Editorial

It has been said of Aucklanders that they will go to the opening of a paper bag – in fact it is almost expected that they will turn up in droves for anything. Whether this is an accurate comment or not, the opening of the new section of waterfront known as Wynyard Quarter was a much-anticipated event.

NZCN has followed the progress of this project for some time now, with updates as the various components have been completed – the Viaduct Events Centre, the new bridge, and the arrival of the trams.

My very first job when I arrived in New Zealand in the late 1980s was based in Westhaven Marina which forms the western boundary of Wynyard Quarter. I would catch the train into town, then bike along the waterfront, past the filthy inner viaduct with its dead dogs and half-submerged wrecks, and over the old lift-up bridge.

What a difference 20 years have made. The inner viaduct was transformed in the late 1990s for New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup, but the land on the western side remained predomi - nantly industrial until recently, when work commenced on clearing the wharf areas for what has become Wynyard Quarter.

I took my family along for the opening festivities. It was a bitterly cold day – overcast and blowy – but that didn’t stop over 50,000 Aucklanders turning up to visit their new waterfront. The queues to cross the new bridge, known as Wynyard Crossing, stretched back to the Maritime Museum at times.

For me, the overwhelming impression was of the number of families that turned up. The place was positively swarming with children. And that is something Waterfront Auckland, the council-controlled organisation charged with managing the waterfront master plan, must be delighted with. All along, their vision has been for a place where families can go – not just adults with money to burn in bars and restaurants.

Indeed, for anyone involved with planning all-encompassing infrastructure projects – the redevelopment of the Christchurch CBD springs to mind – the needs of everyone must be considered, incorporated and provided for if that project is to serve the whole of the community.

Wynyard Quarter is just the first stage in a concept plan that stretches well into the middle of this century that ultimately will see Auckland’s shoreline – from Westhaven in the west, to the port in the east – returned to the people. It’s how it should be.

Until next time ...

Lynne Richardson Editor