Long-term progress: Building on our 2021 priorities

1. A functioning, resilient and reliable three waters infrastructure 

We also want to improve harbour and waterway quality and reduce water usage and waste. Some big steps forward were:

• Completed construction of the Omārōrō reservoir. 
• Began construction of the new Moa Point sludge minimisation facility.
• Began the CBD Wastewater Pump Station and Rising Main projects.

2. Wellington has affordable, resilient and safe housing

We wanted an inclusive, accessible, connected, and compact city. So we:

• Adopted our new Spatial Plan and consulted on our new Proposed District Plan.
• Completed the construction of the Araheke Harrison Street City Housing family units.
• Transferred City Housing to a community trust provider to improve tenant affordability over time.
• Opened 290 new Te Kainga affordable rental units in the CBD.

3. The city’s core transport infrastructure is a safe, resilient, reliable network

We wanted to support active and public transport choices, and an efficient, productive and  environmentally sustainable economy. This is where we’ve got to:

• On track to complete 34.5km of walking, biking, and public transport improvements by the end of June 2024 through Paneke Pōneke, our bike network plan.
• Made improvements for bus priority, including a bus lane on Adelaide Road and Kent and Cambridge Terraces. 
• Upgraded Seatoun Wharf and Karaka Bay Jetty.

4. The city has resilient and fit-for-purpose community, creative and cultural spaces 

This includes libraries, marae, museums and community halls, where people connect, develop and express their arts, culture and heritage. So far we have:

• Strengthened and opened the St James Theatre, opened Tākina, our new convention and exhibition centre, and continued strengthening the Town Hall.
• Completed the upgrade of Swan Lane, Garrett Street and Glover Park.
• Began construction of Te Matapihi, the new Central Library.
• Opened the new Frank Kitts Park playground.

5. An accelerating zero-carbon and waste-free transition

We’re working towards communities and the city economy adapting to climate change, development of low carbon infrastructure and buildings, and increased waste minimisation. Here’s what we’ve done in this space:

• Council greenhouse gas emissions fell by 44 percent between 2020/21 and 2022/23.
• Adopted our Zero Waste Strategy and Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.

6. Strong partnerships with mana whenua

A key focus is upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori into the social, environmental and economic development of our city and, restoring the city’s connection with Papatūānuku (nature). We’ve:

• Co-designed our new Tūpiki Ora Māori Strategy with mana whenua and Māori.
• Continued to strengthen the role of mana whenua in weaving their cultural design narrative into the places and spaces of the city, including in the bike network. 
• Held an election in the new Māori Ward and appointed pou iwi from mana whenua to Council committees.

We’re creating Wellington City’s next 10-year plan and budget - our 2024-34 Long-term Plan. We can continue to invest in making Wellington thrive but need to balance the pace of our investment with what we can afford. As a community, we need to make some tough decisions about what to prioritise. To find out more or make a submission, visit wcc.nz/ltp.