D A R G A V I L L E P L A C E M A K I N G

VISION GUIDE

PETER BOYD

Prepared By:

In collaboration with:

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1.2 WHAT YOU TOLD US

2.0 ANALYSIS 2.1 DARGAVILLE HISTORY 2.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.0 PLACEMAKING 3.1 IMPORTANCE 3.2 EXAMPLES OF PLACEMAKING

4.0 CONCEPT 4.1 WAYFINDING 4.2 STREET TREES 4.3 FURTHER INSPIRATION 4.2 CONCEPT DESIGN

03 04 06

13 14 18

29 30 33

37 38 40

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DARGAVILLE PLACEMAKING VISION GUIDE

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1.0 INTRODUCTIONDargaville is at the heart of the Kauri Coast with a rich history and unique rural town character. It is a vital service center for the surrounding rural sector and tourism industry with plenty on offer within the town.

The Dargaville Placemaking Project seeks to enable strong collaboration to enhance the character of Dargaville as a great place to live and visit. Through providing a concept vision and sample of useful Placemaking tools, it is anticipated the community will be more encouraged to achieve the changes they would like to see.

The Dargaville Placemaking Project focuses on the CBD, with many of the principles outlined being applicable to streets and spaces throughout the Dargaville area. The enhancement of the CBD is expected to have benefits for much of the surrounding area residents, businesses and visitors.

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1.1a PROJECT BACKGROUNDIn March 2015 the Kaipara District Council did Community Planning for Dargaville to find out what the community wanted for Dargaville. This consisted of many types of engagement including Public Meetings, a Pop-Up Shop on Victoria St, meet a Commissioner Sessions, school visits, surveys and interactive workshops. From this Community Planning, a Dargaville Action Plan was created. Council has limited funding available and in order to implement this Action Plan, the Council needs to prioritise its actions for the biggest impact.

Some of the themes that came out of the Action Plan were: Presentation of the town, Pedestrianisation of Victoria Street, The river, Parks and Vegetation, Tourism and Promotion, Rubbish and Waste, Library, Business and Services, Roading, Parking, Footpaths and Kerbing.

Through this Action Plan, it was identified the need for a Council lead Project Team to facilitate the implementation of communities desires. This team also included an external consultant to form these community desires into a Concept Plan and further action points. To assist this team in moderating its process, a small Advisory Panel of community members was formed to workshop with and act as a sounding board.

The content presented here is the accumulation of all of these discussions formed into a workable document for moving forward.

1.1b PURPOSE OF DOCUMENTThis document seeks to provide guidance to the community on how it can form its public spaces. It will provide a concept vision the community can aspire to by establishing the look and feel of future Dargaville. Nothing is set in stone and somethings could and will change.

Included is a range of examples that would fit well within the character of Dargaville and are achievable. The community is also encouraged to think creatively beyond this document to build on what is suggested.

This document is to encourage you to be a part of your community story and be side by side in creating the future of Dargaville. Anything is possible with the desire and determination to do it.

1.1c ADVISORY PANELAs part of developing this document, an Advisory Panel was formed of locals who were considered to be representative of a broad cross-section of the community. The prime purpose of the Dargaville Placemaking Advisory Panel was to provide a vehicle through which Council could consult about the Dargaville Action Plan and Dargaville Placemaking Project. The Advisory Panel provided a forum where Council filtered information to find the best possible outcomes for the Dargaville Placemaking Project. The recommendations of the Advisory Panel will be used by Council to inform its decision-making on prioritising funding and development opportunities.

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1.2 WHAT YOU TOLD US

During community planning, this is what you told us you love most about DARGAVILLE:

•IT HAS A LOW-KEY AND RELAXED PACE OF LIFE

•THE LOCAL GEOGRAPHY AND NATURAL LANDSCAPE IS STRIKING

•IT HAS GREAT SERVICES AND AMENITIES

•THE PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY AND WILLING TO HELP ONE ANOTHER

•THE HISTORY AND CULTURE ARE RICH

Our Advisory Panel helped refine this further drawing on the core qualities to focus on maintaining and enhancing, the qualities that give Dargaville its ‘sense of place’.

FAMILIAR, QUAINT, FRIENDLY, COMMUNITY SPIRIT, RELAXED, MEMORIES, ACCESSIBLE, QUIET, HISTORICAL, TIDY, LOCAL, MULTI-CULTURAL

NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS - RIVER - COMMUNITY - FAB MOVIE THEATRE - NORTHERN WAIROA RIVER - BAND ROTUNDA - HISTORY AND COMMUNITY. PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - YOU CAN GET PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN OUR MAIN STREET. - THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO DISCOVER AROUND EVERY CORNER - KUMARA - THE BAND ROTUNDA - ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO GROW UP IN - LIFE LONG MEMORIES AND FRIENDS FOR LIFE - NORTHERN WAIROA HOTEL - MEMORIES - IT’S HOME - VERY FRIENDLY PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY - GREAT LIFESTYLE FOR EVERYONE - I LIKE THE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY THEY ARE SO FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL - I LOVE IT’S A SMALL TOWN - NO TRAFFIC - I LOVE THERE IS SO MUCH POTENTIAL TO THIS DISTRICT, WITH THE RIGHT GUIDANCE THIS COMMUNITY CAN THRIVE - VERY PEACEFUL - PEOPLE ARE SO FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL - LOVE THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND EASY ACCESSIBILITY AND NO PARKING METERS - NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS - LOVE THE FRIENDS I HAVE, NOT TOO MUCH TRAFFIC, AND NEW FRIENDS TO BE MET - AMAZING SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY ALWAYS READY TO LEND A HAD TO THOSE WHO NEED IT - THE AMAZING COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AND FRIENDLY CARING PEOPLE - MOST PEOPLE ARE SPIRITUALLY DRIVEN, DOWN TO EARTH, CAN DO ATTITUDE - LAID BACK BUT KNOW A BIT OF GOOD HUMOUR - ALL AMENITIES ARE CLOSE - A SMALL TOWN WITH A LOT OF HISTORY THAT WE CALL ‘HOME’ - THE PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, SUPPORTIVE AND EASY TO COMMUNICATE WITH - DIVERSE AND MULTI-CULTURAL - THE SEVEN AM FIRE SIREN - THE TOWN IS A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE, SAFE FOR THE KIDS - PARKING NO PROBLEM - NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS - CAN SHOP LOCAL FOR MOST THINGS - MORISH, YOU WANT TO KEEP COMING BACK - CARING COMMUNITY - LIFESTYLE - STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT - SAFE, CARING, UPLIFTING, FAMILY FOCUSED, POSITIVE AND OPTIMISTIC - SAY HI TO EVERYONE AS YOU WALK DOWN THE STREET BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY KNOW THEM AND IF YOU DON’T YOU WILL SOON - LOVE IT HERE - DARGAVILLE AIN’T A TOWN, IT’S A HAVEN - MEDICAL CENTRE AND HOSPITAL - NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS - NO PARKING METERS - NEW AGE SHOPS AND NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SHOPS - QUIET AND RELAXING - LOVE THE PLACE - WORD OF MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS - I THINK DARGAVILLE IS A BRILLIANT PLACE - FRIENDLY, CARING PEOPLE - TERRIFIC SCHOOLS - THE OLD BUILDINGS ARE STILL STANDING - PEOPLE BRINGING NEW SKILLS TO THE AREA - DARGAVILLE IS A TERRIFIC TOWN WITH TERRIFIC PEOPLE - ALL THE NATURAL RESOURCES - DOORWAY TO HIDDEN TREASURES - AWESOME TOWNSHIP - FRIENDLY TOWN FOLK - IT’S HOME - HEAVEN ON EARTH - POLITE PEOPLE - FRIENDLY, HAPPY, NICE, KIND, AND CARING - NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR PARKING METERS - HAPPY ATMOSPHERE AND UNIQUE SHOPS - DARGAVILLE IS A LITTLE KNOWN, UNSPOILED PIECE OF PARADISE - FRESH AIR, BLUE SKIES, RIVER, FARMS, GALLERIES, MOVIES AND FOOD - COMMUNITY -IT POPS UP ON AN OUTBACK HIGHWAY WHERE PEOPLE HAPPILY LIVE IN THE LAST CENTURY - REAL PEOPLE, REAL LIVES, REAL SMALL TOWN - HOURS FROM EVERYWHERE WITH EVERYTHING THERE - LIFESTYLE07

CREATE SEATING OPTIONS IN THE TOWN CENTRE - PEDESTRIANISATION OF VICTORIA STREET - WATER BLAST SHOP FRONTS - OWNERS OF THE SHOPS NEED TO KEEP THEM TIDY - COUNCIL COULD MAKE A BYLAW REQUIRING BUILDINGS TO BE KEPT TIDY - NEW PAINT TO LIVEN UP TOWN AND SHOPS - NEED TO KEEP THE TOWN LOOKING GOOD WITH ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE TO DO, AS IT IS A TOURIST TOWN - HAVE ARTWORK IN TOWN - CLEAN THE PAVEMENTS/COBBLES IN THE CENTRE OF TOWN - NEED PRESSURE TO CLEAN THE CULVERTS BY THE FOOTPATHS - REFOCUS TOWN ON THE RIVER - DEVELOP AND MAKE THE RIVER FRONT MORE ATTRACTIVE - BUILD UP THE RIVER PROMENADE/WALKWAY - TIE IN THE RIVER, THE GARDENS AND THE PARKS - MORE SEATS ALONG THE RIVERSIDE - BRING TE WAIROA WAKA BACK TO DARGAVILLE - CONSTRUCT PURPOSE BUILT SHELTER AND DISPLAY - EVENT/COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD - MORE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS - COMMUNAL ORCHARD - WATER FOUNTAINS DOWN TOWN - NEED A FEW MORE DISABLED CAR PARKS (SEVEN CURRENTLY) - REMOVE CONCRETE BOATS - SMOKE FREE TOWN - A COVERED AREA OUTSIDE LIBRARY - MORE RUBBISH BINS - MORE PLANTING/GARDENS TO BEAUTIFY TOWN - PLANT SHADE TREES IN PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES - GET RID OF NOXIOUS PHOENIX PALM FROM COUNCIL ROADSIDES - TREE PLANTING ON NORMANBY STREET - NEED ROUNDABOUT OR SOME KIND OF SOLUTION AT HOKIANGA AND NORMANBY INTERSECTION - PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT INTERSECTION OF HOKIANGA AND NORMANBY IS ON WRONG SIDE - NEED A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FOR CHILDREN CROSSING FROM PORTLAND STREET - NEED A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING NEAR THE D&D NEWS - REDUCE SPEED LIMITS AROUND TOWN - STOP SIGN AT CALTEX (FROM VICTORIA) NEEDS TO BE A GIVE WAY BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE OF THE INTERSECTION - SHOP OWNERS AND STAFF ARE PARKING IN FRONT OF THEIR SHOPS AND REDUCING CUSTOMER PARKING - PARKING SIGNS SHOULD BE REMOVED IF NOT ENFORCED - BETTER DESIGNED PARKING SOLUTIONS - BETTER PARKING FOR LARGER VEHICLES - NEED ‘NO CAMPERVANS’ SIGNS, TALL CAMPER VANS DAMAGE THE AWNINGS IN THE MAIN STREET - UNEVEN FOOTPATHS - RAMPS FROM PAVEMENT TO ROAD ARE TOO HIGH - ACCESS TO FOOTPATHS FOR MOBILITY SCOOTERS IS POOR - SLASH AND SPRAY RICE GRASS ALONG THE RIVER - BETTER LIGHTING ON THE MAIN STREET - REMOVE POLE OUTSIDE DARGAVILLE CLUB. WAS A CLOCK HERE BUT HAS BEEN REMOVED - REINSTATE WHARF - BIGGER AREA FOR FARMERS MARKET - HANGING BASKETS ON THE MAIN STREET - SIGNAGE TO DIRECT PEOPLE TO WHERE THE TOWN CENTRE AND RIVER ARE - STATE HIGHWAY LOOKS INDUSTRIAL AND NEGLECTED - A HISTORIC WALK WITH INFORMATION AND SIGNAGE AT LOCATIONS OF INTEREST WOULD BE FUN FOR TOURISTS AND LOCALS - SIGNAGE FOR BEACHES AND NATURAL FEATURES - ENTRY AND EXIT SIGNAGE INTO TOWN MORE WELCOMING - LIGHT UP THE NORTHERN WAIROA BRIDGE - HAVE CARVINGS ON THE BRIDGE TO CREATE A GATEWAY INTO TOWN - RETAIN AND CELEBRATE DARGAVILLE’S HISTORIC CHARACTER

Community Planning captured the views of an estimated 200 locals. A large portion of those engaged expressed a view that Dargaville needs a tidy up and some beautification. The following reflects those views that have an impact of the development of this document.

•Retain and celebrate historic character

•Create seating options

•Refocus town on River

•Develop waterfront

•Connect river, gardens and parks

•Signage to direct people to town Centre

•Trafficflowimprovementandcalming

•Pedestriancrossingimprovements

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Given the feedback from the community, the Advisory Panel was tasked with forming a vision statement that would shape the direction of the document focus. As with the ‘Dargaville 2001’ document from 1996, the objective of this planning is to enhance the town centre for the community, strengthen the business environment, and attract more visitors. With this in mind, after much discussion, it was decided that the end goal or vision of this project is:

DARGAVILLE

A Vibrant Town That People Are Proud Of

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2.0 ANALYSISThrough understanding history of place and mapping current conditions we can guide the decision making process for making informed interventions. It helps to enable the creation of boundaries so interventions do not cause undesired consequences. Traffic movement and pedestrian spaces form the focus of analysis in this context. Improving on these will act as a base line and should be referred to throughout projects.

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2.1a A brief historyA large part of what shapes Dargaville’s character is it’s often hidden history.

With towns already established along the banks of the river, Joseph M Dargaville had the foresight that this location, where the Kaihu River meets the Northern Wairoa, would be of considerable advantage for the Kauri industry. Originally Maori land, Mr Dargaville purchased the swampy Tunatahi Block of 80 hectare from Chief Parore Te Awhe in 1872. The area once known as Whapu, is now one of the few locations in New Zealand named after an individual.

The Northern Wairoa River was once seen as a highway for Kauri timber and gum exports and as such Dargaville was formed around its wharf. As a planned town, the roading and rail networks were formed around proving access to the wharf. Dargaville was built with infrastructure in mind to allow it to provided all services required.

With timber resources depleted, shipping on the Northern Wairoa dramatically reduced and the Dargaville area was forced to look at other industries to survive. Kaipara Harbour was officially closed as a “port of entry” in 1947.

Because of the geography of the area, Dargaville proved an ideal location for agriculture with highly fertile soils on the flat plains and this soon became the primary source of financial input. Today, the agriculture sector remains one of the core focuses of the area, with Dargaville continuing to provide all services required.

IMAGES COURTESY OF DARGAVILLE MUSEUM15

IMAGES COURTESY OF DARGAVILLE MUSEUM

2.1b HISTORICAL IMAGERYHistorical imagery offers an insight into what made a place so special in the past. Some elements that stand out in historic photos of Dargaville are:

• Tall ship masts around the wharf• The traditional look of Band Rotunda area•Wide “plaza” of lower Hokianga Road• The energy of events at the Band Rotunda• Pride of place of historic buildings• Importance of wharf as focal point • View shafts to Band Rotunda and Wharf• Flatness of CBD area•Relationship of cars and pedestrians• Small buildings on the waterfront

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2.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS

2.2a ROADING NETWORKDargaville is in a prime position at the intersection of State Highways 12 and 14. This brings a large amount of through traffic on a daily basis, which increases dramatically through the summer tourism season.

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2.2b TRAFFIC HIERARCHYLike many towns, Dargaville has a strong auto-dominance with many concerns around speeding traffic, traffic flows, and availability of parking.

Around the world it is becoming increasingly recognized that auto-dominated street design is killing small towns. Roading hierarchy has an impact on every city and town and as such can be a point of tension for how we deal with the spaces road travel through.

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2.2c PEDESTRIAN SPACE

By looking at our footpath network in relation to our green spaces, we see a very strong disconnection in prime opportunity places creating year round accessibility issues. A fully connected pedestrian network encourages increased walking and recreational activity.

There is also no open pedestrian space at our core for shoppers to relax and spontaneous activity to occur. Instead shoppers wanting a break must walk a distance to the river which is not always desirable. What town retail has over Online shopping is an experience, and this experience is dramatically shaped by the external street environment. Those shoppers that feel invited into a space and are provided with the ability to relax and take their time are more likely to spend considerably more.

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2.2d UTILITY SERVICESOften hidden, utility services are vital to the functioning of our urban environments. A large number of these services are provided at the core of local council business.

Shifting or replacing utility services is a costly exercise and therefore it is important that any changes to the landscape take into consideration where these services are located.

It should also be noted that utility providers have a legal right to dig up streets when they need to repair or replace services. It is important to bear this in mind when proposing landscape work to minimise any future reinstatement costs.

Trees can cause substantial damage to services, therefore it is important to avoid planting trees in direct proximity of services. Research the growth habits of tree root systems to avoid future problems.

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2.2e FOCAL SPACESWith the guidance of the Advisory Panel, three key areas were identified as important destination opportunities for contributing to Dargaville’s “sense of place”. The transitional spaces between these destinations was also identified as important to achieving a cohesive vision.

For the purposes of this document, these areas can be defined as follows:

• Lower Hokianga Road• Band Rotunda reserve• Boating Club Marina• Victoria Street• River Promenade • Riverside Gardens Entrance

Each of these spaces has unique characteristics that should be maintained and enhanced through development.

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3.0 PLACEMAKINGPlace-making is a people centered approach to improving community spaces in a way that is hands-on and engaging. It brings out community imagination in reinventing public spaces and shows a community how powerful collaboration can be. It has the ability to bring a strong level of vibrancy to a space and uplift its occupants.

It is not a new approach to reinventing public space, but it is highly effective and is being employed by most communities looking to strengthen their sense of place.

‘Sense of Place’ refers to the character of a public space that makes it unique compared to other spaces around the world. Earlier in this document, we identified the qualities that currently contribute to our sense of place, and the diagram on the next page further illustrates qualities that can contribute.

Placemaking offers the most accessible tool set for the whole community to get involved. It is about you getting out and having fun with others in your community to create spaces and activities you want to experience in your town.

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3.1a IMPORTANCESense of place is vital to distinguishing locations and influencing why people will frequent or choose to live in certain places over others that offer similar services. Regardless of what councils and developers put in place, it is the personal touches of the community that are more important to shaping the memorable qualities of a place. It is what compels people to get out of their cars to walk and experience what is on offer.

This document acts as a starting point and tool-kit that is expected to evolve over time. It is the community of Dargaville who is responsible and capable of shaping the development of our public spaces. Place-making relies on community-based participation and builds on what we have.

The diagram opposite is a great representation of what makes a great place. There is a need to balance experiences of a space across the four key attributes to ensure its success. The second ring is what people connect with, the intangibles or emotive qualities of a space. And the outer ring of measurable elements tends to be the realm in which your council and other organisations will operate in to ensure correct decisions are made.

Qualities of Placemaking:• Community driven

• Visionary• Function before form

• Adaptable• Inclusive

• Destination focused• Context-specific

• Dynamic• Trans-disciplinary• Transformative

• Flexible• Collaborative• Sociable

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3.1b TECHNIQUESAn incredible resource for looking at methods of Place-making is Project for Public Spaces (www.pps.org). They offer a number of techniques to enable everyday community members to engage in their place. Two techniques that could be employed to great effect in Dargaville are ‘Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper’ and ‘Power Of 10+’.

‘Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper’ (LQC) is a strategy that empowers communities to create great places. Short term LQC improvements should be part of a larger, permanent long-term vision. Using LQC methods can generate excitement for a wider vision while avoiding some roadblocks like planning-fatigue. It is incremental and collaborative building lasting community relationships.

‘Power Of 10+’ is a method through which communities can measure and facilitate Placemaking in their public spaces. Developed by Project for Public Spaces, this concept works on the basis that it is optimal to have 10 or more reasons for people to be in a public space. This can be achieved through many forms of passive or active activities within a space that cater for a wide range of user types. By working towards a goal of 10 or more activities in a space, communities can very quickly and easily improve the dynamics of their spaces.

Bold, bright graphics on a road surface alert drivers to increased activity within a space and a need to be more vigilant, naturally slowing traffic down. They are now increasingly being used widely by communities around the world. The use of bold designs enhances a locations identity as fun and pedestrian friendly. Becoming worn over time, it is up to the community to decide if the painting is maintained as a permanent feature.

3.2a EXAMPLESThe following are some quality examples that fit with Placemaking principles add a richer experience to public spaces.

Parklets work on the principle of claiming back auto-dominated streets for pedestrian use while requiring minimal changes to the streetscape. Initially well used as a temporary pop-up park for the duration of time allowed on a parking meter, Parklets are now being installed widely as permanent solution to a lack of leisure space in shopping areas.

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The earthquakes that hit Christchurch and destroyed much of the city center created an urgent need to quickly make spaces usable again for the community. There has been a wide range of Placemaking initiatives that have popped up across the city. Many of these were temporary, but became loved so much by the community for bringing much needed vibrancy that the public have maintained these elements to last much longer.

Anyone who has been to Paihia recently will have noticed the dramatic transformation the town has had over the past few years. This is thanks to the community coming together using Placemaking and forming Focus Paihia. With a long term vision and achievable projects, the community has strengthened to make a considerable impact, making Paihia a more desirable destination.

Street art is a powerful way to spark interest in a place, and one of the simplest forms is murals on otherwise blank walls. Dunedin has a large amount of street art throughout the city and is now holding an annual festival, injecting life into otherwise boring spaces.

3.2c LEARN MOREIf you are interested in learning more about Placemaking and how you could get involved, the following websites have a rich collection of resources and inspiration:

Focus Paihia - www.focuspaihia.org.nzProject For Public Spaces - www.pps.org Place Focus - www.placefocus.com

3.2b DESIRED FOR DARGAVILLEYou identified a need for the following that could be implemented quickly using Placemaking in our CBD:

• Seating and tables• Connections to the river

• Planter boxes and other furnishings• Activities on the river front

• ‘Hang out’ spaces• Artwork

To assist the community in starting to think about Placemaking type activities in Dargaville, Kaipara District Council help a ‘Pop-Up Pedestrian Zone’ market day on Victoria Street. As a carry on from this KDC will be facilitating the start of activity focused around the Band Rotunda and river.

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4.0 CONCEPTWhen undertaking any Placemaking project, it is important to have a larger vision in place to ensure interventions build on existing and planned conditions.

The following is a recommendation of changes to be made to spaces that would work well towards a cohesive place identity. Further detailed planning may be required for certain elements to ensure feasibility.

A large portion of these changes relate to improved Wayfinding and planting.

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4.1 WAYFINDINGWayfinding is an important part of any landscape and is vital to successful urban environments. Without it, visitors can not be expected to find and experience what makes a place special.

Currently, existing signage is primarily NZTA directional signage at the entrances to Dargaville that do not necessarily direct people to the town center. Welcome signage is currently in poor condition giving visitors a undesirable first impression. There is next to no eye-catching signage within central Dargaville to direct people off SH12 into Victoria Street or important focal areas.

The the purple dots on the map below are locations where wayfinding signage needs to be improved.

The proposed system for incorporating wayfinding into our existing environment takes inspiration from pedestrian safety barriers on the main street. It is important to have consistent coordinated wayfinding throughout a location. The design is simple and modern while maintaining a sense of colonial charm.

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Info

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4.2a STREET TREESTrees are an important part of any successful urban environment. People enjoy places that offer some sort of natural element that provides relief from built form. A single well positioned tree has the power to change a space.

Along with significant ecological benefits, street trees have been proven to slow traffic speed, provide pedestrians shade, encourage walking, and increase value of a space.

When planning the use of street trees, use a single variety for a street with a different species at an intersection. This not only helps with the overall impact of a tree lined street, but will also aid in wayfinding and turning streets into places.

4.2b AMENITY PLANTINGWhen it comes to choosing plants for public spaces, aim for maximum impact, low maintenance, and enhancement of local identity.

Drawing inspiration from our laid back real New Zealand image, the use of simple, primarily native plant palette is strongly recommended. Our native flora has a rich mix of textures that can be used to create interest. Native flora can also dramatically reduce the need for costly irrigation.

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People enjoy variety in where they choose to sit and enjoy a space. Increasing this variety can be achieved through creating elements that take on a sculptural form

River waterfronts provide brilliant opportunities for recreational activity. Most locations with a significant water body will take advantage of utilizing that asset for recreation and leisure. The popularity of Hatea Loop in Whangarei is an indication of the importance of developing these walkways.

The use of paving surface texture can aid in creating interest, raise awareness and improving the feel of a space. Use rougher pavers across thresholds to inform users they are entering a space where they will meet different forms of users.

4.3 FURTHER INSPIRATION Here is a collection of attractive spaces that provide great examples of elements that could be employed throughout the Dargaville landscape that fit perfectly within the overall vision.

Water features are highly effective at drawing people into a space and encouraging interaction. Where people are not able to physically touch a natural water body, a water feature of some sort should be included to appeal to this human interaction.

Street flags are an effective method of adding pops of colour and movement to a space adding vibrancy. Bold simple geometric patterns with little writing are the most effective.

Simple artistic elements can also form a functional purpose for defining a space of making the entrance to a space. The form of these elements can add significant values to sense of place through their form and material use.

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4.4 CONCEPT PLANThis schematic plan gives an indication of some of the bigger picture significant suggested permanent changes that could be made to improve Dargaville’s sense of place.

The following pages take a more detailed look at what could be involved with forming this schematic plan into actual changes.

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Creation of pedestrian zone

Grove of native trees to replace Phoenix palms

Reinstatement of wharf

Planted raised traffic medians for Calming traffic

Develop walkway along river promenade

Painted road surface as traffic calming and community art

Increase seating along river promenade and in shade of trees

Roundabout to improve traffic flows

River walkway to Memorial Park

Enhance Gumdigger statue as town feature

Inclusion of water feature for enjoyment

Introduce public artwork

Low hedge to enhance Band Rotunda space

Improved pedestrian link to Riverside Gardens

Raised pedestrian crossing/ traffic speed bump

Small roundabout to improve traffic flow

New pedestrian crossing to improve safe crossing for children

Replace Phoenix Palms with more locally significant street trees

Significant increase in street tree plantings wherever appropriate

Improved Riverside Gardens Entrance

Mass plantings to add amenity value

River walkway to bridge

Boardwalk to improve visual appeal of marina

Introduce public artwork

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Small deck for seating and pop up performance

Introduce deck elements around wharf

Masts at wharf to reference history

Introduce community notice board

Interactive water feature draws people

Wayfinding town map

Increased planting around wharf area

Planting under trees to provide interest

Maintain open central view shaft of sails statue and wharf

Painted road surface as traffic calming and community art

Street trees for shade and enhancement of space

Painted road surface alerts traffic to increased pedestrian movements

Increase trees and shrubbery to act as wind break

Variety of seating options throughout pedestrian space

Reinstatement of wharf

Creation of pedestrian zone

DARGAVILLEA Vibrant Town That People Are Proud Of

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WHERE TO FROM HERE? Outlined in this document is a large number of opportunities for developing a more vibrant Dargaville. Following consultation on this document, a suggested works program and costs estimate will be formed and added. This will assist in coordinating action between community and Council.

For further information on the Dargaville Placemaking Project and to give feedback, please contact:

Darlene Lang Gent, Community Facilitator, Kaipara District Council. Ph: 09 439 3123 | Ext: 774Email: dlang@kaipara.govt.nz

Peter BoydPh: 0276343674Email: info@peterboyd.co.nz

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