Making the most of Aotearoa New Zealand's cities and towns
Dr Stuart Donovan from Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Trust will investigate the costs and benefits for people and organisations when they are located closely together in hubs in cities or towns, leading to a better understanding of what kinds of urban environments best support productivity and wellbeing
About 87% of New Zealanders live in urban areas. While most urban areas in Aotearoa are growing, some have struggled and declined, raising key questions. What sort of urban environments best support productivity and wellbeing? And can we improve urban success in places that have been facing challenges?
The growth and prosperity of urban areas are usually linked to businesses and households clustering together as neighbours. But neighbours do not always get along, and clustering can have downsides like increased congestion, crime, and pollution. By helping us to understand the costs and benefits of clustering, this research hopes to support evidence-based policy settings.
In this Marsden Fund Fast-Start grant, Dr Donovan will use census data and advanced statistical methods to explore how broad socioeconomic conditions like crime influence urban outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand. This research has the potential to empower policymakers and politicians with the evidence to help our urban centres to grow and thrive.
Auckland CBD, one of the fastest growing parts of NZ, where the benefits & costs of urban development have become increasingly apparent (photo supplied)