Kōrau Mātinitini | Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee chair Councillor Teri O’Neil says work to revitalise the precinct is already well underway with Tākina bringing more than 200,000 visitors into the area per year, and the recently refurbished St James putting on events weekly – but more needs to be done.
“Collaboration and open dialogue with the community are key to revitalising and making Pōneke a safe place to play and stay, but most importantly, to be proud of.
“We know we can make a difference, as this plan builds on the foundations that have already seen significant improvements in the area – but there is still more to do.”
Partnering with local businesses, Pōneke Promise partners, and working across Council, the Courtenay Place Precinct Plan will make immediate improvements to the area such as creative lighting, pop-ups, and a second Take 10 site.
In the longer term, Council will work with local developers, iwi and the private sector to attract investment that strengthens Courtenay Place’s offering as a destination and a neighbourhood.
The Pōneke Promise
The reinvigoration of Courtenay Place is part of the Pōneke Promise, our joint commitment to safety in the central city. Safety and vibrancy are intrinsically linked, and by enhancing the vibrancy of our city, we can in turn drive positive outcomes our community are seeking.
Launched in 2021, the Pōneke Promise partnership has been committed to making our central city safe, vibrant and welcoming.
Over the last two years, the programme has delivered a suite of initiatives in the area, including the Dixon Street urban design upgrades, opening two new community spaces Te Wāhi Āwhina and Te Pokapū Hapori, and the development of the Sexual Violence Prevention Action Plan working with student associations, young women and sexual violence specialists.
The Pōneke Promise is a partnership between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Taranaki Whānui, Hospitality NZ, First Retail, NZ Police, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington City Mission, DCM, Ministry of Social Development, Victoria University of Wellington, By sharing information and working closely together to develop and deliver solutions, we’re able to effectively work towards the same goal; we want Wellington to feel safe, vibrant and welcoming for everyone.
The Pōneke Promise has made good progress but recognise there is further collaboration needed to drive action, investment and engagement.