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.
Russell Roading Working Group
Staff are currently working with the Russell Roading Working Group, comprising a group of Kororāreka community representatives, to develop the permanent plan for traffic calming measures on Cass St to achieve pedestrianisation of The Strand as described above.
The intention is for the plan to be informed by community feedback (scheduled for early 2026) and co-designed alongside a community working group.
This page will be updated as the project develops.