NEWS RELEASE
June 29, 2000
Competition sets new vision for waterfront development
Right from its beginning, the level of interest in the Waitemata Waterfront Development design project has been beyond
the ordinary, says Auckland City Mayor Chris Fletcher.
At the stage one awards presentation (Thursday June 29, 5.30pm), Mrs Fletcher said that during the design process she
had more than ever before been reminded of the importance of the Auckland waterfront to Aucklanders.
“It doesn’t matter where people live or work in the region, they share a particular sense of ownership – or guardianship
– about our waterfront.”
Because the council acknowledges that the area is special and its development viewed differently, it has adopted a
different kind of process for the project to establish the direction people would like this to take.
A key feature of this process is inclusiveness, with a high value placed on public and professional input, she said.
“Another feature is its openness. We know that development on the waterfront has particular potential to be
controversial. Council must continue working in consultation with Aucklanders as we shape the future of our waterfront
together.”
Auckland City’s 20-year strategic plan lists implementing a citywide design code as one of its goals, said Mrs Fletcher.
“As the waterfront has one of the most fragile environments in the whole of the city, the area is readily and urgently
singled out for such guidelines. Entrants worked to a set of design competition guidelines however their interpretations
often reached far beyond that to address a wider range of qualities.”
Being a member of the judging panel was time consuming but very rewarding, she said.
“The quality of entries made it a very difficult choice – so much innovation, such wide vision!. The awards presentation
for the Waitemata Waterfront Development is a celebration of excellence in design.”
Ends.