Team effort
The project team is working closely with a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the waterfront, including:
- Tenants and businesses in the area
- Our Tākai Here partners and mana whenua designers
- The waterfront Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
- External experts including lighting engineers, landscape architects, urban designers, heritage advisors, and structural engineers
This collaborative approach reflects the principle of Manaakitanga, emphasizing hospitality, care, and valuing each individual's safety.
We are also actively engaging with property owners, hospitality and tourism operators, and various waterfront users such as commuters, tourists, and performers.
Lighting improvements
The new lighting system uses the European iGuzzini Agora fitting, and will significantly enhance the waterfront experience through:
- 360-degree illumination, extending light to the wharf edge for increased safety
- Taller poles with multiple light fittings for better reach and spread of light
- Remote control capabilities for adjusting light levels based on events or emergencies
- Energy-efficient design for reduced operational costs
- Warmer colour temperatures (3000K) to minimize effects on wildlife and reduce light pollution
The new poles are designed to last for 50 years and can support additional technology such as people counters, speakers, banners, and CCTV cameras as budget allows. It is more cost effective than repairing the exist poles, which were built to an old structural standard and are too short to provide the best lighting solution.
Edge protection
New edge protection measures will be installed to enhance safety while preserving the waterfront's character. These include:
- A suite of standard designs for different areas of the waterfront
- Bespoke designs for specific locations, such as the Kumutoto precinct
- Balancing safety requirements with maintaining harbour views
- Preserving access to the water at multiple points along the promenade
Edge protection designs are being developed in consultation with urban designers and mana whenua to ensure they are both safe and visually appealing.
The total length of edging will be determined based on health and safety requirements as well as urban design and heritage considerations later in the year.
Timing
The project is already underway and improvements will be done in stages across different precincts to minimise disruption. The waterfront will remain open for the duration of the upgrades with temporary fencing in place in some areas, and will be replaced with permanent solutions as work progresses.
Sections of fencing have been in place since New Year's eve in 2022, and as part of the FIFA Women's World Cup, Matariki and other events. Hazards along the waterfront have been recognised and mitigated in the past but requires further work to meet the growing population and visitor numbers.
The overall project has an estimated completion date of 2027. Regular updates on the project's progress will be provided on this page.