The Strand traffic trial - what next?
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 is testing a new way of managing vehicle access along this busy and popular area. The aim is to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, reduce traffic congestion, and create a more welcoming space for locals, visitors, and businesses.
During the trial:
- The northern section – of The Strand, from the Seaside Café all the way to the boat ramp, remains a shared space for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
- The middle section – from Cass Street, past the Town Hall, to the Marae – is temporarily closed to non-essential vehicle traffic.
The next step is to begin formal, district-wide consultation to ensure all voices are captured before a decision is made. To give staff enough time to analyse the feedback and present it to elected members, the trial will remain in place until Monday 1 September 2025.
Tell us what you think / Kōrerotia mai ōu whakaaro
We'd like to hear your thoughts on how the trial has been going for you.
We’re coming to you / E tae atu ana mātou ki a koe
You can visit us at one of our drop-in sessions to discuss The Strand and fill out a submission form. We’ll be at:
- Russell RSA, 1 Chapel St, Saturday 10 May, 12–2pm
- Russell RSA, 1 Chapel St, Thursday 15 May, 4-6pm
How can I have a say / E whai wāhi ai koe ki ngā kōrero
Share your feedback by completing the online submission form here.
You can also send us a written submission:
- By email: submissions@fndc.govt.nz
- By mail: Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440
- In person: Drop your submission at any Far North District Council Service Centre.
Alternatively, you can request to share your feedback verbally by emailing us at submissions@fndc.govt.nz or by phoning us on 0800 920 029.
We must receive your feedback by Tuesday 27 May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
We’re proposing some changes to Cass Street as part of the final layout, depending on the option chosen. These could include narrowing the entrance at York Street, adding signage, or installing features to manage traffic flow and support either a pedestrian zone or shared space environment.
No matter which option is chosen, there will be no loss of the 12 existing legal car parks on Cass Street.
If full pedestrian priority is selected, a mini-roundabout would need to be installed at Cass Street to provide a safe turning option for vehicles. In this case, the bus stop, mobility park, and loading zone adjacent to the wharf would need to be relocated.
Only the full pedestrian zone option would require substantial funding for the design and construction of new infrastructure like a mini-roundabout, signage and bollards. If this option is selected, funding would need to be sought through a future council budget, such as the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan.
Feedback from this consultation will be gathered and presented to elected members for a decision later in 2025. If changes are approved, the timeline for final works will depend on available funding and project planning.
Yes. All options being considered allow for essential vehicle access to The Strand — including deliveries, emergency services, and maintenance vehicles. Some options manage this with signage; others would use physical barriers such as gates or lowerable posts.
In 2024, the Kororāreka–Russell community decided they wanted to change the way vehicles and pedestrians interact on The Strand. At the time, the community shared a range of ideas to make the waterfront safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
The trial was introduced to let locals and visitors experience possible changes to The Strand before a permanent solution is decided.
Note: Anyone is invited to submit feedback on this consultation, whether as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, however, any submissions that are out of scope, offensive, inappropriate, or late may not be accepted by the council. You will be notified if your decision is not accepted and, where appropriate, invited to resubmit.
Any submissions that are made will become part of the public consultation process. The collection and use of personal information by the Far North District Council is regulated by the Privacy Act 2020. Please note that your submission or a summary of your submission will be treated as public information and may be published on the council's website and made available to elected members and members of the public as part of the consultation process. Your name and contact details (address, phone number, email) will only be used for administrative purposes - such as the council contacting you to update you on the outcome of this consultation and letting you know about future consultations.