AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE
10 April 2006
The People’s Choice Mayoral Urban Design Awards
Auckland city residents are being given the chance to nominate buildings, places and spaces that they think demonstrate
good urban design within the isthmus.
The People’s Choice Mayoral Urban Design Awards invite written or photographic nominations which will be assessed by an
expert panel convened by the Mayor of Auckland city, Dick Hubbard.
Two winners, one from the general public and another from tertiary students, will each receive a high-quality digital
camera as their prize.
“‘Good urban design’ has become a popular and perhaps over-used and misunderstood catch-phrase among architects,
designers and local authorities,” says the Mayor. “As the city grows and attracts more people, so does the interest in
how our city looks and functions.”
The Mayor says that it is usually the visual impact of a development that prompts a first reaction. “But good urban
design is more than what meets the eye. It’s about how places function – whether they are safe, accessible, lively and
people-friendly – not just how they look.
“It’s also about ensuring that our buildings and public spaces match our wonderful natural environment, making the city
a better place for future generations.”
The idea for the awards came from the Mayoral Urban Design Taskforce as a way to encourage people to learn more about
urban design issues.
Terms and conditions for entering the awards and tips on what to look for in assessing good urban design are in the
latest copy of City Scene and can be found on the council website www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/urbandesign
The awards close at 5pm, 3 May 2006. Entries can be in photographic or written form (up to 250 words). All entries must
clearly state in writing why the nominated building, space or place demonstrates good urban design.
Digital photographs can be sent as a jpg to designawards@aucklandcity.govt.nz and 5X7 prints and/or written nominations
should be mailed to:
The People’s Choice Mayoral Urban Design Awards, City Planning, Auckland City, Private Bag 92516, Wellesley Street,
Auckland 1036.
Enquiries should be referred to (09) 379 2020.
Ends