Project title

Versatile Soils – Productive Land

Project Funding

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Project Status

Completed 2011

Purpose

Page Bloomer Associates were commissioned to help the regional and district councils develop understanding of relationships between versatile soils and productive land. The knowledge was used in developing aspects of the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy.

Approach

The report has been adequately described as a “think piece” on the topic. A survey of others’ thinking included reviews of Environment Court cases, submissions on Plan Changes around New Zealand, and discussions with land resource experts, farmers and sector representatives.

Results

The above materials provided a wealth of ideas and opinons and a coherent message that soil is but one aspect of productive land.  It is not a particularly useful way to regulate urban development (or encroachment on to areas of the Heretaunga Plains with high value for primary production).

Resources

A copy of the report can be down loaded here>Versatile Soils – Productive Land