Waterfront Auckland: Message from the CE

Waterfront Auckland: Message from the CE

With the opening of the first stage of the Wynyard Quarter behind us, you might think we're having a well earned rest at the Waterfront Auckland office. Far from it! We're already in the throes of the next stages of the Wynyard Quarter development and have also been working hard to meet our next major deliverable to Auckland: The Waterfront Plan.

Read more [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/Message-from-the-Chief-Executive-September-2011.aspx]

Wynyard Quarter Stage One Open

More than 50,000 people flocked to the Wynyard Quarter on Opening Weekend (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August) to take a look at the redevelopment of eight new public offerings: Wynyard Crossing, Karanga Plaza, the Viaduct Events Centre, Jellicoe Street promenade, North Wharf, Playspace, Silo Park and the historic tramway.

The day started with a dawn ceremony to mark the occasion complete with waka in Viaduct Harbour and a traditional Maori powhiri to challenge and then welcome the Prime Minister John Key and invited guests to the newly redeveloped extension of Auckland's waterfront precinct.

A range of free activities including lantern making and music in the park entertained visitors to the area keen to experience the new public open spaces, eateries, sculptures and walkways.

Thanks Auckland for bringing vibrancy and life to the newest stretch of our waterfront.

Check out images taken and recorded on the day [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/Areas/Wynyard-Quarter/Images/WynyardQuarterOpeningDay.aspx]

[http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/Eighty-per-cent-of-Auckland%E2%80%99s-new-waterfront-desti.aspx]

Planning ahead – Get involved in what happens next on your waterfront

We believe building a great waterfront is about more than pretty pictures printed in glossy planning documents. We believe creating an Auckland waterfront we will love, visit and tell others about takes action – thought, ideas, conversation, design -led comment and debate, courage, commitment and energy.

Waterfront Auckland is taking action and is encouraging you to do the same. A Waterfront Plan proposing some interesting ideas for the inner city waterfront will be available for public engagement and comment from 20 September.

For more information click here [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/Plan/Wa_plans_new.aspx]

The King of Queens Wharf

Visitors to Queens Wharf may be familiar with a friendly face greeting then at the entrance – Henry Apuya. Henry works for First Security and has gone above and beyond by guiding and supporting visitors to the area during the extensive and complex Queens Wharf redevelopment.

Henry was successfully nominated by Queens Wharf Project Manager, Mark Fraser, as a worthy recipient for the final limited edition Team 2011 All Blacks Rugby ball, awarded to Aucklanders making a special contribution during the countdown to RWC 2011.

Henry was presented with his official RWC 2011 rugby ball by Grant Fox in August.

Check out the whole story here [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/The-King-of-Queens-Wharf.aspx]

Catch the RED Bus to the Quarter

Getting to and from the Wynyard Quarter is a whole lot easier on a red City LINK bus. Launched in the Wynyard Quarter in August, the City, Inner and Outer LINK services are designed to improve public transport around the Auckland CBD and surrounding suburbs .

Click here to find out more [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/Catch-the-RED-Bus-to-the-Quarter.aspx]

Who stacked those containers?

In the midst of Karanga Plaza, directly opposite the Viaduct Events Centre in Wynyard Quarter, is a stack of old shipping containers housing an information kiosk. Precariously perched on top of each other with glowing screens at the very top, the Karanga Kiosk is the place to go for information, directions, cash (there's an ATM machine), a pit stop (toilet facilities).

Read more [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/Who-stacked-those-containers-.aspx]

[http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/Live-construction-on-line.aspx]

The Glass Loo with the waterfront view

A new ablutions block built at Westhaven Marina to cater for the expected influx of mobile fans for RWC 2011 is just one example of the legacies such an event will leave behind. The new Glass Loo at Z Pier will welcome temporary campervan visitors as its first visitors over the next few weeks and after the tournament will provide regular marina users with more modern facilities than some may have previously experienced. Designer Martin Varney from SGA (Stachan Group Architects) says the design themes centre around the idea of enhancing an everyday experience through creating visual delight with colour and a rich material pallet, and having varying spatial qualities.

To hear more from Martin click here [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/News/Waterfront-News/The-Glass-Loo-with-the-waterfront-view.aspx]

IN BRIEF

'Ecology to Cosmology'

A flag installation designed by Auckland-based fashion designer, Miranda Brown will be mounted on the Gantry overlooking Silo Park from Friday 9 September during the RWC 2011. The 'Ecology to Cosmology' installation is a vibrant expression of the navigation cycle and consists of 15 three metre tall flags inspired by New Zealand's unique terrain, people and culture.

"Each flag is embossed with a large circular motif representing navigation to and from New Zealand and symbolising the journey people will make to New Zealand to watch the RWC," says Brown. "It is amazing to bring such colour and life in to celebrate the waterfront being opened up to more people."

The flags will be on display at a range of festivals around the country over the coming year including Taupo and Splore. Miranda Brown is currently exhibiting at Auckland Fashion Week.

Waterfront Wifi

Wifi access is now available at North Wharf (Wynyard Quarter), the Viaduct and Queens Wharf. Users can access this service three times per day for up to 30 minutes with no data download restriction. This service is free until the end of October 2011 and Auckland Council is looking at ways to continue the service thereafter.

Karanga – The Welcome

The entrance to Auckland's newest waterfront destination, Wynyard Quarter, has been aptly called Karanga, or the calling/ the welcome in Maori. Karanga plaza sits on the eastern edge of Wynyard Quarter, outside the new Viaduct Events Centre and the western landing point when walking or cycling from the Viaduct over Wynyard Crossing.

Waterfront Auckland marketing and communications manager John Gundesen says the name Karanga is in keeping with public areas nearby, for example Te Wero, which means 'the challenge', and Waitemata Plaza at the Viaduct.

Proposal for Harbour Bridge Pathway

A proposal to build a pedestrian and cycle path on the Auckland Harbour Bridge was unveiled on the waterfront last month. The $23 million proposal is for a one-kilometre long four-metre wide pathway mounted below the deck of the eastern bridge clip-on. Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway spokesman Bevan Woodward has suggested the pathway construction be funded by a $2 crossing toll. Go to [http://www.getacross.org.nz] to see a video of the design work and find out more.

Footbridge Connects the Land with the Sea

A new footbridge from the foot of Jacobs Ladder in central Auckland to Westhaven Drive will make it easier for St Mary's Bay residents to access their waterfront.

The NZ Transport Agency is building the 102-metre footbridge over the State Highway 1 motorway in St Marys Bay as part of the Victoria Park Tunnel project. The footbridge has been designed as a simple, sculptural structure between the St Marys Bay cliffs and Westhaven Drive, where it will "land" via stairs and a lift. A viewing platform at the seaward end will provide spectacular views across Westhaven and the Wynyard Quarter.

Visit [http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/victoria-park-tunnel] for more information.

EVENTS

What's happening in W

qWith RWC just around the corner, Auckland's Waterfront is buzzing with events and activities. The Wynyard Quarter has an exciting program of events planned during RWC and throughout the summer months. To find out what is happening in Wynyard Quarter and beyond check out our events calendar [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/Areas/Wynyard-Quarter/WQ-WhatsHappening.aspx] Here are some highlights ...

HP Intel Winter Garden

New to the Wynyard Quarter precinct is the HP Intel Winter Garden
This Pop Up site plays host to local Fairtrade Organic Coffee Roaster, Kokako and the very latest technology from HP and Intel which enables you browse, print, communicate, engage and relax however you wish. The HP Intel Winter Garden has been designed with the environment in mind and is a must see before it closes on October 24th 2011. For more information and cafe opening hours please visit [http://www.hp.co.nz/wintergarden]

Heritage Festival

Wynyard Quarter has got many exciting thing happening this Heritage Festival (17 September – 2 October)

Climb the '6-Pack' Silos (bookings essential), check out the heritage vessel the Kestrel, take a ride on a Clydesdale or the delightful No. 44 class Dinghy tram on loan from MOTAT and download a free mobile phone tour introducing you to the many character elements easily observed while you walk around Wynyard Quarter.

Click here [http://www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz/Areas/Wynyard-Quarter/WQ-WhatsHappening.aspx] for more information and to book.

Project updates

Mast Gantry

The old mast gantry that was located at A pier had been relocated a number of times historically and was removed as part of the A pier replacement. Just in time too - it was found to be rotten in the centre.

A new 10m high steel mast gantry is soon to be located on the Western Grids with construction work aiming to start in September. The gantry will be located on the end of a new 18m long piled structure which should also improve facilities for grid users.

ends

© Scoop Media