Te Rautaki Whanaketanga ki tua a Wairarapa- Wellington- Horowhenua Future Development Strategy

Planning for the Region’s Growth – Together

The Wellington Region is expected to grow by 200,000 more people and 99,000 new homes by 2051. The Future Development Strategy (FDS) sets out how we’ll manage that growth – focusing on where new housing and jobs should go, how to make sure our infrastructure keeps up, and our environment and communities can thrive. 

Why We Need a Regional Strategy

This strategy helps councils and partners coordinate effort and align investment in infrastructure like transport, pipes, and energy. 

This Strategy is part of our ambition for 2050 – a shared regional direction agreed by the region’s 10 councils and iwi partners. 

What This Means for You

The Future Development Strategy isn’t just about maps and policies — it’s about making life better for people across the region. That means:

• More affordable, healthy homes, so future generations thrive in the region
• Less pressure on roads, pipes, and public transport as we grow
• Neighbourhoods with better access to jobs, shops, schools and te taiao / nature
• Improved access to jobs and opportunities locally and across the region
• Stronger protection and regeneration of our natural environment — coastlines, bush, farmland and waterways
• A more climate-friendly future, with lower emissions and greater resilience

It’s about planning smarter now, so our communities thrive in the years ahead.

Grounded in Iwi and Hapū Aspirations

This strategy is underpinned by a foundation of iwi and hapū values, gifted to our region by the WRLC iwi partners to guide how we plan for growth in this region. It reflects a strong vision for urban development that:

• Upholds Treaty partnership and collective wellbeing
• Respects whakapapa and kaitiakitanga – our shared duty to protect and sustain te taiao
• Prioritises nature-based solutions and long-term thinking
• Supports mana whenua to lead, respond, and thrive
• Invests in reducing inequality and growing Māori prosperity
• Prepares the next generation for the challenges of the future

Want to dig deeper? See the Supporting Documents section below.

What Happens Next

This strategy will guide:

• Local council plans (including District Plans and Long-Term Plans)
• Government investment decisions (like transport and infrastructure)
• Regional coordination between councils, iwi, and the private sector