Professor Iain White has been working with local and central authorities to progress a concept called the ‘20 Minute City’, challenging decision-makers to adopt a more transformative approach to post-pandemic infrastructure investment.
The concept has been embraced in many other parts of the world and is essentially about putting the right kinds of infrastructure in the right places. This includes good pedestrian access and high connectivity, safe cycle lanes, and joined-up planning that aims to better link people with the facilities they use, so all needs can be reached within 20 minutes of home.
In October 2021, Professor White and the project team conducted a nationwide survey asking New Zealanders how far they’re prepared to travel for work and other services.
“We need to be careful in applying concepts from overseas, and so we need to collect data on what is of value to people in our towns and cities and how they prefer to get there,” says Professor White.