Joint Media Release: Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City Council

7 December 2005

A vision for Auckland's waterfront

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and Auckland City yesterday released the vision for Auckland's CBD waterfront.

The vision document, which has been developed over the past year following extensive consultation with landowners, businesses, stakeholders and the wider community, sets the overarching framework for the future development of the wider waterfront area - stretching from the Harbour Bridge in the west to Teal Park in the east.

Central to the vision document is a set of principles, which encapsulate key elements of the waterfront area, which are considered important and need to be kept and improved. The principles have been finalised following in-depth feedback from the public and key groups and will guide how the area is managed, developed and protected in the future.

Principles for Auckland's waterfront:

* public access and enjoyment: "It is easy to get to open space on the water's edge" * views: "The views from the waterfront are breathtaking" * environment: "The waterfront is a clean and healthy place" * heritage and local character: "Local heritage and character is respected and celebrated" * transport and linkages: "It is easy and safe to get to the waterfront and I can choose how I get there" * mix of uses and activity: "There is a mix of things to do at the waterfront, making it a great place to live, work and play" * port: "The port is a vital economic driver for the region" * working waterfront: "Auckland's working waterfront plays a key economic role and it also reflects our maritime history" * marina and recreation: "Marinas on Auckland's waterfront are world-class and provide an ideal facility for boaties."

The vision covers a timeframe to 2040 and includes a map showing the current and future activities and uses throughout the area including commercial, residential, marine, fishing and events. It also maps out changes to uses over time, with short, medium and long-term frameworks identified.

ARC Chairman, Michael Lee, says that the vision document is an important first step towards the development of a world-class waterfront for Auckland.

"The waterfront is one of the Auckland region's most valued features, and is of vital economic importance to the city, the region and to New Zealand.

"We are committed to ensuring that our waterfront is developed in a way that is at least as good as or better than what has been done internationally. Our commitment to all Aucklanders is that we will continue to work towards having a waterfront that celebrates the region's unique character and place in the Pacific, a waterfront that is worthy of this great maritime city, and something that our children and grandchildren can be proud of.

"This exercise is also a demonstration of the importance of working together, and we intend continuing to work in partnership with Auckland City Council, Ports of Auckland, key industries and landowners in the area, and the public of Auckland as the waterfront area continues to progress, and as more detailed plans are developed."

Mr Lee says that the ARC will remain closely involved in the detailed planning, which will begin in 2006.

Mayor of Auckland city, Dick Hubbard, says that getting the right kind of waterfront depends on more than just having a vision.

"To achieve success, we will need to be decisive, show leadership and take bold action," he says.

"We will stay true to the principles of the vision and we will continue to listen to what people want for this part of the city to ensure it is protected and developed in the right way for future Aucklanders."

Mr Hubbard added that a key quality of the vision is that it is sustainable.

"The vision provides for a diverse waterfront that allows people to have different experiences in different types of urban and open spaces. It will maximise public access to the water, and maintain the area's character while balancing local businesses' needs for commercial return," he says.

The vision does not set out specific future development plans and does not outline any rules for changes in uses and activities in the area. This detailed work will begin in earnest next year when the proposed plan change for the Western Reclamation is publicly notified by Auckland City.

The vision is available online at www.arc.govt.nz or www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

ENDS

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