Aucklanders are being encouraged to help create a living legacy for their city.
During the month of August, anyone can share their thoughts on the draft concept designs for the City Centre’s largest new public space in more than a century.
Te Ara Tukutuku is an Eke Panuku Development Auckland project that is continuing the transformation of Wynyard Quarter.
This next stage at Wynyard Point will transform 10 hectares of land into a public open space supported by mixed use development.
Work to open up this land, including the site of the former tank farm was accelerated in advance of the 36th Americas Cup on the waterfront for 2021.
Since then, Eke Panuku has been creating plans for next phase regeneration of the Wynyard Quarter.
Eke Panuku is leading the co-design of this space alongside Mana Whenua, using mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge and practice) and regenerative design practices.
This collaborative process has drawn on the wisdom and mahi of design collective Toi Waihanga, the Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Council whānau, and key groups with a special interest in this space.
Last year, Aucklanders were asked for their feedback on Te Ara Tukutuku vision, which aims to transform the land from its petrochemical past into a healthy and thriving foreshore, and to reconnect people with the sea, making the most of this unique location.
Feedback included a desire for places to swim, jump and engage with the sea; walking and cycling paths, spaces for quiet reflection and being in nature; a diverse range of educational and research programmes; being involved in healing and caring for the space; an enhanced marine environment; and native trees to support bird life.
All comments were collated and fed into draft concept designs which are now available for the public to view and give further feedback on throughout the month of August.
The concept designs offer space for everyone - to enjoy, explore, connect with community, engage in nature, and interact with whenua (land) and wai (water) environments. A shift away from a traditional public space, there are some unique features, including:
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Nature immersion – explore a coastal ngahere (forest), visit a plant nursery and learn in outdoor classrooms, follow an urban stream to the ocean, see climate resilience in action
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Marine interaction - engage with marine life through habitat education… see marine clean-up and habitat from the shore, and dip your feet in the shallow waters of Te Waitematā
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Coastal activities - walk or ride the scenic coastal path around the edge, picnic in a sheltered spot, swim in an ocean pool, enjoy open spaces for passive recreation, wander up the headland
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Events - engage in or watch events in the plaza spaces, be involved in celebrating our beautiful city and harbour, experience something new
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Scenic lookouts - take in the 360-degree views from the headland, enjoy lookouts around the coast for city and harbour views, observe the working waterfront including waka ramp and marine restoration
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Cultural connection - learn about traditional activities and Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) hear Mana Whenua stories, attend ceremony, enjoy live waiata performances
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Cultural immersion - get hands-on with waka, participate in and observe waka launches, engage with indigenous knowledge and regenerative practices.
This is a project for all Aucklanders to be proud of, and the project team are encouraging anyone who wishes to be involved in the restoration mahi (work) and become part of the healing journey for this special land and marine environment, to take part.
Anyone can view the concept designs at www.ekepanuku.co.nz and give online feedback through AK Have Your Say https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/.
