Te Aro Park

Te Aro Park upgrades

We're engaging in a co-design process with Mana Whenua to develop a plan to upgrade Te Aro Park and surrounds.

Read more about the Dixon Street and Te Aro Park design improvements.

Dixon Street urban design improvements

These changes are designed to increase the safety and vibrancy of the area. We’ve opened the area up to pedestrians, brightened the space with outdoor dining and improved sightlines into Te Aro Park. Attracting more people to the area will bring the buzz back and reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour.

Read our news story: New and improved Dixon Street open for business.

Removal of Te Aro Park toilets

The Te Aro Park toilets were removed in November 2022. Due to their position and design, the toilets created an area that was concealed and secluded, making the space susceptible to crime and anti-social behaviour.

A new public toilet facility is being built across the road in Inglewood Place. This new location has been chosen due to its high foot traffic and visibility to CCTV. The new facility will be designed in accordance with CPTED principles.

Read more about the Dixon Street and Te Aro Park design improvements.

Te Pokapū Hapori

We opened Te Pōkapū Hapori in May 2022. This central city community centre is at 107 Manners Street, next to Opera House Lane. The centre is a place for people to connect, study, spend time and enjoy events and activities.

There is a structured programme of activities, and the space is bookable.

The Y manages Te Pokapū Hapori.

Learn more about Te Pokapū Hapori.

Te Tai Ohinga

We worked with the Y to develop the central city youth hub Te Tai Ohinga – a friendly and safe space for young Wellingtonians on Willis Street.

Our young people expressed a desire for a safe place to hang out and have fun with their friends, try new things and have quiet spaces to study and relax – and we designed the youth hub to be exactly that.

The name Te Tai Ohinga was gifted by Kura Moeahu, Chairman Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa. It celebrates how young people (Ohinga) will always be in Pōneke, just as the tide (Te Tai) will always ebb and flow.