Goals and principles

Significant developments are shaped by meaningful engagement with mana whenua and reflect identified Māori design principles. 

Mana whenua are represented at city centre governance groups concerning implementation design, development, fresh water and coastal projects/initiatives. 

Greater reflection of our culture in the City Centre environment. 

By 2030 at least 60% of rangatahi surveyed say they can see their culture in the city centre.

Te reo Māori is visible in bilingual signage and dual naming of public spaces, road names, public buildings and key new developments.

New signs and those that require replacing are in te reo Māori and/or bilingual.

Infrastructure that allows for ease of event delivery in public spaces.

More events to bring vibrancy to the city centre.

The number of people working in the city centre is maintained so it remains an employment hub for the district.   

2015 employment levels (10,300 people) are maintained until 2030.   Increased employment after 2030 at 2% per annum.

The city centre is still the prime area for retail spend with boutique retail experiences supported by larger anchors. 

There are no empty shops within the city centre core.

The regional share of retail spend is maintained.   

Quality and flexible office space to support start-ups and meet changing working habits.

Number of business start-ups increases.

Number of new flexible office spaces increases.

Overall 5% increase in commercial floor space by 2030.

A wider range of activity that brings people to the city centre.

A new anchor institution is established by 2030.

We grow visitor numbers and have people staying in the city centre for longer. 

Increase average length of stay rates in city centre commercial accommodation (2.4 nights) until 2030 after which increase rates to 2.8 nights.

More people living in the city centre.

Increase the number of city centre homes 10% (60 or so homes) by 2026 and with the resident population (currently 1,100 people) increasing to 2,000 people by 2030, 3,000 by 2040 and 4,000 by 2050.

Easier processes within NPDC that creates a seamless journey for those developing opportunities of living in the city.

Increase in customer satisfaction with NPDC resource consenting process within the city centre in relation to: accurate information and timely responses.

Maintain perception of the city centre as a great place to live.

Undertake a baseline resident perception survey by 2023 and maintain at this level for 5 years before targeting an increase.

A city that encourages and supports people to use sustainable transport.

More people using other (non-private motor car) modes of transport to work in the city centre by 2030.

Increase bus patronage from 2021 levels.

Network of paths and walkways that prioritise people and their movement.

More residents walking to work.

Audit all significant NPDC public realm projects in the city centre against universal design principles and NPDC’s Accessibility Strategy.

Increase pedestrian counts at a faster rate than employment growth.

A range of private vehicle parking options.

An integrated transport plan that responds to future private vehicle use trends.

Mobility car parking spaces maintained in suitable locations.

Public car parking provision maintained at the current 80% occupancy levels i.e. at least 3,000 spaces until 2032.

The Huatoki is alive and thriving and a place that people can easily connect with.

Water quality better than 2021 levels.

More biodiversity and native plants along the banks of the awa by utilising mātauranga Māori approaches.

The coastal edge is protected ….

Coastal edge under co-management with Ngāti te Whiti by 2026.

A green city that is attractive and supports biodiversity.

Increase the number of street trees and native plants.

Increase the area of NPDC-owned green open space.

Developments are encouraged to meet Green Homes/Green Buildings standards.

Realise the city centre’s first New Zealand Green Building Council minimum 5 -star rated building.