Program Overview

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Course Overview

The course PLAN 455, also known as Te Mahi Kaupapa Here or Planning Practice, is designed to expose students to the practice of planning, focusing on New Zealand. This includes the philosophy of planning, plan making, plan implementation, and planning in a bicultural context.

Course Details

• Dates: 23 February 2026 to 21 June 2026
• Starts: Trimester 1
• Fees:
  • NZ$1,376.40 for domestic students
  • NZ$6,048.90 for international students
• Lecture Start Times:
  • Tuesday 9.30am
  • Thursday 2.40pm
• Campus: Te Aro
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 15 points

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Taught By

The course is taught by the School of Architecture — Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be communicated once the course has begun.

About This Course

This course provides an introduction to planning practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a particular focus on statutory planning frameworks. It is an on-campus only course, not available for distance study, and all class sessions will be delivered in person at the Te Aro Campus.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Critique the nature, practice, and philosophical basis for planning.
2. Summarise and critique policy-making ideas, development, processes recognising New Zealand's bicultural mandate.
3. Demonstrate competency in communicating planning implementation processes and practice.

How This Course Is Taught

• Lectures and Tutorials: Require in-person attendance. Lecture recordings will be made available for subsequent revision.
• Field Trips: Require in-person attendance at specified times and locations.
• Lecture/Workshop Structure: 2x2 hour lectures/workshops per week, combining lecture-type presentations, discussions, and work towards assignments.

Assessment

• Assignment One: 1,500-word essay (20% of the final mark, expected workload: 30 hours)
• Assignment Two: (45% of the final mark)
• Assignment Three: Report/planning application (35% of the final mark, expected workload: 30 hours)

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 23 February 2026 to 5 April 2026
• 20 April 2026 to 31 May 2026

What You'll Need to Get

There are no specific texts or equipment required for this course.

Past Versions of This Course

Older versions of this course may be accessible through the course archive.