Manukau is one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand, with an additional 7,000 – 10,000 people arriving here each year.
The council ensures this growth happens in a planned and sustainable way through the District Plan.
There are a number of current plan changes that focus on development in specific parts of the city.
The council has a design-led and sustainable approach to planning, with a strong focus on good urban design.
Urban design
The future success of Manukau's built environment relies on quality urban design.
Good urban design is all about ensuring that the future growth and development of Manukau provides places and spaces for people to enjoy living and working in.
Urban design is a key element when the council works on plans for development. For example, a draft masterplan guides the development of Manukau City Centre.
Manukau’s approach to urban design is based on principles that have been used for centuries in creating great cities and towns. The council is a signatory to the 
New Zealand Urban Design Protocol.
Apartment design guide
The council has released a draft Residential Apartment Design Guide to help get better quality apartments in Manukau. Read more about the guide here.
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Urban Design Panel
Members of the panel
Submissions
Contact us
Manukau has an Urban Design Panel that provides professional advice and expertise for a range of development projects in the city.
The panel reviews and provide feedback on how developments such as new buildings are designed and how they fit into, and function, in the space and community around them.
The panel is an advisory body only and does not have the authority to approve or refuse projects.
The Urban Design Panel:
- Gives impartial and professional advice to the council on any proposal or policy affecting the community's physical environment
- Reviews civic works such as bridges, roadworks, parks, beautification projects, civic buildings and design competitions
- Comments on concept plans, urban design policy and criteria.
Members of the panel
From left: Kevin Brewer, Annette Jones, James Lunday
Kevin Brewer
Director, 
Architecture Brewer Davidson
Kevin has been a practicing architect since 1984 and is a founding partner of Architecture Brewer Davidson. He has provided urban design advice on a number of major projects throughout New Zealand and has consulted on a number of projects for Manukau city including the Urban Design Plan for the SH20 to SH1 connection. Kevin is also a member of the Auckland City Urban Design Panel.
Annette Jones
Senior Architect and Urban Designer, Beca
Annette has been a practicing architect for the last 20 years and has a Masters of Architecture in Urban Design (Hons) from the University of Auckland. Annette has extensive experience in the design, planning and construction of major facilities including schools, libraries, and other community facilities.
James Lunday
Principal, Common Ground
As an Urban Designer, Landscape Architect and Designer with over 25 years experience, James is the driving force behind Common Ground. He has an extensive international background in urban design and architecture, with particular experience in sustainable urban design, cultural community development, landscape planning, heritage issues and participatory processes
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Submissions
Submissions to the panel can be made through the council's consents team, or directly to the panel for review.
Submission forms:
Contact us
Phone: 09 262 8900 ext 8906
Email: samantha.russell@manukau.govt.nz
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