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Principles of the waterfront vision

Tank farm from water.

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These principles include the key elements of the waterfront that need to be kept and improved. The principles give a long-term guiding framework that will direct how the area is managed, developed and protected in the future.

Public access and enjoyment
"It is easy to get to open space on the water's edge"

  • Improving public access, public open space and people's enjoyment of the waterfront and Waitemata Harbour is a priority.
  • Avoid privatisation of public spaces.
  • Create safe urban spaces by applying crime prevention through environmental design.
  • Design public spaces to maximise sunshine and views to the water.
  • Recognise the need to restrict public access around the custom-bonded working parts of the port.
  • Create a range of public open spaces that provide a variety of experiences.
  • Make it easy for people to get into and out of the area.

Views
"The views from the waterfront are breathtaking"

  • Identify and protect public visual links and views into and outside the waterfront area, including outstanding public viewing points.

Man fishing - Auckland waterfront

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Environment
"The waterfront is a clean and healthy place"

  • Incorporate leading-edge environmental technologies and sustainable design.
  • Minimise adverse environmental effects through improved stormwater and wastewater management and design techniques that support energy, water and materials efficiency.
  • Assess site contamination (including remediation and management options) to protect environmental and public health.

Heritage and local character
"Local heritage and character is respected and celebrated"

  • Create a distinctive maritime "sense of place" through design that celebrates and strengthens local Auckland and Pacific character and heritage.
  • Protect Maori heritage and values and ensure design includes outcomes relevant to Tamaki Makaurau - Tamaki herenga waka (Tamaki - the resting place of many waka).
  • Respect places and buildings with heritage and cultural values.
  • Value the working waterfront as a key part of the area's character.

Transport and linkages
"It is easy and safe to get to the waterfront and I can choose how I get there"

  • Strengthen links between the waterfront and adjoining areas.
  • Improve pedestrian and cycling connections and opportunities.
  • Ensure passenger transport services and supporting infrastructure, including water-based services, are fully integrated into future development.
  • Design streets to provide a safe and pleasant environment for pedestrians, residents and workers.
  • Ensure future development is within the capacity of the existing road network.
  • Keep a grid-based street pattern to improve connectivity and accessibility.
  • Ensure any new connection linking Te Wero island and the Western Reclamation is not used by private vehicles and does not compromise boat movements into and out of the Viaduct Harbour.
  • Strengthen connections between Victoria Park and the Western Reclamation.
  • Ensure consideration of issues and options related to the future harbour crossing do not compromise achieving the vision.

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"

  • Achieve a rich mix of activity and vitality by providing living, work and entertainment opportunities.
  • Encourage "people places" including public attractions, entertainment and leisure activities that promote the waterfront area as a destination for Aucklanders, visitors and tourists.
  • Cater for residential uses and manage reverse sensitivity issues bearing in mind the rights of existing uses.
  • Encourage retail activity that is appropriate and relevant to the urban nature of the waterfront area.
  • Adopt leading practice in urban design.
  • Ensure building height and bulk are of a scale that avoids/avoiding excessive shading of public spaces and wind tunnel effects.
  • Encourage events and water-based activities that attract people to the waterfront.
  • Provide a range of public activities and attractions throughout the waterfront area.
  • Consider a future iconic building in the waterfront area.
  • Cater for business activities and opportunities that support Auckland's long-term economic development.
  • Ensure that waterfront development complements the CBD.

Port
"The port is a vital economic driver for the region"

  • Ensure the continued success of New Zealand's premier port operation by recognising the pre-eminence of port activity within port boundaries.
  • Recognise the 24-hour, 7-day nature of the commercial port.
  • Provide compatible adjacent activities that understand the 24-hour nature of port operations.
  • Achieve improved road and rail access for freight movements.
  • Manage traffic and environmental effects associated with port activity.
  • Provide for future port growth within the regulatory framework.
  • Recognise that further reclamation is anticipated to accommodate the consolidation and shift (eastward) of port-related activity over time.
  • Consider using port land released over time for mixed-use development, recognising that public access to the water is an important feature of any development.

Working waterfront
"Auckland's working waterfront plays a key economic role and it also reflects our maritime history"

  • Recognise the significance of the bulk liquid industry to the regional economy by ensuring the following criteria are addressed before any redevelopment of Wynyard Point for alternative uses:
    - mixed use development cannot occur until a process, timetable and viable alternative site/s for relocation are finalised
    - the transition process must be seamless and managed, avoiding any adverse effects or disruption to regional economic activity
    - issues associated with alternative sites and options must be addressed before any closure of Wynyard Point facilities.
  • Ensure there is adequate provision for the interests and needs of the marine and fishing industry.
  • Enhance the unique synergy and character of an active, working waterfront by supporting the continued co-location of marine, fishing and recreational boating activity in the area.
  • Ensure future adjacent land uses do not compromise marine and fishing activities.


Marina and recreation
"Marinas on Auckland's waterfront are world-class and provide an ideal facility for boaties"

  • Ensure the continued successful operation of Westhaven Marina and enhance its international reputation.
  • Enhance public enjoyment of the marina through improved pedestrian access and public orientated uses.
  • Encourage recreational opportunities including retaining the public boat ramp, and ensuring continued boat club activities.
  • Promote the Viaduct Harbour as an internationally recognised marina and a hub for maritime activity and recreation.
Continue to Implementation of the Auckland waterfront vision