FAQs
What is a Growth Strategy?
A Growth Strategy is a long-term document that is used to improve coordination between council’s plans and strategies, regional frameworks and national direction.
How can I contribute to the Growth Strategy?
What is the scope of the Sustainable Growth Strategy?
With Lower Hutt’s population expected to grow by 40,000 people over the next 30 years, we must plan for how we will adapt to change and accommodate these new residents. The Sustainable Growth Strategy considers the whole of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt with a focus on urban areas affected by growth and change.
What is the purpose of the Sustainable Growth Strategy?
The Growth Strategy guides how we want our city to change over the next 30 years. It sets out what’s important to Lower Hutt and how housing and business growth, infrastructure delivery and environmental restoration can work together to achieve a connected, resilient and inclusive city where all people thrive. The Growth Strategy is aligned to Council’s Long-Term Plan principles but has its own outcomes that relate to urban development and growth.
What’s in the Growth Strategy?
It includes an overview of our city now, including challenges and opportunities and projected population to set the scene for the next 30 years. To respond to future growth and change, the Strategy identifies eight strategic moves and an action plan.
Are the actions identified in the Growth Strategy funded?
Some actions are already funded in the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034, and some are new initiatives for which funding will be sought during future Long-Term Plan processes and will need to be approved by Council. Of those actions that are funded, some are already underway, and some are still at the planning stage. Some actions are fully within the remit of Hutt City Council, some require collaboration with other agencies, and some are led and funded by other agencies.
How will the Action Plan of the Strategy be implemented?
We will look to build on the process used in developing the plan, noting, in addition to the key partnerships between council, Mana Whenua and central government agencies, the crucial role that infrastructure providers, private and development sector interests, community organisations and the wider community will play in delivering the outcomes sought.
Is the Sustainable Growth Strategy the same as the District Plan?
No, they are different planning documents.
Think of the Strategy as an outline for what our city will look like in future and the District Plan as the rulebook for how we make it happen. You can share your views on one or both.
Does this new document replace the Lower Hutt Urban Growth Strategy 2012-32?
Yes, the Sustainable Growth Strategy 2025-2055 supersedes the Lower Hutt Urban Growth Strategy 2012-32.
How is the Sustainable Growth Strategy related to the Wairarapa-Wellington-Horowhenua Future Development Strategy?
The Sustainable Growth Strategy complements the regional Future Development Strategy (FDS). The FDS guides how the region will provide for growth over the next 30 years and features regionally significant projects. The Strategy expands on the direction of the FDS and provides the next level of detail by identifying projects which are essential to supporting growth and change in Lower Hutt but are not included in the FDS as they may not be regionally significant.
When will the Sustainable Growth Strategy be adopted?
Following analysis of feedback, the Growth Strategy will be finalised and adopted by the end of May 2025.