Abstract
This thesis explores international best practices for the biophilic cities theory and how it can be
applied to residential spaces throughout four cities within the Wellington region. Within a biophilic
city, several different scales provide an opportunity to incorporate nature into urban spaces to
connect residents with nature to improve their well-being. Currently, Wellington City is a partner
city to the biophilic cities movement, primarily due to the abundance of large reserve land
surrounding the city. While this reserve land is an essential aspect of a biophilic city, nature must
be incorporated into the residential spaces throughout the region as these are spaces where
residents can achieve a daily connection with areas of nature. A best practice model was developed
through the literature review to determine how the biophilic cities theory was applied to residential
spaces internationally. Through policy analysis, the key national and local level strategies for
influencing biophilic outcomes were identified, and case studies were then analysed to determine
whether these strategies were effective and if current developments met international best
practices. Key informant interviews also highlighted the barriers and drivers of biophilic outcomes
and the improvements needed to result in biophilic outcomes in residential spaces. The results
indicate a low level of biophilic techniques incorporated in residential spaces throughout the region
primarily due to the cost of implementation and maintenance, low developer willingness and little
importance placed on biophilic outcomes in residential areas throughout local government plans
and strategies. For this to be rectified, there must be more education on the conditions and benefits
of a biophilic city provided to developers, the public and councillors, a strengthening of council
plans and less reliance on larger areas of green spaces. These findings are expected to be of use to
Wellington City Council, Porirua City Council, Lower Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City
Council, as well as any other New Zealand cities looking to understand the challenges of creating
more biophilic cities.