In October, Aucklanders saw the first section of this path come together between Aotea Square and The Civic (zone 5), with an innovative wayfinding system with safety cues layered into the experience.

Wayfinding patterns, placement of planting, textural changes and signage will work together to guide riders safely along the path while providing a buffer of protection for shoppers and others who walk along the footpath and cross the street.

The multi-use path has been named ‘Waihorotiu path’ as a tribute to Waihorotiu streams, which once carved natural pathways across the whenua where the present-day city centre now stands.

The ground markings were inspired by these historical natural waterways, where a theme of flow and connection is adopted to add character to the path while indicating that the path is an active zone, differentiated from the pedestrian-only footpath.

Aucklanders will see three forms of pattern language on the surface of the path that signals their different uses:

• Wavelets - attention and direction: Wavelets connect the path experience and intensify around crossing points, creating a gentle reminder for surrounding people to take caution.
• Boulders - cross-flow loading zone: Adjacent to loading zones, flowing arced shapes are reminiscent of large boulders that slow the flow of water.
• Stream - flow zone: Inspired by speed and swiftness, this motif indicates areas of fewer obstructions.

The wayfinding patterns were designed by Maynard and developed with Ngāti Whātua Õrākei mana whenua design studio, Kaunuku.

Kaunuku designer Tahua Pihema explains that the pattern language elevates mana whenua aspirations to see themselves reflected in their taiao (natural environment) which is Tāmaki.

 “The underpinning narrative of the patterns encompasses mauri tau, mauri tu, and mauri ora, which can be observed in the movement of wai. The ira tangata embodies these three different physical states across the pathway and are indicated by each tohu, conveying the functionality of space and place,” she says.

Mana whenua have also contributed to the design through native planting and bilingual information signage for pedestrians and those using active modes.

Auckland Council is reshaping Waihorotiu Queen Street in line with the transformational moves described in the City Centre Masterplan (CCMP). They include positive Māori outcomes, transit orientated developments, green parks and streets, and improved physical connections between the universities, the city centre and city fringe.

To find out more about this project visit ProgressAKL.