April 2025: More progress on lighting - see completed mahi in the lighting improvements section below.

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.

As the project progresses, we will also be:

• Running fibre connections to new poles
• Installing new banners/flags
• Installing additional CCT.

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.

Work completed in the 2024/25 financial year includes:

• 2100 meters of wharf edge and promenade now illuminated to standard
• 28 new poles installed
• 25 old poles removed
• 3 buildings re-lit
• 260 new lights installed (41 of which are RGBW, and 61 of which are in buildings)
• 32 new power outlets installed
• 6 new Vivacity commuter sensors.

Work scheduled for the 2025/2026 financial year includes installing new light poles along:

• Frank Kitts Promenade (9 poles)
• Lade Elizabeth Lane (6 poles)
• Queens Wharf (3 poles)
• Circa Plaza (2 poles).

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.

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.