Systematic colonization and town planning in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

The theory and principles of systematic colonization, propounded most strongly by Edward Gibbon Wakefield, set new rules for British expansion overseas after 1830. This was particularly apparent in the foundation years of South Australia after 1836, and in the early settlement of New Zealand after 1840 in which Wakefield played a personal part. These outworkings developed strong and distinctive town planning themes in which two South Australian Surveyors‐General, William Light and George Goyder figured prominently. The annexation of the Northern Territory of Australia in the 1860s and 1870s, and the expansion of the frontier of settlement in inland South Australia from 1860 to 1890 displayed these themes.

This history demonstrates a breadth of concerns in the settlement of these territories which covers political economy; capitalist enterprise; the machinery of government and public policy concerning the survey, sale and use of land; the development of an urban system; and the planning of towns. This has not only left a strong imprint on the landscape but has left some influence on attitudes regarding land and property and on the style of government administration.