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March 2025: Lighting improvements - completion of light poles on Te Papa Promenade and Taranaki Street Wharf

About this project

The waterfront precinct is a celebrated part of our city, and our goal is to ensure it's a safe, vibrant place for everyone. We are undertaking significant upgrades to the lighting and edge protection along the waterfront to meet the evolving needs of this popular area and create an even better place for everyone to enjoy.

  • Upgrading the existing promenade lighting network with new pole and building-mounted lights
  • Installing permanent edge protection measures
  • Enhancing overall safety and accessibility of the waterfront
  • Developing a disposal plan for old materials that supports our broader sustainability goals.

Lighting improvements

The new lighting system uses the European iGuzzini Agora fitting, and will significantly enhance the waterfront experience through:

  • 360-degree illumination, extending light to the wharf edge for increased safety
  • Taller poles with multiple light fittings for better reach and spread of light
  • Remote control capabilities for adjusting light levels based on events or emergencies
  • Energy-efficient design for reduced operational costs
  • Warmer colour temperatures (3000K) to minimize effects on wildlife and reduce light pollution

The new poles are designed to last for 50 years and can support additional technology such as people counters, speakers, banners, and CCTV cameras as budget allows. It is more cost effective than repairing the exist poles, which were built to an old structural standard and are too short to provide the best lighting solution.

Edge protection

New edge protection measures will be installed to enhance safety while preserving the waterfront's character. These include:

  • A suite of standard designs for different areas of the waterfront
  • Bespoke designs for specific locations, such as the Kumutoto precinct
  • Balancing safety requirements with maintaining harbour views
  • Preserving access to the water at multiple points along the promenade

Edge protection designs are being developed in consultation with urban designers and mana whenua to ensure they are both safe and visually appealing.

Following the findings and recommendations of a coronial report into a 2021 drowning (released March 2025) Wellington City Council is implementing further changes to help safeguard people using the waterfront. This includes significant lighting improvements (see above) and temporary fencing in place until a permanent solution has been agreed and installed.

The placement and total length of edge protection will be determined based on health and safety requirements, coronial recommendations, public feedback, urban design and heritage considerations.

Team effort

The project team is working closely with a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the waterfront, including:

  • Tenants and businesses in the area
  • Our Tākai Here partners and mana whenua designers
  • The waterfront Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
  • External experts including lighting engineers, landscape architects, urban designers, heritage advisors, and structural engineers

We are also actively engaging with property owners, hospitality and tourism operators, and various waterfront users such as commuters, tourists, and performers.

This collaborative approach reflects the principle of Manaakitanga, emphasising hospitality, care, and valuing each individual's safety.

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Moderation Policy

29 March, 2025

Ratepayer says:

Isn’t the issue more about not being able to get out of the water? How bout a more cost effective alarm system like manoverboard??

28 March, 2025

Saveourcity says:

Please don’t put up the safety barriers around the waterfront , I hate that the view has been ruined.take responsibility for your own action

25 March, 2025

Sam says:

Don’t go ahead with fencing the waterfront. We are turning into a nanny state. People need to take responsibility for their own welfare.

24 March, 2025

Lauree Rickard says:

I support good lighting but I do not support a fence being built. Stop wasting rate payer money.

21 March, 2025

Mark says:

No barriers please! Drinkers and bars need to be responsible. Drunkenness should not be the ratepayers' burden. An open waterfront is great

20 March, 2025

Nicki says:

Against fencing the waterfront. All risk cannot be designed out - we do not fence roads off from pedestrians.

19 March, 2025

Rational says:

You cannot fence the entire waterfront, good lord have some common sense!

18 March, 2025

No fencing says:

It’s Pointless and costly to fence the ocean in NZ with such a long coastline. unfortunate that people drown while drunk, not councils probl

18 March, 2025

Annoyed says:

Remove all fencing from the waterfront. The hideous “temporary” fence has been there more than a year now!!

13 March, 2025

A Wellingtonian says:

No fencing. Use other measures, e.g. bench-height barriers (suitable for seating), planter boxes and similar greening, improved lighting.

12 March, 2025

HelloHello says:

Lighting and exits/ladders out from the water could help improve safety - when someone falls in, they will need lights and a ladder to climb

4 March, 2025

Paul says:

I don’t support a barrier