May 2010 Footprints Newsletter of Living Streets Aotearoa May 2010

Walk2Work Day a Huge Success Summer Steps

Walk2Work day on March 10 this year saw In Dunedin a commuter train even came to Summer Steps began in March as a one month thousands of New Zealanders leave their cars the party, bringing coastal suburbanites part pilot. This workplace challenge gets teams of at home and take to the streets to walk to of the way. The amazing turnout included 2-6 to log walks, aiming for the most walks, work with friends, family and colleagues. many incorporating walking into their daily and most car trips saved. commute for the Teams can register and log walks online, first time. and get points for every 5 minutes walked (no In 2009, a pedometer required) with bonus points for car survey of partici- journeys saved. pants found that 1 Wellington and pilot in 6 were first time programmes in February had a great uptake – walkers, showing 37 teams registered in the first two weeks. the event helps Congratulations to the Wellington winners, many Kiwis ‘take The Power Rangers from Transpower on the the first step’ to Terrace (photo #2 on back page), who logged improve lifestyle nearly 250 walks in February, saving 142 car and commuting journeys! At Wellington’s Walk2Work day

Council of cool, harking back to Abbey Road. From left: Mike Tasman-Jones (TDC Recreation habits. event, Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon awarded Advisor), Mayor Richard Kempthorne, David Hill (Richmond Mall Manager) and Judene Edgar The Director of them with free night tour passes kindly (TDC Councillor and Walk2Work organiser). Nelson Marlbor- donated by Zealandia, the Karori Wildlife Each event had its own local flair, with ough DHB’s Nutrition & Physical Activity Experience. The winning Christchurch team locally sponsored breakfast snacks and coffee, programme, Helen Steenbergen, says that were the Dialysis Dawdlers of Canterbury DHB. as well as speakers and spot prizes. W2W Day walking, as part of a balanced lifestyle, Together the teams saved 1,275 car journeys! is part of a Living Streets campaign to get helps people enjoy a long and healthy life. Our survey found that half of the people walking more in their daily lives. “Research shows that fit employees are more participants never or seldom walked to work Living Streets coordinated over 20 events productive and happier”, Mrs Steenbergen said. before starting Summer Steps. Whilst taking nationwide from Auckland down to Dunedin. continued on back page... part 75% walked more often than before, and since the pilot over 75% are maybe or definitely more likely to walk more often. The Summer Steps programme itself Golden Foot adopted a team approach, working in Walking Awards Membership Renewals... Wellington with a Regional Council initiative When we ran the inaugural Golden ...were sent out to all our members with the called Active a2b, which aims to support Foot Awards last year, they were March newsletter. This is a gentle reminder individuals to develop walking habits, to be biennial.However, in recent to please ensure that this is paid promptly to secure mentors, set targets and keep at planning sessions it was decided to run the avoid us having to use valuable resources to it. The Summer Steps team challenge was awards annually. Information about the 2010 follow up on non-payment. If you have any recommended to all those registered for Awards has been sent out, with a closing date queries about fee payment or membership Active a2b, and many commented on the for nominations of 30th June. The Awards please contact Lily Linton on 04 385 8280 effectiveness of Summer Step’s team approach will be presented at a ceremony at the Walk- or [email protected]. If for with respect to motivation. ing Conference. We were thrilled with the any reason you do not wish to renew your The Summer Steps online programme is high standard of entries submitted last year, membership please let us know. still available for current and new teams. and we look forward to some exciting entries Look out for updates, as we stride into this year. See www.livingstreets.org.nz/ autumn and want you to keep the pace up. walking_awards2010. Look out for Living Streets Aotearoa and Jenny-Kaye Potaka our events on Facebook: www.facebook. ~ Living Streets’ Acting Project Officer. com/group.php?gid=94215686932 may 2010 | 1 Contacts From the Director’s Desk

What can they do to make things better for Director Liz Thomas | 04 385 8280 people on foot? [email protected] The first step is to encourage more people President to go out walking in their community. The Peter Kortegast | 03 546 3666 more people out on footpaths and streets, [email protected] the more awareness there will be that people Walk Auckland need safe and attractive places to walk. Andy Smith | 09 361 2133 Parents can encourage their children and [email protected] their friends to walk to school, and can walk Living Streets North Shore Gay Richards | 09 445 6568 with them or set up walking school buses. [email protected] People can arrange to meet their friends Living Streets Manukau and walk together to church, to pre-school, Donna Wynd | 021 2377 779 and to events in their community. Groups [email protected] of workers can walk together to work, to Living Streets Hamilton meetings during their work day, or during Judy MacDonald | 07 855 2019 Liz Thomas, Director their lunch break. This all requires talking [email protected] to people and getting to know them better Walk Taupo Jackie Gartner | 07 378 6960 s As part of its funding for walk- – a great way of strengthening community [email protected] ing and cycling facilities, the spirit and breaking down the social isolation Living Streets Palmerston North government has allocated seven caused by travelling everywhere by car. Chris Teo-Sherrell millionA dollars over the next two years for The next step is for people out walking [email protected] the Model Communities programme. This was to collect information about what could Living Streets Wellington one of the strategic initiatives in the 2006 improve conditions for people on foot, and Paula Warren | 04 388 8625 implementation plan for the national walking to lobby local councils to invest money on [email protected] and cycling strategy ‘Getting There—on foot, good footpaths, safe crossings and attractive Living Streets Lower Hutt by cycle’. It’s encouraging that the present street design. Councils around the country Jan Simmons | 04 568 7943 [email protected] government has now picked this up, and we are consulting on their draft Annual Plans Bike Walk Marlborough can expect to see some action. at present, so now is the time to make the Robin Dunn From the 22 applications received for the voice of pedestrians heard loud and clear. [email protected] Model Communities funding, the NZTA has Parents talking about how their child’s trip Walk Nelson Tasman shortlisted four councils and invited them to to school could be made safer, or an elderly [email protected] submit stage 2 proposals. These are Nelson, person recounting their experience of uneven Living Streets Canterbury New Plymouth, Taupo and Hastings. The footpaths are what bring the realities of Chrys Horn | 03 338 0313 programme aims to invest the money in two walking to the council table. There is money [email protected] or three communities to give them a boost available to all councils for roading, it’s Living Streets West Coast Rosie McGrath | (03) 768 1160 ext 716 to improve walking and cycling facilities, where they put their priorities that makes the [email protected] so that walking and cycling are the easiest difference. Living Streets Dunedin transport choices for the community. The ex- This edition of Footprints is looking at Judy Martin | 03 465 8437 pectation is that by demonstrating the posi- making the most of our walking communities, [email protected] tive changes resulting from more investment and what we can do to make walking the first Living Streets Queenstown in walking and cycling, planning will change choice for short trips. If enough passionate [email protected] so that walking and cycling are used as the walkers are out on the streets enjoying them- National Office focus of integrated planning in the future. selves, socialising with friends and neighbours, Level 7 ANZAC House The communities selected as Model and reaping the benefits of better health and 181 Willis Street PO Box 25 424 Communities will get an injection of money a more vibrant community, others will follow. Wellington to improve walking and cycling. But what ~ Liz Thomas Phone (04) 385 8280 about all the other communities? Fax (04) 385 4962 [email protected]

Would you like to see your We are interested in advertising for urban de- business in Footprints? sign, community, health, transport, consultants, Editor & Designer: Freda Wells products, events … we’d love to hear from you! Supervisor: Lily Linton The Footprints team is looking for people who Contributions, articles and feedback can be sent to ISSN 1177-8369 (print) are interested in advertising in our quarterly the editor at: [email protected]. ISSN 1177-8377 (online) newsletter to help cover production costs. Read past editions of Footprints online: www. If you have a corporate event or walk- Disclaimer: views expressed in Footprints are livingstreets.org.nz/newsletter. not necessarily those of Living Streets Aotearoa ing related product to promote get in touch: The content deadline for the August edition [email protected] or ph 04 385 8280. of Footprints is: 18th July 2010. 2 | footprints Government News Safer Journeys hings are shaping up for an The conference registration form will be on In March Transport Minister Steven Joyce exciting and challenging Walk- our website by the time you receive this announced the release of Safer Journeys, New ing Conference in Wellington newsletter, giving you plenty of time to be Zealand’s road safety strategy for the next ten onT the 2nd & 3rd August 2010. An array of an early bird. There will be some reduced years. Living Streets president, Peter Korteg- interesting papers is being slotted into the price registrations available for volunteer ast, attended the launch at Parliament. programme, and walkshops are being planned walking advocates, on application to the Liv- Safer Journeys takes a Safe System ap- which will bring the reality of the streets to ing Streets office, for more information see: proach to improving road safety and looks at the deliberations. www.livingstreets.org.nz/conference2010. all elements of the road system - vehicles, roads, speeds and road users - recognising Planning the Year The ‘Walk to Church’ project that everybody has a responsibility for road Ahead ... safety. The strategy lists some of the actions Gendy Thomson is a walking champion the government will work towards to improve In March our Executive Team and staff held helping to promote walking, with all of its road safety. The top priorities for action are a planning meeting in Nelson. We prepared positive community and family aspects, young drivers, alcohol and drug impaired a business plan for the coming year and through Walk to Church. The Anglican Diocese drivers, motorcycling, roads and roadsides, reviewed successes of the last 12 months. The of Wellington started Walk to Church in 2008, and safe speeds. Changing the give way rules highlights planned for the coming 12 months citing her inspiration as a UNICEF forum for turning traffic is one of the actions that are the NZ Walking Conference in August, the looking at safer communities, “a point that will improve safety for pedestrians. 2010 national Golden Foot Walking Awards, really stood out was that the more people Last year’s road toll was 385 deaths. Re- Walk2Work day and of course the Living we have out walking, the safer a community search shows if we continue our current road Streets AGM to be held at our conference. feels - and is.” safety efforts we can expect a similar level of We face a challenging future with the Gendy’s walks with her 18 month-old son road death in 2020 – though if the appalling Government focus very much on Roads of Na- also reinforced her idea of Walk to Church, road toll over Easter is anything to go by, we tional Significance and congestion relief rath- making her “very aware of how I was getting could see an increase in road deaths. You can er than sustainable transport and walking. to know people in my community”. She adds read the strategy at: www.transport.govt.nz. However through the Safer Journeys Strategy “I was also aware of how much he learned and Model Communities, Living Streets has a out walking such as road safety, general Auckland Supercity positive role to play at all levels. ‘boundaries’ (not wandering into people’s The transition to the Auckland Council I can assure all members that you have a gardens or through gates) and creation in (super city) is rolling on like a juggernaut. highly motivated and passionate Executive general – his wonder at the bugs and plants, The Auckland Council will have 20 members team and staff who are confident we can for- and pleasure in lying down in long grass and elected from 13 wards plus a Mayor elected ward the advocacy of walking in the coming rolling around!” at large. There will be 21 local boards which, 12 months. Feet First walk to school week, and according to information released, will, “sit The weekend was sponsored by Opus Con- National Children’s Day gave Gendy some- alongside the governing body of the council sultants who made its office available, and thing to link Walk to Church to. Children and rather than in a hierarchical relationship”. we managed to include some walking in the church-goers were given a walking ‘bingo’ The purpose of the local boards is stated as agenda! Peter Kortegast, President sheet, designed to encourage awareness of “enabling democratic decision making by, and the environment and other people, often on behalf of, communities within the local Seeking enhanced by travelling on foot. Bingo squares board area.” At present it is unclear exactly Passionate Walkers! include appreciation of weather, the natural what powers the local boards will have. world, others in the community, and taking There will also be one regional transport Our AGM is to be held at Conference in time to share these good things with family. authority, Auckland Transport, which will August. With several Executive Council Gendy recently contacted Living Streets be a council-controlled organisation (CCO) members standing down, there will be an to share Walk2Work day ideas. This is a great of the new Council, which is not dissimilar opportunity to join the band of dedicated example of community groups supporting to the present situation with ARTA which is walking enthusiasts on the Executive. each other with shared goals. Walking is a a subsidiary organisation of the Auckland We are looking for strategic thinkers with great common denominator for encouraging Regional Council. The Auckland Council and a passion for the cause, and with skills in one strong families, communities, and cities, it’s a its associated organisations will come into or more of these areas: change management, simple yet pervasive activity that touches on being on 1 November 2010. financial management, employment relations, many of the good things in life, and a subtle More info at: www.ata.govt.nz. networking, media and communications. cure for many of the bad. If you’re interested and think you might Lily Linton. fit the bill, please contact Living Streets’ President peter.kortegast@livingstreets. org.nz or Director liz.thomas@livingstreets. Our bank account for donations and subscriptions has changed since last year. org.nz to find out more. For online payments please use Kiwibank 38-9009-0745640-00.

may 2010 | 3 Dunedin Traffic Health Impact Assessment

unedin City Council, in conjunc- illuminating learning experience for all. tion with Public Health South, Phase Three - The Appraisal Phase is conducting a Health Impact Phase 1 (screening) outlined the project’s DAssessment (HIA) into reducing the central potential, and phase 2 (scoping) identified city speed limit to 30kph. HIA’s are endorsed groups most likely to experience the effects by the WHO, used widely in Europe and are (both positive and negative) of a reduced common practice in the UK. There are clear speed limit, and included a draft community links between transport practices and health profile and literature review. The Appraisal determinants, and HIAs help identify these, phase invites key stakeholder groups to enabling a closer look at the effect of trans- provide evidence of any effects that the port planner’s decisions on community health. proposed speed limit change will have HIA is a set of tools that help predict the on them. The final report will include an impacts and consequences of a draft pro- analysis of this evidence. Each HIA includes posal, determine if positive impacts can be an Evaluation Phase which identifies and increased and negative impacts reduced, and evaluates the assessment process and lessons help identify whether possible effects of the learned. policy affect one group more than another. The HIA report will inform projects within The collaborative and cross-disciplinary council, directly (improving projects in the nature of the HIA has facilitated a valuable area) and indirectly (helping to build and exchange of information for all participants in strengthen the councils HIA knowledge base). Dunedin’s Traffic HIA. Participants come from The literature review shows that the HIA varied disciplines such as public health, city should result in tangible benefits for Dunedin planning, urban design, transportation residents if the proposal goes ahead. planning and highway engineering. This ~ Charlotte Flaherty, Transportation

meeting of minds and inclusive, community- 1. Bustling George Street (Dunedin’s central thorough- Operations, Dunedin City Council. centred approach to planning has been an fare) 2. Pedestrians cross a busy intersection at Commu- nity House. 3. Part of the Octagon, hub of the city.

Interview with Vincent Dickie by Lily Linton

Vincent Dickie, Living Street’s Auckland organisations working toward making Auckland There is a common misconception in New Networker, has been working closely with a communities increasingly walking-friendly. Zealand that Auckland is one cohesive number of communities in the multicultural city Some that come to mind are; Dot Dalziel from ‘supercity’. Those who live here understand the of Auckland, supporting their walking champions Project Twinstreams, Emma from Ranui Action reality that Auckland is a sprawling area with and getting people out walking. I asked him Project, Jim Sinclair from Otara, Botany Town a massive diversity of ‘villages’, each having a about his experiences in making the most of Centre Management, North Shore City Councils strong sense of identity and representing vastly our diverse walking communities. dedicated travel behaviour change team Debby differing demographics. Lang and Hannah On one hand, the Supercity is a centralised Q: Tell us some of the [Auckland is] "... a Jemmett, Andy Smith structure which seeks to oversee many important ways communities are taking massive diversity of from Walk Auckland, strategic challenges for Auckland such as public on the walking challenge 'villages', each having a Gay Richards from Living transport development. On the other hand, and getting involved in Streets North Shore. people are highly concerned that this large healthy active transport strong sense of identity.” Q: We are all structure will give them less voice in decisions A: Auckland communities are becoming more involved in various groups as part of our daily affecting their community. aware of the need to support local activity such activities. What do you think is the first step to My prediction is that as they feel as shopping and celebrations. It helps that sharing enthusiasm for everyday walking with threatened, a positive outcome will be for we have events that highlight walking such your colleagues, team mates, coffee group, communities to organise themselves far more as farmers’ markets and Walk2Work. There is Friday night buddies, play group, and kids? effectively than in the past. There are rapidly increased understanding by some local councils A: The biggest inspiration I believe is simply growing movements like Grey Lynn 2030 and who have been re-designing more pedestrian- ‘walking the talk’. People often tell me that Manukau 2060 and our own Walking Action friendly shopping areas such as Mangere Town Dot Dalziel rides her bike to work at Waitakere Groups who share a sustainable vision for their Centre. City Council in hail or shine and that inspires community. These are local and grassroots Q: Community leaders can be key in getting them. There are powerful ways we can based. It is my hope that these communities walking happening in their neighbourhood, is influence behaviour change through events and continue to take a growing role by actively there anyone you’d like to give special mention? advertising campaigns, but the best way most feeding Local Government with their vision of A: There are so many dedicated people and of us individuals can make a difference is to what they feel is appropriate for them and their practice what we preach. local environment.

4 | footprints Walking-friendly Adelaide by Peter Kortegast

arlier this year I had the pleasure of Our NZ conferences are larger and better at- • Cycle based communities are possible, a spending six days in the beautiful City tended due to this networking set up by the Dutch example, but it has taken 40 years of Adelaide, attending the Australian previous “Getting There - on foot, by cycle” so do not panic, be patient. EBicycle Conference at Adelaide University. national walking and cycling strategy. • A Queensland State guideline to cycle The paper I presented, on electronic cycle signage, the best I have seen. warning signs, was well received. Conference highlights • Research paper on what makes off-road Networking internationally is an extremely • Research on maintenance modelling of off- paths attractive valuable professional development opportuni- road paths and mountain bike trails • Research on urban cycle crash hazards ty and widens ones approach to conventional • Talk on urban form and mixing of walkers identified by videos on cyclists recording engineering, social and urban form. and cyclists in slow zones as in Asia regular urban commutes and who is com- The Australians were particularly surprised • Global warming certainty, get over it and monly at fault. and somewhat envious of NZ’s well established change The conference committee hope to produce communication system and strong advocate • Are off-road shared paths places to remove a conference DVD, but I am happy to provide networks for walking and cycling. They had no cyclists from traffic mix to the detriment of more info to interested people, please contact similar or equivalent direct contact to senior safety and social normality? me on: [email protected], ph (03) officials in national or state government. • Roundabout safety and a conclusion there 546-3666 extn 4166. is no silver bullet.

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1. Peter outside Adelaide Uni Campus. push the limits. I liked the pigs and their façade as we do in NZ, but the entire building 2. The off-road shared paths were beautifully inherent message about the missing connec- was preserved in a fully functional condition. landscaped and well used. They are linked to tion between rural and urban. We could learn from this, as it is not always all major parks and Council facilities. Their 5. In school neighbourhoods they had an in- just the visual, but also the functional aspects paths are landscaped and are quite stunning. novative sign asking motorists to reduce speed that are important. These are living buildings 3. They have introduced Copenhagen cycle when children are present. A great concept and we gain much from walking through these lanes. These are separate lanes for cyclists which transfers some judgement and respon- buildings which are at a much more appropri- between the footpath and parked cars. They sibility to the drivers to react appropriately ate human scale. do require very wide road spaces but create to their environment. I see this good safety 7. There were many shared zones and lanes great separation between pedestrians and innovation being transferable to NZ. with a reduced speed of 10km/h, with cars cyclists. However they do create complex side 6. Adelaide has preserved many historic and pedestrians sharing the space. I liked this road intersections. buildings making it a delight to stroll around. concept, they work and are safe to use. 4. The detailed, high quality urban design and Historic buildings are fully protected and 8. An interesting innovation was the raised landscaping was everywhere. The bronze pigs operational. They add significantly to the hu- speed table zebra crossings (called wombat made me laugh, you actively stroll the city man scale and pleasure of the city streetscape. crossings in Oz). This reduces vehicle approach discovering visual highlights in unexpected The historic buildings were preserved all over speeds, they have a far lower crash rate than locations. Their budgets are massive, the five the city and provide wonderful contrasts to the NZ. They won’t even install a wombat without bronze pigs cost $100,000NZ. This caused bit new high rises. Preservation was not just the the raised slowing device. of stir locally and I guess sometimes you can may 2010 | 5 News from the Regions

Living Streets North Shore cities and stronger communities. Vincent sections. Part of the consultation involved The weather has been kind to us, allowing for Dickie, Living Streets Auckland Networker said site visits and walkthroughs, with representa- outdoor summer meetings with a beach view “It’s always pleasing to hear the stories of tives from CCS Disability Action. We saw some and just a sea breeze to ruffle our papers. people who walk to work and how it prepares terrifying intersections where pedestrians Walk2Work Day was a great success thanks to them for their day. We are seeing an increas- literally take their lives into their hands, such the planning and hard work put in by North ing number of people who choose to leave as Five Cross Roads and the Heaphy Terrace Shore City staff and a keen band of volun- the car at home and embrace the walk to roundabout. Being driven at by an absent- teers. 800 people participated by register- work as an opportunity to incorporate fitness minded driver while halfway across a busy ing their walk2work online or enjoying a into their daily routine”. roundabout, in the company of an engineer breakfast snack at Akoranga, Smales Farm and “The day was a huge success thanks to in a high-vis vest and a very brave Gerri Sunnynook bus stations and at Takapuna. The the contributions of many organisations and Pomeroy in a manual wheelchair is not an ex- Nordic Walkers and a speech from the Mayor individuals. We are always pleased to hear perience any of us want to repeat in a hurry! were some highlights. We met for a debrief walkers comment that they arrive at work It did serve to highlight the problem though. and already have some ideas for W2W Day feeling refreshed in body and mind”. The consultation has been very worthwhile 2011. Work on mapping a walking route high- The organisers, Living Streets, wish to and there seems a genuine desire from all lighting the many and varied coastal views especially thank the following: All Living concerned to improve the situation. of the North Shore, not just Rangitoto, con- Streets volunteers, Walk Auckland, All Good On a lighter note we are collaborating tinues. We will return to an indoor venue for Fairtrade Bananas, One Square Meal snack bars, with Sport Waikato, who have funding (yay!) meetings now that the evenings are darker Cyclops yoghurt, Sanitarium Up & Go, Nescafe to stage some evening walks and hopefully and cooler. We plan to have some interesting Coffee, Sport Waitakere, North Shore, Auckland CBD lunchtime strolls, the latter using our guest speakers. All welcome. Gay and Manukau City Councils, Auckland City CBD map produced last year. Council Transport and Events teams, Roadsafe Judy McDonald Living Streets Manukau Auckland and Auckland Regional Transport We held a workshop late last year entitled Authority. Living Streets Lower Hutt ‘Healthy streams and living streets’ in Otara. In March, the Lower Hutt Living Streets group The workshop was presented by Auckland Waitakere Waewae Walking put in a submission to the Hutt City Council networker, Vincent Dickie and Dot Dalziel The group were fortunate to enjoy a brilliant regarding their “Vision Seaview Gracefield” of Project Twin Streams in Waitakere. The presentation late last year by WWW mem- District Plan review document. workshop was attended by a wide variety ber Robert Lipka called ‘Daring to Put Your Public consultation on Hutt City’s Annual of cultures and the group discussed issues Best Foot Forward’. Robert is a senior urban Plan commences on 20th April, so the group around walking in their community. designer at Waitakere Council. Robert’s illumi- will also put together a submission on this. Living Streets are looking to work with nating talk on pedestrian safety issues con- Manukau City Council and community mem- trasted international (mainly North American) Living Streets Wellington bers such as local Otara patron, Jim Sinclair, pedestrian rules and regulations against New The recent highlight was, of course, Walk on a project to create community walking Zealand’s, leaving the group acutely aware to Work day. We were blessed with lovely maps and increase walking and cycling num- of the need for changes to our road code - weather (as always in Wellington), and had bers in Otara and Botany Downs. particularly the ‘sweeping left turn’. a good turnout. Our outposts (volunteers) We also recently made a submission on stood along key walking routes from the Walk Auckland the Auckland Regional Council’s (pro public suburbs, handing out flyers, apples and free A glorious and calm morning and a breakfast transport) 30 year ‘Regional Land Transport give-aways. The committee is thinking about buffet welcomed over 1,500 walking and pub- Strategy (RLTS)’. what could be done better next year, to lic transport commuters in Auckland’s second create more impact from our highest profile Walk2Work event on March 10th. The annual Living Streets Hamilton event. event took place at 13 locations around Auck- We are currently in consultations with NZTA We have started holding committee meet- land, from malls to bus stations and beaches. on a number of urban state highway issues, ings on the street - looking at a key part of Some events, like those on Auckland’s including pedestrian access to the Hamilton our city’s pedestrian infrastructure and then North Shore offered registered participants Gardens on Cobham Drive, pedestrian and finding a cafe to cover the business part of the chance to enjoy a French café style cycle facilities on Ohaupo Road, and proposed the meeting. We started with upper Boulcott breakfast whilst listening to live music. alterations to two major roundabouts on Cam- Street, followed by the railway station area. Other events were more casual, offering city bridge Road in an area containing schools, Findings will be presented to the council. And commuters a breakfast along their way. shops, homes, and Waikato University. This of course, the submissions process continues. Walk2Work in Takapuna and Botany makes for some interesting discussions and electorate Centre welcomed notable walkers submission-writing. Walk Nelson Tasman including North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Wil- We have also been involved in consulta- Walk2Work day in February saw a big increase liams, and Botany Electoral MP, Patsy Wong. tions organised by Hamilton City Council, in people attending the breakfasts in Nelson The event is a way of celebrating walking using Beca consultants, looking at pedestrian and Richmond. Attendance at the W2W as a contribution to healthy lifestyles, cleaner issues at some of Hamilton’s nastiest inter- breakfast was up 50 from last year to 200.

6 | footprints Meetings

The event received good coverage in local Chrys recently presented the LS Canterbury Walk Auckland papers. An enthusiastic group of 10 young submission to the Christchurch City Council 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30pm ladies even walked from Brightwater to Rich- (CCC) in relation to their Open Space Strat- Leys Institute Hall, 20 St Marys Rd, Ponsonby. mond – 8-10km in fancy dress! egy. She was followed by Dr Christine Dann Upstairs in the Supper Room. Walk Nelson Tasman (WNT) members pre- speaking for the Diamond Harbour Transition Living Streets Manukau sented a submission on the Tasman District Group and our very own Rhys Taylor speaking 4th Wednesday of the month draft Regional Land Transport Strategy and to his personal submission which supported The Tui room at the Otara Town Centre. Walking Strategy. Overall, our members are and extended the message of our submis- Next meeting: 26th of May 6pm, all welcome. supportive of the proposed strategy. WNT sion. The three submissions happened before Contact Donna Wynd: 09 378 0953. lunch, whereupon a councillor leaving the also presented Nelson city council with a cer- Living Streets North Shore tificate of appreciation for the introduction meeting with us all said we were the only Last Thursday of the month, 5.30pm. of new engineering standards that greatly three voices that morning speaking from the Mary Thomas Centre, 3 Gibbons Rd, Takapuna increase the city’s level of service for walking. perpective of the public good. All of the other (behind Library). Next meetings 27 May, 24 The new engineering standards mean flatter, speakers were people speaking and arguing June, 29 July. [email protected] wider footpaths, and on both sides, not just for their own individual (mostly commercial) one as in the previous standards! gain. To Chrys, this was a bit shocking but it Living Streets Hamilton WNT members are also excited that Nelson has also provided some ongoing motivation Second Thursday of the month at 5:30pm, has been shortlisted for the model communities for what often seems like a thankless task! 29 Claude St. Next meeting: 13th May. funding and next week will hold a workshop We have also put in submissions related Walk Taupo with other advocates and Nelson city council to the redevelopment of the Christchurch Meets as required. [email protected] staff to further develop the local proposal. Northern Motorway, Environment Canterbury’s Living Streets Palmerston North Metro (public transport) Strategy Review, Meets as required Living Streets Canterbury and most recently the CCC Annual plan. Two [email protected] The last few months have flown by, with others currently in the pipeline include the many good neighbourhood walks to enjoy CCC Draft Climate Change Strategy and the Living Streets Lower Hutt the long summer evenings. Cindy, Chrys Environment Canterbury draft Annual Plan. Meets last Monday of the month, 5:30pm and Fiona have learnt how to—and intend Last but not least, CCC released a report 50 Udy Street, Petone to regularly update—our webpage: www. by Jan Gehl Architects (Denmark) which [email protected] nz livingstreets.org.nz/regions/canterbury, strongly points to the importance of making Living Streets Wellington as well as send out monthly updates to local Christchurch more pedestrian friendly. You Meeting info: www.livingstreets.org.nz members and interested people. can find this report by searching ‘Jan Gehl’ /regions/wellington. We successfully secured funding from the at www.ccc.govt.nz. It is worth a read, and [email protected] Canterbury Community Trust to develop a provides some great reasons for, and ways of, Walk Nelson Tasman walking map centred around Philipstown, and making cities more pedestrian friendly. Happy Meets bi-monthly, usually Friday 9.30am to encourage more development of the Great walking! [email protected] Perimeter Walkway (one of last year’s Living ~ Chrys Horn, Living Street Canterbury Streets Golden Foot award winners). convenor Bike Walk Marlborough We’re thinking about the possibilities for Meeting info: marlborough@livingstreets. marketing walking. It is early days but watch Living Streets Dunedin org.nz. this space as ideas develop. The Walk to work breakfast in the Octagon Living Streets Canterbury We have been finding ourselves in was a great success, with over 500 walkers Join us! Contact Cindy and Chrys for where to the local news, an interesting example of filing in their forms for a free breakfast in meet: [email protected] which was in findings of an Environment one of the Octagon bars. One of our most Living Streets Dunedin Canterbury-funded market survey into what dedicated participants set off from Mosgiel, Meets every second Wednesday of the month, Cantabrians think about transport and future 12 km away, at 5:3oam! The “walk to work” 5:30pm. Meet at the Terrace outside Crocodile transport needs, background work to their train from Waitati was hugely successful, Cafe, Botanic Gardens. Contact Judy Martin: Regional Land Transport Strategy. www.stuff. stopping at Purakanui to pick up the entire [email protected] co.nz/the-press/news/3332278/Cars-top- primary school, and at Port Chalmers for the-list-in-transport-survey. Living Streets another eager group of walkers. Big thanks to Living Streets West Coast was mentioned here but, oddly, in a quote Charlotte Flaherty from Dunedin City Council Meets as required from a submission that Chrys wrote before for masterminding the whole morning, and to [email protected] she joined Living Streets. The report makes all our sponsors, volunteers, entertainers and interesting reading – it is clear that Canter- speakers for their invaluable help. bury people are very wedded to their cars and In May or June we will host an introduc- see them as likely to remain the primary form tion to Living Streets Dunedin for all those of transport for the next 30 years. Walk to Workers who expressed a desire to The job of writing submissions continues. keep in touch. More details will be posted on our page on the website. may 2010 | 7 Walk2Work day continued... by Caroline Barnes

Richmond’s W2W day organiser Judene Edgar lors Celia Wade-Brown and Ian MacKinnon, says walking can improve our whole commu- Green Party MP Gareth Hughes and Associate 1 2 3 nity. “Society has moved away from our roots Transport Minister Nathan Guy. Entertainment – we were made to walk, it’s fun, it’s free and was supplied by local musical talent Tessa it’s easy.” Rain, health and fitness support from Mish 4 5 6 7 In Auckland, walk- “Society has moved away McCormack of City Fitness, ing human advertising and walkers could even try helped draw in over 200 from our roots – we were out Zumba! Signatures 1. This group walked from Brightwater to walkers to complete made to walk, it’s fun, it’s were collected on a giant Richmond–8-10km–in fancy dress! a walking survey in free and it’s easy” foot and presented on Par- 2. The Summer Steps winning Team Pigeon Park. In North liament Steps to Associate 3. Aucklanders put their best feet forward Shore, over 800 walkers supported 4 events. Transport Minister Nathan Guy. 4. Walkers get some light morning reading North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams, was im- Walking to work is a great way for people 5. Our lovely Living Streets coordinator Lily pressed by some residents commitment, to get outside and enjoy their journey, Linton steps out for summer who walked over 90 minutes to attend! reaping the benefits of fresh air and gentle 6. A sight for sore eyes (or feet!) - Palmerston Wellington W2W day enjoyed fabulous exercise. ~ Caroline Barnes, W2W national North’s Living Streets volunteer ready with weather and gathered walkers from all over coordinator. www.walk2work.org.nz. free breakfast treats the city at Park. Guest speakers 7. Wellington’s W2W HQ. included mayor Kerry Prendergast, council-

Pumpkin Power by Sarah Moyes

If you drive down Auckland’s Meadowbank down and be aware of the kindy. the kindergarten's road safety project by Road, you may be in for a surprise. Children Mrs Hancock, head teacher at the kindy painting road side carparks for parents during at Meadowbank Kindergarten are growing says the children are also learning about drop off and pick up times. pumpkins on the grass verge as part of their sustainability through growing pumpkins, and The teachers feel community involve- road safety project. maintaining a connection to nature within ment is important. "It's the first community A few close calls with children and cars the urban setting. involved project – people forget that we are early last year spurred the kindergarten to The kindy sent fliers to close neighbours, down here because of the long driveway," Mrs take action. and a packet of pumpkin seeds so they could Hancock says. The kindy hopes the unusual sight of join in the fun. Meadowbank Road is now They also believe that through this project pumpkins growing by the road will get drivers home to a few pumpkin growers – Mrs Han- they are educating children who then go home attention, reminding them there are young cock hopes a competition will eventually be and educate their parents. children around, and therefore to slow down. held to judge the biggest pumpkin. Last year the children also staged a mini The pumpkin growing is a joint project protest by the road asking drivers to slow with the Auckland City Council, who support

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