Smartgrowth's decision making process on future growth settlements is being hindered by the lack of up to date Census data due to the Christchurch earthquakes.

The Census data and the subsequent demographic profile underpins the growth strategy's settlement pattern review and its regional spatial plan, which determines how many people will be living where in the Western Bay of Plenty, in the next 50 years.

Smartgrowth faces tough decisions on future housing and development without Census information. Photo: File.

The last Census data is from 2006 after the planned 2011 Census was postponed due to the February Christchurch earthquake, which displaced thousands of residents.

The Government decided to postpone the Census by two years until March 5, 2013. Data from this year's Census is being collated and due to be released over an 18-month period from December this year.

For Smartgrowth, currently deliberating on submissions on its strategy review, it means final decisions on the balance between new urban growth areas and industrial land east of Te Puke, the disposition of future land use about The Lakes, and a future Tauriko bypass, cannot be made until the information is available.

Smartgrowth also need demographic information from subsequent analysis of the statistics by Waikato University researchers.

Western BOPDC councillor Garry Webber doesn't believe they can make decisions without the Census information to back them up.

But Tauranga City Councillor Larry Baldock believes they don't always have to wait until they have the full facts.

'We don't have to wait, if something is staring us in the face, it's obvious.”

Tangata whenua member Maru Tapsell says the lack of Census data means members will have to navigate using a 'murky crystal ball”.

Smartgrowth is also seeking clarification over the affordable housing debate, calling for a definition of affordability that doesn't refer to a $400,000, brand new, brick and tile three bedroom home, with a double garage.

Mayor Stewart Crosby says there are second hand houses for sale in Tauranga for $300,000 or $250,000 that can be considered affordable.

'No one's really defined it,” says Stuart.

'They are only worried about new housing. There is affordable housing in Tauranga if you want to buy it.”