Pedestrianisation of The Strand, Kororāreka-Russell
What's happened so far?
In December 2024, a temporary traffic trial was introduced on The Strand, the waterfront road in the heart of Kororāreka – Russell’s town centre. The trial tested a new way of managing vehicle access along this busy and popular area with the aim to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, reduce traffic congestion, and create a more welcoming space for locals, visitors, and businesses.
In May 2025, a public consultation on the proposal attracted 383 submissions, with 65.7 per cent of respondents supporting the trial with pedestrian priority on some or all of The Strand.
In June 2025, the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board endorsed the final Kororāreka - Russell Placemaking Plan 2025, which identified pedestrianisation of The Strand as a priority placemaking outcome.
In July 2025, the council decided The Strand will remain a shared space from the middle of Cass Street to the northern boat ramp. The southern end of the road will be a pedestrian priority area with access for essential vehicles.
From November 2025 to May 2026, the council worked with a community working group to develop draft designs for Cass Street and The Strand. See the Russell Roading Working Group meeting minutes below.
In June and July 2026, public feedback was gathered through an online survey, drop-in sessions, targeted phone calls and door-to-door conversations, resulting in 339 comments received from 110 individuals.
In September 2026, the council approved the final roading designs for Cass Street and The Strand. The approved design incorporated community feedback received through public consultation, including revised bollard locations, additional signage and consideration of a bike rack, subject to funding and location.
Works are expected to begin in mid-November 2026, with construction to proceed once the Traffic Management Plan has been approved.
Russell Roading Working Group
Staff are currently working with the Russell Roading Working Group, comprising a group of Kororāreka-Russell community representatives, to implement the final design for traffic calming measures on Cass St to achieve pedestrianisation of The Strand as described above.
The working group members include:
- Adam Cooper – Business
- Bruce Mitchinson – Russell Wharf Trust
- Deb Rewiri – Tangata Whenua
- David McKenzie – Russell Protection Society
- Emily Rust – Disability
- Jacqui Madelin – Community
- Katrina Lavender – Disability
- Adam Davey – Community
- Shane Maddren – Business
- Marsha Davis – Tangata Whenua
- Mike Pratt – Independent Chair
This page will be updated as the project develops.