northland chamber

Submission to:
The Whangarei District Council
Submission regarding:
2007 – 2008 Draft Annual Plan – 20/20 plan

Submission by:
The Northland Chamber of Commerce

Decision sought from District Council
To implement the 20/20 design principles in all decisions made regarding the future look and feel of the Whangarei CBD

The Whangarei Plus CBD Guideline Development 20/20 Plan

The Northland Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Whangarei District Council for having a vision.
We applaud in particular, the leadership shown by this council in ‘putting a concept’ out there and point out for special commendation the Design lead Approach to the plan.
We have commented below on various aspects of the plan and included principles that our members would like to see. Our members appreciate the opportunity to influence the look of the Whangarei CBD so our members can operate in a business-friendly environment where all businesses can grow and prosper.

Northland Chamber

The Northland Chamber of Commerce currently has 340 financial members that employ the equivalent of 4000 full time employees.

Since 1903, the Northland Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of the Northland business community through its public policy and advocacy initiatives and its business development programs and services.

The Chamber also works to ensure that Northland has a business-friendly environment where all businesses can grow and prosper. With this, also comes paying close attention to the quality of life the region offers our members’ employees and families. The Chamber works to make a difference in Northland’s future and to help Northland grow.

Development Principle

The Northland Chamber of Commerce generally favour well researched development projects that add value to the economy, community and infrastructure of the region especially those projects that undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that the community and environment are protected.

Survey of Northland Chamber of Commerce Members

A recent survey in August 2006 asked Northland Chamber of Commerce members to rate issues by importance and impact on themselves, their businesses and Northland. Our members outlined two Whangarei specific Issues

The Future of the Whangarei CBD – 20/20 Plan
Whangarei Parking & Traffic Flows

Submission for Consideration
Section 1 – Introduction:
Outlines the processes used thus far. Also outlines some of the current issues.
Our Submission
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is happy to see the 20/20 Vision fit in with the WDC ‘creating the ultimate living environment’ vision. Also applaud the Design lead Approach to the plan.

Section 2- Analysis:
Our Submission
Nil

Section 3 – Concept Framework: Outlines themes and gives us a vision of what the CBD could look like in the future.
We would like to comment on this part of the 20/20 plan using the headings in the Concept Framework plan in Section 3.
More Green Connections and Spaces
Our members support any concept which enhances the CBD and the feel of the CBD.
Physical Connections to link to Water
As Water and Coast is one of our natural attributes the Chamber of Commerce supports concepts of making the most of our coast and Waterways. Any concept which draws people to ; and removes obstacles in drawing people to the water is supported by the Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber supports the concept of designing better physical access to the water.
Introduction of Residential mix into CBD
The Chamber of Commerce would support this concept after careful consideration to Traffic Flows and Parking is given.
One concept from Chamber of Commerce members is to look to the perimeter of the CBD to give people walking access to the CBD.
The Chamber of Commerce has Quality of Life aspirations for Northlanders and as such would prefer to not see High Density accommodation but to replace this with medium density living and in doing so preserve / promote a good quality of life.
Strategic Location of new Focal Points / Developments / Facilities
Chamber members considered that there was not enough information on the specifics of focal points / developments / facilities. To make an informed comment on these, however;
The concept of having focal points in general was supported once again contingent on parking & traffic flows.
Extend CBD Activities into evening and weekend.
Members supported the concept of having a vibrant and alive CBD and although the concept has been raised in the CBD development plan and were sure that business / commerce would lead this concept with local authorities adding to this by removing or altering any minor legislative / compliance obstacles.
Create a series of pedestrian scaled areas
Our understanding of Pedestrian Scaled areas is those areas that lend themselves for pedestrians as opposed to motor vehicular traffic. We presume that the Cameron Street Mall is a pedestrian scaled area. The Chamber would support a series of pedestrian scaled areas as we feel if done with good design the CBD could become a destination
Introduce new building typologies that encourage a greater mix
Our members would encourage a greater mix of building type however would encourage town planners to make the type of building ‘fit’ the precinct that the building is proposed in.

Section 4 – Town Basin:
The Whangarei 20/20 plus plan outlined 4 concepts for the Town Basin area.
Our Submission
The Northland Chamber of Commerce would encourage development which enhances the special character of the Town Basin. Of the four options outlined in the 20/20 plus plan the Northland Chamber of Commerce favours any concept which will
Add to the feel and vibrancy of the city
Draw people to / from CBD
Protect the nature and feel of the town basin area.
Line up with the proposed precinct areas
The Grand Canal Concept. The Chamber of Commerce fully supports this concept as one that would add vibrancy and give Whangarei a special character. This support would be contingent on the Whangarei Ratepayer not being financially responsible for
The development or;
The maintenance of such an iconic feature
The Chamber of Commerce would support, however, ratepayers’ funds being used in designating land use and facilitating / brokering private funds to bring this concept to fruition.

Section 5 – Development Proposal:
Our Submission
The Northland Chamber of Commerce recognises that the Aspirations of the Northland Chamber are well catered for within the 20 / 20 development plan. With that in mind the Chamber would generally support development plans which add to our members’ business success, profitability and the enhancing of Northland as a great place to live.

General Submission Principles

The Northland Chamber of Commerce in line with NZ Chambers of Commerce does advocate that Local Government should not be involved in ownership of non essential infrastructure property and would see future development of the CBD as a good reason to release holdings in land after placing covenants to protect and promote the design principles in the 20/20 Plan.
We encourage local communities to fully explore the PPP (Private Public Partnership) model of development for community assets
We would welcome the opportunity to be heard on this application

The Northland Chamber of Commerce is Northland’s Premier Business Advocacy, Networking, Education and Marketing Group. The chamber is part of a nationwide group of 30 Chambers of Commerce and 22000 globally.

Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Northland Chamber of Commerce
3-5 Hunt Street
Whangarei
09-4384771
info@northchamber.co.nz