Request for interpretation of "urban environment" in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD)

Details of the request

1. This letter relates to the Ministry’s interpretation of the meaning of “urban  environment” as defined in the  National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020.
2. The agenda of the joint committee of Tasman District and Nelson City Councils (linked below) refers to advice provided by the Ministry on the interpretation of the terms “urban environment” and the National Policy Statement for Urban Development.
3. Can you please provide me with a copy of the advice referred to in that agenda.
4. Has the Ministry prepared any guidance documentation on how the term “urban environment” should be interpreted? If not, is the Ministry intending to prepare such guidance documentation?
5. Has the Ministry provided any advice to the Marlborough District Council on how “urban environment” should be interpreted in the NPSUD?
6. Is the Ministry’s position that the meaning of urban environment (as defined in the NPSUD) includes any urban area that serves a housing and labour market of at least 10,000 people even if that area itself has fewer than 10,000 people.