SSP). The HIA was commissioned by Manukau the Healthy City, in late 2008. The HIA was funded by the Ministry of Health’s Learning by Doing Fund, and undertaken by Synergia Ltd, working in partnership with Hapai te Hauora Tapui Ltd.

The BF&SSP is centred on the long term development of the city centre area of Manukau. The HIA explored the potential health issues to address through the implementation of the BF&SSP over time.

The recommendations of the HIA are structured around nine areas:

Building to a long-term vision
Relevance to Manukau and its people
Hubs and attractors
Service and amenity access
Design for families and people with disabilities
Representation and engagement
Green space and connection with Puhinui
Infrastructure supporting active transport
Public transport

The appraisal report (Part1) provides an overview of this project and health impact assessments (sections 1 and 3); population and health features of Manukau (section 2); background to the BF&SSP (section 4); feedback from consultation workshops held in February and March 2009 (sections 5 and 6); and recommendations for the BF&SSP through this health impact assessment (section 7).

Maori perspectives on urban environments are given in the Appendices to the appraisal report.

The companion documents separately explore a profile of the people of Manukau and their health status (Part 2); findings from a children’s consultative workshop (Part 3); a literature review on urban environments and health (Part 4); and detailed discussion of the scoping phase (Part 5).

Download the Manukau Plan HIS report - Part 1(PDF, 2.64 MB)
Download the Manukau Plan HIS report - Part 2 (PDF, 2.64 MB)
Download the Manukau Plan HIS report - Part 3 (PDF, 1.53 MB)
Download the Manukau Plan HIS report - Part 4 (PDF, 241 KB)
Download the Manukau Plan HIS report - Part 5 (PDF, 1.16 MB)

Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy 2010 HIA

In late 2008, the Auckland Regional Council and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service jointly commissioned a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the 2009 Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy (ARLTS), and the potential directions that could create a transport system that better protects and promotes the health of Aucklanders.

This HIA report explores the issues raised through the course of the HIA, involving stakeholder consultation, literature analysis and impact modelling, and provides recommendations for the development and implementation of the ARLTS from a perspective of health and well-being.

Synergia Ltd was contracted to lead the HIA. Dr Adrian Field and Kim Arcus led the process from Synergia, partnering with Dr Alexandra Macmillan and Dr Graeme Lindsay of the School of Population Health, University of Auckland, and Megan Tunks of Hapai te Hauora Tapui Ltd, a Maori public health provider. The HIA was conducted from November 2008 to June 2009.

There are five elements to this project:

A profile of the people of Auckland, the transport dynamics and the health status of Aucklanders
A literature review on the links between transport and health and well-being
Two scoping workshops with stakeholders to explore the potential scope of the HIA
Two consultative workshops on directions for the ARLTS; one with a ‘mainstream’ audience, and the other with Maori stakeholders to explore Maori health perspectives in transport
High-level health impact modelling of potential health impacts of the different scenarios being tested for the ARLTS.

The development and preparation of the HIA for the draft RLTS 2009 was jointly funded by the Auckland Public Health Service and the Auckland Regional Council.

In the scoping phase of this HIA, four overarching themes were identified. These were:

Safety: Opportunities to ensure optimal safety for all users of the different modes of transport.
Access and Mobility: Opportunities to increase access and mobility, particularly for disadvantaged groups, to be able to reach services, amenities and facilities that support healthy living.
Increasing active modes of transport: Opportunities for embedding active modes of transport across the region.
Emissions and noise: Opportunities to reduce air and noise pollution and to enhance the positive health impacts of improving environmental sustainability in this area.

In addition, consultation with Maori stakeholders raised issues of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). This included such issues as run-off from road development, pollution into the sea affecting the supply of kaimoana (traditional sea food beds), old urupa (or burial sites) and other forms of wahi tapu that are relocated due to roading projects (such as airport roading developments); all of which were seen as elements which impact on kaitiakitanga and consequently the well-being of whanau and hapu of the region.

The report discusses the recommendations which focus on the key directions highlighted by stakeholders for the transport strategy, and are given further impetus by the implications of the modeling. The recommendations are around integrated planning; identifying leverage points for change; investment path for active and public transport; access for vulnerable population groups; demand management; advocacy for national regulatory change; and information and communications.

Download the Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy 2010 HIA (Warning, large file PDF, 4.29 MB)

An Age-Friendly Community: Shaping the future for Waihi Beach HIA (2009)

Waihi Beach (Waihi Beach ward) is a high ageing community of around 3,000 usually resident people, of which 22% are 65 years and older, and approximately half of the total population is aged 45+. The percentage of residents 65 years and older will increase to around 32% in the next ten years and 34% in the next 20 years (given migration variables).

The Western Bay of Plenty Local Governments: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council established SmartGowth as a coordinating agency to provide for sustainable forward planning actions to manage the projected high growth in the sub-region. A 50year Strategy and plan defines forward actions. Waihi Beach is identified as an intensification zone to accommodate future population growth.

An Age-friendly Health Impact Assessment (AFHIA) was utilised to examine the extent to which, within a context of policies for urban intensification, provision for the ‘ageing-in place’ health and wellbeing of ageing populations at Waihi Beach could be improved.

The project found that a range of identified health improvements drive an immediate need to resolve amenity planning within the town centre, transport options, primary health and community support care service delivery including responsibility to meet land and health service Treaty of Waitangi obligations to local Māori.

Download the An Age-Friendly Community: Shaping the future for Waihi Beach HIA report (Warning, large file - PDF, 2.7 MB)

Related information
Health Impact Assessment Case Study: Waihi Beach Age-Friendly HIA

Draft Hastings District Council Graffiti Vandalism Strategy HIA (2008)

Hastings District Council (HDC) recognises that graffiti is an issue for the district and already provides significant resources for its removal. Despite these commitments, the Hastings District Council struggles to make significant progress against graffiti vandalism. The draft Graffiti Vandalism Strategy has been developed to provide a coordinated approach to graffiti reduction and provide support for funding applications. The Strategy builds on existing operations and activities as well as recommending new initiatives and focuses on integrating the following themes:

Reporting and Recording
Removal
Prevention
Enforcement
Education
Community

Download the Draft Hastings District Council Graffiti Vandalism Strategy HIA report (PDF, 689 KB)

Related information
Evaluation of the HIA on the Draft Hastings District Council Graffiti Vandalism Strategy

Central Plains Water Scheme HIA (2008)

The Central Plains Water Scheme (CPWS) is a proposed project designed to provide irrigation for 60,000 hectares of land in Canterbury. The scheme would encourage intensification of farming in order to meet increasing world demand for agricultural products. Community and Public Health, of the Canterbury District Health Board, has undertaken this Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to contribute to the consideration of the proposed scheme within the statutory resource consent process.

This HIA has considered the evidence for the benefits and risks of the CPWS with respect to population health and wellbeing. The assessment is based on evidence drawn from four workshops with key stakeholders and experts, literature reviews and interviews with experts. In particular, the HIA has considered the potential health implications in terms of water quality and socio-economic issues.

Download the Central Plains Water HIA report (PDF, 333 KB)

Related information
Health Impact Assessment Case Study: Central Plains Water HIA

Christchurch South West Area Social and Health Assessment (2008)

The Christchurch South West Area Social and Health Assessment was undertaken to identify existing and potential social and health issues for South-West Christchurch, as it accommodates further urban growth over the next 35 years; and to provide recommendations as to how the Christchurch City Council, through the Area Plan, can contribute to improving social and health outcomes.

Beca was engaged to assist Council in preparing the assessment, and are the author of the report. Collaborations® and Quigley and Watts also made contributions.

A number of research questions were posed by Council in the assessment, such as:

Who are the community now and into the future?
What are the key social and health issues now and into the future?
What is the role of the Council to contribute to improving social and health outcomes (as identified in the Long Term Council Community Plan - LTCCP)?
What key principles, methods, and monitoring requirements should be provided within the Area Plan?

The report identified a range of challenges for the future development of the south-west area from a health and social wellbeing perspective. There are methods or potential solutions that relate to the provision of services, the physical and social development of the area. These challenges can be met by the implementation of the methods.

Overall, from the review of Council Policies, Strategies and other relevant documents, consultation, data and social planning and health models, a suite of recommendations were made for both long term planning and ‘short term wins’.

Download the Christchurch South West Area Social and Health Assessment HIA report (PDF, 1 MB)

McLennan Housing Development, Papakura HIA (2008)

In late 2007, a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was initiated to focus on the McLennan housing development. The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) initiated and managed this HIA. The project is funded by Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), through its Let’s Beat Diabetes programme. The LBD programme recognised that urban design and planning can directly influence physical activity opportunities in communities - and therefore on obesity, a significant driver of type two diabetes. LBD has used a strategy of supporting 'exemplar models' before, in terms of demonstrating how something can work and holding it up as an example for others to examine and adopt/follow. They chose to fund this HIA for that reason.

Three areas were selected for focus in the HIA:

service access: to identify the scope of services that will be available in the short, medium and long term, and any potential gaps
walkability: to identify opportunities for walkability and in so doing maximise the potential of the design
community cohesion: to identify ways in which the community functioning can be positively developed, social cohesion (neighbourliness) maximised and local identity and diversity fostered.

A wide range of recommendations were made, some of which are potentially far-reaching. The table on page 10 of the report details the key challenges, opportunities and recommendations for action, for each of the three focus areas. An extensive set of detailed recommendations is contained in section 7 of the report.

Download the McLennan Housing Development, Papakura HIA report (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Proposed Liquor Restriction Extensions in North Dunedin HIA (2008)

The Dunedin City Council (DCC) was asked by the Dunedin Police to consider extending the existing liquor restrictions to cover North Dunedin. This was because of Police and community concerns about alcohol and drinking in public places which has resulted in disorder, litter and an increase in recorded offences in North Dunedin. The DCC therefore proposed extending the bylaw to the North Dunedin area, and also identified a range of additional activities that could form part of a comprehensive strategy to address issues relating to alcohol in the wider city and more specifically North Dunedin.

A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was undertaken on the proposed liquor restrictions in North Dunedin by Public Health South (an entity of the Otago District Health Board). This report formally documents the rationale behind completing an HIA on the proposed bylaw, the process involved and the conclusions reached.

This process generated a range of recommendations which are detailed in the content of the report. Many of these recommendations were aimed at addressing alcohol-related issues in North Dunedin and are included in the report. However, because the primary purpose of an HIA is to identify the potential impacts a particular policy may have it is important to separate these recommendations out for consideration.

Download the Proposed Liquor Restriction Extensions in North Dunedin (PDF, 592 KB)

Related information:
Health Impact Assessment Case Study: Proposed Liquor Restriction Extensions in North Dunedin HIA (2008)

Ranui Urban Concept Plan HIA (2008)

Ranui is a community in Waitakere City, Auckland, with a high number of children and young people and high levels of social and economic deprivation. Ranui residents have reported a strong sense of community and belonging. The Waitakere City Council is developing a Ranui Urban Concept Plan to set out how the Ranui centre could grow and evolve over the next decade.

This report presents the process and findings of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the draft Ranui Urban Concept Plan (June 2008) and the majority of information in this report is in relation to that draft.

The work was initiated and funded by the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). Quigley and Watts Ltd led the HIA, in partnership with Waitakere City Council (WCC) and ARPHS.

Overall, the HIA found the Ranui Urban Concept Plan has good potential to contribute to greater social connectedness and wellbeing, as long as adequate actions are taken to mitigate unintended adverse effects including possible displacement from housing, housing un-affordability or unsuitability of housing design. Several information gaps were identified in the course of undertaking the HIA. In particular there is a need for research with Pacific peoples on housing needs and preferences, and with young people on the design of the village green.

Download the Ranui Urban Concept Plan HIA report (PDF, 1 MB)

Tokoroa Warm Homes Clean Air Project HIA (2008)

This report outlines key findings from a Health and Well-being Impact Assessment conducted in Tokoroa during 2008 as part of the Tokoroa Warm Homes Clean Air (TWHCA) Project.

The HIA considers the potential impacts – positive and negative - of proposed air quality policy currently being developed by Environment Waikato on cultural, community, socio-economic and environmental well-being in Tokoroa.

The 57 recommendations emerging from the HIA are divided into recommendations relating to regional policy development; decision-making processes; partnership and participation processes; policy implementation; and monitoring and evaluation. A reflection on project progress, focussing on resources, community engagement and policy effectiveness since this HIA is provided in Section 7 of the report.

Environment Waikato is undertaking a technical peer review that will enable them to register the HIA report as a technical report (publicly accessible doc that would be added to national archives database). We will replace the version on the HIA webpage with the accredited technical report when it becomes available.

Download the Tokoroa Warm Homes Clean Air Project HIA report (PDF, 1 MB)

Wellington Regional Policy Statement HIA (2008)

This rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was conducted to assess the impact of two sections of the draft provisions of the Regional Policy Statement (dpRPS) on health and well-being within the community. It was conducted by Regional Public Health (RPH) in partnership with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GRWC). By assessing the health impacts of the dpRPS, the HIA aims to improve the health of the community and reduce inequalities throughout the greater Wellington region.

Download the Wellington Regional Policy Statement HIA report (PDF, 921 KB)

Future Currents: Electricity Scenarios for New Zealand 2005 - 2050 HIA (2006)

This is a report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) that explores two different futures for electricity supply and demand in New Zealand. The two scenarios are:

Fuelling the Future – assumes a small investment in energy efficiency with energy services provided by increased, largely bulk-generation capacity ie, a ‘business as usual’ scenario.
Sparking New Designs – smart design is used to increase energy efficiency with a focus on energy services being provided on a small scale with emphasis on energy efficiency.

The HIA was commissioned to identify the health and wellbeing issues associated with the two scenarios. Stakeholder involvement comprised representatives of the energy sector and related organisations. The determinants of health chosen for the HIA were:

Housing and building (new developments, rules in district plans, building codes, energy use, and indoor air pollution).
Economics (individual costs for energy, what the money is spent on, and local and regional business development).
Social connectedness (democracy, sense of control, and pride in community).

The HIA demonstrated the greater health benefits under the smart design scenario with its stronger focus on energy efficiency and small-scale generation. These benefits are additional to improved energy security and reduction in greenhouse gases. Three of the eight recommendations from the HIA were:

The proposed energy strategy should include public health objectives
The Building Code should be strengthened for energy efficiency
The National ‘Energy Strategy should support small scale generation and energy efficiency initiatives. (Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, 2006).

View the HIA report, Healthy,wealthy, and wise. A health impact assessment of Future Currents: Electricity scenarios for New Zealand 2005-2050 (www.pce.govt.nz)

Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS) HIA (2006)

The Greater Christchurch UDS is a community-based collaborative project to manage the impact of urban development and population growth within the Greater Christchurch area. It involves four local authorities, central government and local business and community leaders who meet regularly as the UDS Forum.

The UDS was subject to an HIA led by the District Health Board’s Community and Public Health staff. Christchurch City Council also played a key role.

The HIA focused on five determinants of health agreed by participants – air and water quality, social connectedness, housing and transport. A separate workstream focused on developing an engagement process with local Māori around the UDS. The HIA facilitated meaningful participation by Māori in the UDS, an outcome that had previously been unsuccessful.

The HIA report has been accepted by the UDS Forum and has been incorporated as a working document into the strategy planning process. As a result, population health outcomes have become a key focus of the UDS (Stevenson 2006). In addition, the Christchurch City Council has seconded a public health registrar to continue public health oversight of council proposals.

Download the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy HIA report (PDF, 1 MB)

Related information
Impact Evaluation of the Christchurch Urban Development Strategy Health Impact Assessment

Greater Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy HIA (2006)

The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) produced a draft 10-year Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) for the region with a public consultation planned for November 2006. The GWRC strategy ‘seeks a resilient and sustainable transport network where getting around is easy, safe and affordable’.

The Land Transport Management Act 2003 stipulates that the RLTS must, among other things, ‘promote and protect public health’. To ensure it does, the GWRC commissioned an HIA that assessed the potential impacts of the RLTS on public health and community wellbeing.

Determinants of health were chosen for this HIA were physical activity, accessibility to services and the community, accident rates and changes in injuries and fatalities, reduced community connectedness (community severance) as a result of roads and/or traffic, and stress and anxiety.

The major recommendations of the HIA approach were:

Incorporate social equity and affordability into the RLTS objectives and outcomes.
Investigate changes in fare pricing structures and fare boundaries to improve equity and affordability.
Increase the proportion of funding for public transport, walking and cycling, and reduce the proportion of funding for new roading, as new roading is not likely to promote health, while other modes of transport are.
Make trade-offs explicit with regard to the mis-match between objectives and funding allocations.
Initiate HIA in projects that flow out of this RLTS, and initiate HIA earlier in future RLTS planning processes.
Strengthen the aims of the RLTS towards increased mode share for public transport and active modes and reduced dependence on private motor vehicles.
The Regional Council Transport Committee will consider the recommendations of the HIA, a strategic environmental assessment, and submission on the draft strategy. The Council will finalise the strategy early in 2007.

Download the Greater Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy HIA report (PDF, 517 KB)

Mangere Growth Centre Plan HIA (2006)

This HIA focused on the implementation of the Mangere Growth Centre plan – a plan linked with Auckland’s Regional Growth Strategy, which aims to better manage population growth in the region. The HIA was commissioned to be linked with the Counties-Manukau Let’s Beat Diabetes campaign and aimed to highlight aspects of urban design that ‘might contribute to a reduction of obesity levels in the district’. In particular, the HIA examined the proposed regeneration plans for housing and parks within a social housing precinct in Mangere, and the proposed Arts Centre and how they might affect the health and wellbeing of the local population. There was a particular focus on the link between urban design and physical activity/ nutrition, along with five other determinants of health: social connectedness, personal and community safety, access to services and employment, housing and community spaces

The key agencies involved were: Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Manukau City Council, Counties Manukau DHB and Housing New Zealand Corporation. Local community leaders and health workers were also involved on the steering group and in the appraisal process, and contributed to the formulation of the recommendations made in the final report.

The HIA report included a community profile and an evidence review of the links between urban development and health, along with a series of recommendations to the Manukau City Council, Housing New Zealand Corporation and Auckland Regional Public Health Service. These recommendations ranged from high-level policy and practice recommendations (eg, Manukau City Council building regulations around noise standards should be tightened to reflect best practice in the region), to detailed project level suggestions (eg, design of public spaces and social housing in the Housing New Zealand Corporation’s Pershore Precinct should support active living and recreation).

Download the Mangere Let's beat diabetes HIA report (PDF, 876 KB)

Avondale Liveable Communities Plan HIA (2005)

Auckland City had a draft plan that set out the proposed strategies to manage residential growth in Avondale over the next fifteen years, while strengthening the community, the economy and protecting the environment. Populations affected included the 14,000 people currently living within the Avondale area and the additional 5000 expected. The growth would be equivalent to about 40-50 new households on each street in the zone of change.

The draft strategy was subject to a consultant-led HIA in 2005, undertaken at short notice and in a compressed timeframe. The HIA included screening, scoping, assessment and reporting phases, as outlined in A guide to HIA. A rapid literature review of the evidence base and assessment of the population affected informed a participatory half-day workshop attended by a range of stakeholders. The results of this workshop, plus desk-based assessment work and information previously gathered in community consultations, provided the basis for the assessment and recommendations made. Thirty-three of 35 HIA recommendations to modify the plan for health gain were accepted by the Auckland City Council. Workstreams are being set up to implement them.

Examples of the key recommendations from the HIA were:

Encourage greater access to community facilities.
Consider design impacts on health and wellbeing when assessing developments.
Consider a hierarchical approach to transport within the Avondale area, placing greater emphasis on facilitating walking and cycling as modes of transport over private motor vehicles.
Encourage the development of travel plans for schools and businesses.
Incorporate crime prevention features in design ie, improving lighting and surveillance.
Encourage the location of affordable child care facilities close to places of employment.
Review provision of public open spaces for recreation and the need to locate them in close proximity to residential areas.
Improve the quality of parks and facilities to encourage greater use.
Work with local businesses to encourage the hiring of local people for local jobs.

The HIA was funded by the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS). Stakeholder involvement was principally community-level agencies, local staff from central government departments and the Community Board. Results of previous community consultations on the plan were fed into the HIA.

Download the Avondale Liveable Communities Plan HIA report (PDF, 452 KB)

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Page last updated: 3 February 2010