The urban environment is a determinant of health and wellbeing. Our vision for healthy urban development is pae ora – healthy futures. We have identified four inter-related principles to consider in urban development processes to achieve pae ora and achieve thriving outcomes for our communities. The principles are:

1. healthy, safe and resilient communities
2. healthy environments
3. equity
4. climate change mitigation and adaptation

In this paper, the authors discuss the principles for healthy urban development and its connections with health, wellbeing and equity. They also describe how good urban design can protect and promote health, and improve health, equity and disability outcomes.

Urban development that supports health, wellbeing and equity gives people equitable access to healthy housing, safe and active transport choices, good-quality air and water, natural environments and essential services like education, health care, food security, retail, employment opportunities and recreational facilities. Maori communities thrive when they are supported to continue traditions and culture, including through access to mahinga kai, māra and maramataka, and mātauranga Maori approaches to planning and design.