Mention the idea of increasing urban density at a dinner party in New Zealand and a look of horror comes across most faces. When people think of “high density” living” or even “higher density” living they seem to envision third-world squatter camps with open sewers, one tap shared among 500 people, and rampant crime.

This is what high urban density is associated with in some countries. Unfortunately, this is also a very narrow, and often uninformed, view of urban density.

Unplanned, hit-and-miss moves toward higher densities, or higher density born of necessity may yield unattractive results. But well thought out, carefully implemented changes in density can have far better economic and social outcomes for New Zealand than the current general trend of extending urban sprawl.

Research by BERL suggests that higher residential and workplace densities (i.e. more people living and working in each hectare of an urban centre) is associated with higher labour productivity, greater public transport (PT) and active mode (walking and cycling) use, and higher land values and yet lower cost per resident.

Other benefits include reduced carbon emissions, greater access to goods and services for residents, and reduced crime. Economically speaking, perhaps the greatest benefit of higher densities is that it is not a zero-sum game; spurring economic development in one area due to increasing density need not thwart efforts at economic development elsewhere.

David Norman, BERL Economist, spent seven years living, working, and travelling in East Asia. On a recent trip back to that part of the world, he documented some of the changes that had occurred there that were brought about by integrating urban density with an extensive public transport network.

No one is proposing that New Zealand head toward the urban densities seen in Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong or other East Asian economies. However, if New Zealand wants better public transport, more affordable goods and services in closer proximity, reduced travel times, less traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions, some change is necessary.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that it is already occurring in some parts of the country, such as the Wellington CBD, which has been re-vitalised in recent years. This has made it a far more attractive place to live, within walking distance of work, shopping and lifestyle opportunities.

A photo-journal of David’s recent trip to Taiwan can be found on his facebook site here.