File ref: IRO-10768
30 July 2021
Tony Randle
[FYI request #13552 email]
Kia Ora Mr Randle
On 23 July 2021, Tom Nelson from the Ombudsman Office advised that you had requested for
clarification on a previous request (IRO-10768). These included:
• Any and al details regarding a meeting with Ministry for Environment.
• To address the reference to a definition provided by Waka Kotahi (item 10).
A video conference meeting with Ministry for Environment (MfE) and Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) took place on 14 June 2020. Attendees included Adam McCutcheon (WCC) Kate
Pascall (WCC) and Tim Johnstone (WCC), Jym Clark (MfE), Bryan Patchett (HUD) and David Shamy
(HUD).
The Council specifical y asked Ministry for the Environment (MfE) Officials:
o if the rapid transit service definition was intended to apply to Johnsonvil e line; and
o if this was the policy intent of the NPS-UD.
Both points were confirmed by MfE officials.
Accordingly, Council Officers model ed walking catchments around each of the stations on the
Johnsonvil e line. A housing typology that gives effect to policy 3 of the NPS-UD (‘enable building
heights at least six storeys’) was applied.
Council Officers cannot recol ect any other details from the meeting.
The Council was not provided a definition by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency regarding
item 10 of the response. Andrew Wharton Principal Advice of Let’s Get Wel ington Moving Interface
provided Tim Johnstone and Adam McCutcheon from the Place Planning team at Wel ington City
Council with a list of definitions from a number of publicly available sources. The link to Waka Kotahi
website and their definition is listed here
. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and-
investment/planning-and-investment-knowledge-base/201821-nltp/activity-classes-and-work-
categories/rapid-transit/.
Right of review
If you are not satisfied with the Council’s response, you may request the Office of the Ombudsman
to investigate the Council’s decision. Further information is available on the Ombudsman website,
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
Thank you again for your request, if you have any question please feel free to contact me.
Kind regards
Asha Harry
Assurance Advisor
Wellington City Council | 2 of 2
