Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Challenges to Securing Access to Aggregate Resources in Auckland

Abstract

Natural resources have formed the foundation of urban environments throughout human history; intensifying over the last century as the world has become more urbanised. Aggregate resources are used extensively throughout the built environment; however, access to them is becoming increasingly threatened as urban environments expand outwards into areas previously utilised as extraction sites. This presents an unsustainable scenario where cities are faced with economic, social and environmental costs associated with sourcing aggregate from greater distances. Subsequently, to create sustainable urban environments, sustaining supplies of resource inputs is as important as minimising adverse environmental effects of resource use. Using an urban sustainability lens, this research utilised a two-pronged approach to explore how institutional and operational management has shaped access to aggregate resources in Auckland. The research was approached using a qualitative case study with methods including policy analysis and semi-structured interviews. This research analysed the approach taken by resource management legislation to regulate aggregate resources including the regulation of environmental effects and sustaining supply; in particular, changes that occurred through the amalgamation of Auckland Council. It also considered the effect of urban expansion on aggregate resources using an example of Hunua Quarry in south Auckland. This research undertook a critical analysis of the institutional and operational constraints and opportunities that exist in ensuring future generations have access to aggregate resources. Although the amalgamation has allowed the Regional Policy Statement for minerals to be strengthened by placing emphasis on sustaining local supplies of aggregate, significant hindrances exist to securing local supplies of aggregate. This research found that Auckland is going the way of major cities all over the world where aggregate is imported from increasing distances, which will have far-reaching implications throughout society. In order to create a sustainable urban environment, future planning for aggregate resources must be undertaken with increased emphasis placed on sustaining local supplies. Keywords: urban sustainability, aggregate resources, natural resource use, resource management, urban expansion, sustainable mineral extraction.