News & Updates

The Planning Bill passed its second reading on 4 August 2026, with the Environment Select Committee’s recommended changes largely adopted. The UDIA has followed this with interest as many significant changes to streamline the current RMA are proposed, including the exclusion of many key effects that are often raised in the context of urban designers' work. While this has yet to be passed into law, the current version of Planning Bill proposes excluding consideration of: any e

The Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) has lodged its submission on the Planning and Natural Environment Bills, with particular emphasis on the Planning Bill and matters relating to urban environments. UDIA supports the replacement of the Resource Management Act with separate Planning and Natural Environment Acts. The Institute broadly supports the purpose and goals of the Bills. Still, it considers that stronger integration is required to ensure the use and developmen

We are delighted to announce that in December 2025 , the UDIA Council officially adopted two Practice Notes on shading assessment . The creation of these practice notes was spearheaded by the working group, supported by feedback and discussions from our members and wider community, including a CPD-accredited working session at our 2025 AGM. Practice Note 1 – Shading Diagram Methodology This Practice Note sets out a consistent methodology for producing shading diagrams. It is

Prepared by Frank Pierard, Registered Urban Designer (UDIA) & Landscape Architect. Kobus Mentz’s workshop on The Future Embraced...

The Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) is pleased to share our recent submissions to the Ministry for the Environment and the...

UDIA is excited to join NZPI’s next annual Conference, held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on March 25 - 27, 2026. The conference will...

Considering joining the Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) and wondering what’s involved in the application process? The UDIA was...

Following the publication of “The Future Embraced”, Kobus Mentz is offering the opportunity to benefit from his extensive experience with...

At the Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) , we are committed to fostering conversations about the future of our cities—how they...

This month’s official launch of the Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) has delivered urban designers in Aotearoa New Zealand a...