Towards 2040: Smart Capital

Aerial view of central Wellington

Wellington Towards 2040: Smart Capital is focused on the future development of Wellington over the next 30 years.

Towards 2040:

builds on Wellington's current strengths
acknowledges the challenges the city faces now and over the medium to long term
understands the changing role of cities
is informed by Wellington's communities
is a statement of the future that we want for Wellington and how we believe this can best be achieved.

Vision

The vision tells the world what Wellington is about and where the city is headed.

The vision is based on:

research on the major trends facing cities around the world, now and in the future
conversations with Wellingtonians about what they want for their city
a good understanding of where the city is now and where our future opportunities lie.

Goals

We need to understand what can make the most contribution to advancing Wellington as the smart capital.

Four goals describe a different way of working - focusing on collaboration, not competition - to build Wellington's resilience in the face of future environmental, economic, and social challenges.

1. People-centred City

Wellington's people are the city's greatest asset. Wellington's shape and character will continue to reflect the people who live in, work in, and visit the city.

Wellington's people-centred city will be healthy, vibrant, affordable and resilient, with a strong sense of identity and 'place'. This will be expressed through urban form, openness and accessibility for its current and future populations.

2. Connected City

As a connected city, Wellington's people, places and ideas access networks - regionally, nationally and globally.

Connections will be:

physical - allowing for ease of movement of people and goods
virtual - in the form of world-class ICT infrastructure
social - allowing people to connect to each other and their communities.

Back to Top of Page.

3. Eco-City

Developing Wellington as an eco-city involves a proactive response to environmental challenges. It recognises the importance of Wellington taking an environmental leadership role as the capital city of clean and green New Zealand.

Wellington's many natural assets give the city a head-start and opportunities as part of a green economy.

4. Dynamic Central City

As a city with a dynamic centre, Wellington will be a place of creativity, exploration and innovation.

The central city will be a vibrant and creative place offering the lifestyle, entertainment and amenities of a much bigger city.

The central city will continue to drive the regional economy.

Strategy & Feedback

We sought feedback on the strategy from 27 June to 19 August 2011.

Toward 2040: Smart Green Wellington consultation brochure (1.4Mb PDF)

You can access the full strategy and supporting documents on:

Wellington 2040 website

Container housing interactive exhibition showing the city in 2040

Interactive Exhibitions

As part of the launch of our Towards 2040 vision, we set up a couple of exhibitions in containers at Te Aro Park and on the waterfront (between Te Papa and the Wharewaka).

News Release - 19.07.11

These interactive displays explored what our city might look like in just under three decades.

Stage 1: Public Feedback on Vision, Issues & Opportunities

Completed December 2009.

Summary of Consultation and Feedback (345Kb PDF)

Stage 2: Draft Wellington 2040

Draft spatial structure plan, central city framework and city strategy

Completed June 2011.

Stage 3: Public Feedback on Draft Wellington 2040

27 June to 19 August 2011.

Stage 4: Final Wellington 2040 Approved

Planned for September / October 2011.

Stage 5: Delivery & Implementation

From September 2011.

More Information

Philippa Bowron
Senior Strategy Advisor
Phone: (04) 803 8530
Email: philippa.bowron