Placemaking Programme

We are currently developing the Hikurangi Placemaking Plan. This plan focuses on the main village of Hikurangi however, we also want to include residents from the wider rural areas of Hukerenui, Helena Bay, Whananaki and Piano Hill in our engagement.

Stage One engagement results

In June 2020, we asked the Hikurangi community what was important to them. You told us that improved connectivity within Hikurangi and to the wider Whangārei area through safer and attractive roads and walking and cycling options was one of the key themes. Retaining the unique natural and cultural heritage of the village and the sense of community was another key theme as was enhancing Hikurangi’s profile as a destination for visitors and residents.

Following our survey we noted some key opportunities for future improvements in Hikurangi:
• beautification of streets, parks and buildings
• diverse activities for locals and visitors to enjoy
• walking and cycling links and creating safer streets for vehicles and pedestrians
• working closely with and supporting the community
• managed growth and development

These will be considered as we move into the development of the solutions and actions for the Hikurangi Placemaking Plan. The Hikurangi Placemaking Plan is due to be completed early 2021.

Stage two engagement results

Based on the feedback several key opportunities for Hikurangi have been identified:

• 3 areas of focus: Lake Waro, Hikurangi Village Centre and Hikurangi Sports Park.
• Growth and development: Hikurangi will see a moderate amount of growth in the next 20-30 years. The Placemaking Plans will include analysis and identify possible future locations for development.
• Walking and cycling: Improving walking and cycling infrastructure for recreation as well as to better connect the Hikurangi community.

We are currently developing a Tikipunga Placemaking Plan. This plan includes a larger area that the traditional Tikipunga urban area, extending to parts of Whareora, Glenbervie, Vinegar Hill and Totara Parklands.

Stage one engagement results

In June 2020, we asked the Tikipunga community what was important to them in an online survey.

Change was one of the key themes you identified. The suburb is changing due to growth, which is putting pressure on housing, public spaces and infrastructure but also bringing opportunities for improved community facilities.

The community love their place, the history and heritage, natural environment, rural backdrop and diverse people who live there and want to celebrate this.

Connectivity was another key theme. People enjoyed walking and cycling during the Covid-19 lockdown and would benefit from improved footpaths and safer roads and intersections to cope with increased traffic.

Following our survey we noted some key opportunities for future improvements in Tikipunga:
• managing growth and development
• community safety and improving public spaces and facilities
• improving safety on busy roads and intersections including Kiripaka Road, Corks Road, Herekino Street and Paramount Parade
• better walking, cycling and public transport connections

Stage two engagement results

Several key opportunities for Tikipunga have been identified:

• 3 areas of focus: Central Tikipunga (the Tiki shops, Paramount Plaza and Denby Golf course), Vinegar Hill and the recreational centre (including the Tikipunga Sports Park and Whangarei Falls/A H Reed reserves)
• Growth and development: Tikipunga is predicted to grow by 170% by 2048 – almost 7000 new residents. This high growth will need to be carefully managed to consider urban sprawl, loss of natural character and infrastructure capacity.
• Youth activities: There is an opportunity to create more activities for youth and children.
• Pedestrian accessibility, walking and cycling: Creating a network of walking and cycling infrastructure in Tikipunga, improving general pedestrian walkability and connectivity by looking at pedestrian safety and crossing opportunities within the central streets.

Council have prioritised Placemaking Plans as follows:

 Tikipunga & Hikurangi (2020-21)
 Parua Bay (2021-22)
 Waipu (2021-22)
 Kensington (2022-23)
 Marsden/Ruakaka (2022-23)
 Maunu (2023-24)
 Onerahi (2023-24)
 Kamo (2024-25)
 Raumanga/Otaika (2024-25)

It is expected that each plan will take about 12 months to complete and more than one plan can be worked on at any one time.  

This list may be added to in the future or locations may be reprioritised, subject to elected members approval. In particular the Marsden/Ruakaka plan may be worked through separately as part of the Northland to Auckland Corridor Plan.