Waka Kotahi says today’s Government announcement which will progress the Reshaping Streets package of legislative changes will give councils more options to improve urban spaces and encourage safer and more sustainable travel.

“Reshaping Streets will enable communities and local authorities to work together to modify their existing streets to provide more space for people of all ages and abilities to move around, whether they’re biking, walking, using public transport or driving,” says a Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

“The rule gives councils options to pilot (trial) street changes to inform future permanent changes, support local neighbourhood street events, and better manage traffic in places that are important for community life like town centres, in neighbourhoods and around schools.”

“The legislative changes in Reshaping Streets will enable communities and councils to work together on the best solutions for our local streets, delivering on the country’s goals for emissions reduction and safer streets while providing better tools for councils to deliver change on the ground,” said Kathryn King, Urban Mobility Manager. 

A key feature of the rule will enable councils to pilot, or make short-term changes to streets, as a new form of public consultation.

This allows stakeholders in the community to test different street layouts and features and provide feedback which can be used to adapt features and inform future permanent changes.  

“Waka Kotahi already partners with councils to conduct street pilots via our Streets for People programme. The programme allows communities to be directly involved in the way a project is created, delivered and adapted, giving local people a say in designing the places that are important to them. The rule changes will give Councils a clear framework for piloting street changes,” says Kathryn King. 

“The new rule also makes it easier for communities to work with councils to restrict traffic on local streets, from the short term through to permanent restrictions that make local streets quieter and more pleasant places to be,” says the Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

“It also enables street events for a few hours at a time to allow children to play and neighbours to gather. These events are known as Community Streets or referred to internationally as Play Streets.”

“These events give children additional opportunities for active, free play which is critical for their health, wellbeing and cognitive development. Events like this also help strengthen neighbourhood connections and build resilience,” says Kathryn King.  

“In addition, the Street Layouts rule includes provisions that councils can use to manage traffic more effectively. For example, councils will be able to work with schools, and communities to restrict traffic on some streets during pick-up and drop-off times. This will make streets around schools safer for tamariki/children,” says the Waka Kotahi spokesperson. 

“This rule will make things clearer and provide better tools for councils to make necessary changes on the ground. Our streets need to better reflect our present and future needs so everyone can use them to their full potential, in turn building stronger connections within our neighbourhoods, feeling safer when cycling or walking and contributing to a more sustainable future and greater economic wellbeing for us all,” says Kathryn King.  

Public consultation on Reshaping Streets took place in 2022.

Around two thirds of submitters generally supported or strongly supported the changes, and feedback from submitters, including those who did not support the changes, has been incorporated into the final Rule.  

The Government has delivered the first part of the Reshaping Streets package by creating a new ‘Street Layouts’ land transport rule. Councils can start using this rule from mid-August.