Year: 2019
Status: Complete
Client: Isthmus, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Location: Various locations
Type: Township plans
Discipline: Urban design

Description: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have been working on a number of township plans along the Twin Coast Discovery Route to improve safety, access and amenity for pedestrians, cyclists, visitors and communities. Township plans have been developed for eight Northland townships: Kohukohu, Rawene, Moerewa, Awanui, Kawakawa, Dargaville, Kaikohe and Hōreke.

Township Plans are needed to guide investment that will enhance township amenity and function, to attract visitors and encourage them to stop and spend money in the community. For each township, spatial function, movement and place initiatives will strengthen public realm and open space. These placemaking moves position the specific development opportunities in each town and build on community led development plans and placemaking initiatives already underway. Improving safety, accessibility, attractiveness and convenience of stopping and gathering places will help unlock and enable new opportunities for growth.

Matakohe provided peer review of the design framework and the preparation of specialist Kaupapa Māori design guidance, working alongside Isthmus (project / design lead).

Project outputs included a document detailing guidelines and protocols for the involvement of hapū in the implementation of the township plans, including:

High-level protocols of engagement (early engagement, understanding primary and secondary mana whenua interests; informed consent; and relationships held at the right level)
Project establishment (prioritisation, project design and procurement)
Adoption, adaptation or bespoke development of design principles
Design methodology (list of potential design methods)

The Township plans are primarily for funding application prioritisation purposes, to be used by local authorities to support future funding requests and strategic planning, and also for the community to continue to advocate for and effect change locally.