Vision

Our vision for Wellington 2040 is an inclusive, sustainable and creative capital for people to live, work and play.

This framework is an evolution from Wellington Towards 2040: Smart Capital (developed in 2011).

Community outcomes

Environmental, social, cultural and economic wellbeing

A sustainable, climate friendly eco capital (environmental wellbeing)

A city where the natural environment is being preserved, biodiversity improved, natural resources are used sustainably, and the city is mitigating and adapting to climate change – for now and future generations.

A people friendly, compact, safe and accessible capital city (social wellbeing)

An inclusive, liveable and resilient city where people and communities can learn, are connected, well housed, safe and healthy.

An innovative, inclusive and creative city (cultural wellbeing)

Wellington is a vibrant, creative city with the energy and opportunity to connect, collaborate, explore identities and openly express, preserve and enjoy arts, culture and heritage.

A dynamic and sustainable economy (economic wellbeing)

The city is attracting and developing creative talent to enterprises across the city, creating jobs through innovation and growth while working towards an environmentally sustainable future.

Longer-term direction

Our long-term strategic objectives are:

  • Strong partnerships with mana whenua uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weave Te Reo and Te Ao Māori into the social, cultural, environmental and economic development of our city and restore our city’s connection with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth).
  • Wellington has a culture of creativity and innovation integrated into the social, economic and sustainable development of the city.
  • An accelerating zero carbon transition with communities adapting to climate change and the city economy developing a low carbon infrastructure and buildings.

Environmental

  • Our natural ecosystem health is being restored, with a growing native biodiversity and innovative nature-based solutions to climate change.
  • A quality natural environment is attractive and accessible to all Wellingtonians and visitors.
  • An increasingly waste free city with more responsible disposal and accelerating reuse.
  • A functioning, resilient and reliable three waters network with improving harbour and waterway quality and, reducing water usage and waste.
  • A sustainable urban environment incorporating water sensitive urban design.

Social

  • Children and young people are thriving in diverse and inclusive neighbourhoods.
  • Communities and cultures are connected, thriving, have a sense of identity and enjoy access to open public spaces.
  • Access to affordable, good quality and resilient homes.
  • Our older, disabled or most vulnerable.

Cultural

  • Our cultures, community diversity and inclusive city life are nurtured celebrated and enriched.
  • Wellington’s history and built heritage is celebrated and supports a strong sense of identity and place.
  • Sites of significance to mana whenua are preserved and recognised as part of city’s identity.
  • There is a vibrant, thriving, and creative, arts and cultural sector with pathways for emerging creative talent.
  • The city has resilient and fit-for-purpose community, creative and cultural spaces for people to connect, develop and express their arts, culture and heritage.

Economic

  • A recovering city economy is diversified, growing sustainably, and resilient.
  • Talent and businesses are attracted and retained to the city where it is easy to start, develop skills, innovate and grow.
  • A compact central city that is the economic heart of the region with thriving suburban centres.
  • The city offers opportunities for education, employment and experiences that contribute to residents’ high quality of life.
  • The city’s core transport infrastructure is a safe, resilient, reliable and efficient network that supports active transport choices, and an efficient, productive and sustainable economy.
  • A thriving Māori economy is generating incomes, jobs, and opportunities for rangatahi, iwi, hapū and whānau Māori to grow.

Priority objectives for next three years

Our short-term objectives are:

  • A functioning, resilient and reliable three waters infrastructure – with improving harbour and waterway quality and, reducing water usage and waste.
  • Wellington has affordable, resilient and safe housing – within an inclusive, accessible, connected, and compact city.
  • The city’s core transport infrastructure is a safe, resilient, reliable network – that supports active and public transport choices, and an efficient, productive and an environmentally sustainable economy.
  • The city has resilient and fit-for-purpose community, creative and cultural spaces – including libraries, marae, museums and community halls, where people connect, develop and express their arts, culture and heritage.
  • An accelerating zero-carbon and waste-free transition – with communities and the city economy adapting to climate change, development of low carbon infrastructure and buildings, and increased waste minimisation.
  • Strong partnerships with mana whenua – upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving Te Reo and Te Ao Māori into the social, environmental and economic development of our city and, restore the city’s connection with Papatūānuku.

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