Mayor Tory Whanau says this work marks a significant milestone for the Pōneke Promise in making our central city safer, while creating a more inviting space to spend time in the area.
“Prior to the Pōneke Promise, many conversations about safety centred around Te Aro Park and the toilets. Once the Pōneke Promise was formed, this area became the heart of the programme.
“This work is about intentionally reshaping the space using urban design principles to bring life back to the area and restore a sense of vibrancy. We know that more eyes on a space reduces the likelihood of anti-social behaviour happening, so that’s what we’re doing in the park.
"It was an honour to be part of the whakamoe ceremony, to acknowledge the hurt from the past while working collaboratively for the future.”
Te Aro Pā descendant Leslie Brown says descendants will be looking forward to further improvements to the area.
"We are already pleased with what has happened on Dixon Street. The removal of the unsightly park toilets is another step in restoring respect of this place and space."