The greening of Tāmaki Makaurau
“Urbanisation, a growing population, and climate change call for new solutions to how we create a healthy and happy city centre.”
That’s according to the Auckland Council which recently held an online (because of lockdown) panel discussion, as part of its Auckland Conversations programme, about the City Centre masterplan. (You can access the masterplan here.)
The council says research shows a green environment actively contributes to our quality of life.
“Parks and more green spaces on our streets not only provide spaces for us to unwind, rebalance, and exercise, but the addition of trees and plants can absorb carbon, improve air quality, provide shade and address stormwater run-off. Greening a city centre is an important part of future-proofing the city and improving liveability.”
Auckland Conversations has been looking at the Auckland City Centre Masterplan.
And, the council says, gone are the days when the city centre was only alive between nine and five.
“Auckland (in non-lockdown times) has evolved into a diverse place for a growing population of people who like to shop, socialise and do business, and those who choose to live there. In fact, it is the densest residential neighbourhood in New Zealand, with over 35,000 people now calling the city centre home.”
The panel discussion set out to explore the environmental, social and health benefits that come from greening a city centre.
The panel was made up of;
Frith Walker, Head of Placemaking, Eke Panuku
Ngarimu Blair, Deputy Chair, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust
Councillor Richard Hills, Environment and Climate Change Committee Chair, Auckland Council
Howell Davies, Principal Specialist - Urban Ngahere (Forest), Auckland Council
Chlöe Swarbrick, MP, Auckland Central
Iain White, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato
Dr Natalie Allen, Director - The Urban Advisory
You can see the full transcript of the discussion here or watch it in the video below.
