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The Downtown programme is creating a generous and welcoming destination along the water’s edge that is recognisably Tāmaki Makaurau. 
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Friday, 21 May 2021
Kia ora neighbours and friends,

We hope this update finds you all well and looking forward to your weekend

Kia kaha, happy reading and please don't forget to keep using your NZ COVID Tracer app ♥
A beautiful sunny autumn afternoon in downtown Auckland ♥ 
Project stories

Seeded mussel lines filter seawater from beneath Te Wānanga
Video from Our Auckland

In last week's newsletter we mentioned another significant upcoming milestone brought to downtown by the Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Mana whenua design partnership - the return of living shellfish to help filter the seawater and monitor aquatic health in the Ferry Basin. 

Yesterday this beginning of this milestone was achieved. After a blessing held by mana whenua, divers attached the first of 38 seeded mussel lines to the underside of Te Wānanga - Quay Street's new public space over the water opening early July (see images below).

Once all 600 metres of rope, laden with mussels, are anchored in place, the kūtai / mussels will provide a truly living and organic connection between the city and the harbour. The installation process will be complete mid-next week.

While not destined for the table, each mature mussel will filter up to 150 to 200 litres of seawater a day taking in phytoplankton for nourishment as well as removing pollutants and acting as bio-indicators of aquatic health in the inner harbour.

For more information:
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Key project updates

Quay Street overnight lane closures continue

Until end-May 2021
7.30pm to 05.00am
Lane and footpath closures continue in localised sections of Quay Street so we can safely bring in and plant the remainder of the trees. 
Project completion timelines

Quay Street enhancement 

Quay Street Enhancement major works now complete and blessed by Mana whenua. Tree planting and street furniture installation until end-May 2021.

Te Wānanga (Downtown Public Space)

Te Wānanga major works completed in June in time for mana whenua blessing programmed late-June. Te Wānanga will open to the public early-July 2021. 

Te Ngau o Horotiu 
(Ferry Basin Redevelopment)

Te Ngau o Horotiu is undergoing sea trials until its public opening in early July 2021.
Area specific progress updates
Noise mitigation will be used for all loud activity, and access to properties will be maintained at all times.

Consented site working hours are: 
  • Monday to Friday 6.30am to 10.30pm
  • Saturday 7.00am to 11.00pm | Sunday 9.00am to 7.00pm. 
Quay Street enhancement
Princes Wharf to Britomart Place

Key updates


Quay Street Enhancement works are almost complete.

Next week:
  • By the end of next week the planting of all 135 native trees and underplanting of rain gardens (7000 new plants in total) will be complete.
  • The War Memorial Beacon (originally located outside Burger Boy) will return to its new location on Quay Street.
  • By the end of next week all temporary fencing on Quay Street belonging to the project will be removed offsite.
Next month:
  • Four Ngā Punawai Water Fountains will be installed along Quay Street.
Completed works:
  • Mahi toi elements are now displayed on Quay Street light poles, stone bench seating and areas of pavement. 
  • The coloured LED street lights are in full operation for everyone's evening viewing pleasure. Do watch out for them if you are coming in via the ferry as they look amazing!
  • Full footpath access along both sides of Quay Street is available.
  • The full length of the new cycle lane is open. Cyclists, drivers and pedestrians please be mindful of each other.
  • All new bus lanes are complete and in operation.
Early morning images of Quay Street, Te Wānanga and Te Ngau o Horotiu below
Te Wānanga 

Key updates

  • Installation of exterior balustrades and leaners around the new deck will be complete by the end of this month.
  • Installation of balustrades around apertures and hand rails will be complete by the end of next month.
  • Installation of the blue heritage fence separating Te Wānanga from the northern footpath will be complete next week. 
  • Sandblasting and sealing of the new deck is complete with finishing touches continue and will be complete next week.
  • Installation of bollards and light poles is now complete.
  • Installation of the custom designed street furniture is now underway.
  • Installation of the first Kupenga nets will commence next month.
  • Te Wānanga will be open to the public early-July.
Te Ngau o Horotiu

Te Ngau o Horotiu project is an integral part of the $350 million Downtown Programme, and will see the creation of six new berths in the Ferry Basin.

It is another step towards modern, consolidated ferry infrastructure for Auckland. It will have improved accessibility and greater operational flexibility, which will help accommodate increased passenger numbers.

Te Ngau o Horotiu has just been handed over to Auckland Transport for commissioning and trials, and is expected to be open and operational for ferry passengers early July 2021.
Media Links
 
Public Transport Updates

Timetable updates (click to link)
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The Downtown Programme team thank you for your patience. We listen to your feedback and work hard to minimise disruption.

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