Landscape assessments

All landscapes are evolving and change over time. It is the role of a Landscape Architect through landscape effects assessment to evaluate the landscape effects of a proposal, whether the change it creates is appropriate within its landscape context, and whether the values that are associated with the landscape can be maintained or enhanced. To guide Landscape Architects on undertaking landscape assessment, Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) prepared Te Tangi a te Manu – Aotearoa New Zealand Landscape Assessment Guidelines, that was published in 2022.

Looking from Parnell to the city centre over the basin.

Looking from Parnell to the city centre over the basin.

For regulatory purposes, not all proposals will require a landscape effects assessment. However, it is anticipated that a landscape effects assessment will be provided in landscapes that are sensitive to change, for example, outstanding natural landscapes, or where the change is of a large scale, for example, greenfield subdivisions, or where the extent of change is not anticipated by the Auckland Unitary Plan: Operative in Part, for example, over height proposals. It is best practise to ensure that the landscape effects assessment has informed the proposal. If unsure, please contact an Auckland Council Duty Planner for advice as to whether a proposal will require a landscape effects assessment. 

Go to Aotearoa New Zealand Landscape Assessment Guidelines