Vision
More people choosing to walk more often
When our vision is fully realised we will have a walkable Aotearoa / New Zealand where:
Many people walk and enjoy public spaces for many reasons. People on foot include young and old, fast and slow, walking, sitting and standing, commuting, shopping, between appointments, for exercise, for leisure and for pleasure.
Our towns and cities have networks of walking routes, good walking information, comprehensive walking maps, clear signage and way-marking. Parks and footpaths form an integrated system.
Public spaces are sheltered, safe and attractive.
Local Councils and Retailer associations recognise the economic benefits of walking-friendly environments.
Land use planning encourages many destinations such as schools, shops and business to be within walking distance.
Central and suburban shops, public transport stops (including ferry and air terminals), work places, education facilities, community centres and other destinations have good walking access.
All major employers, public organisations and major venues have travel plans with priority for walking both as a mode in itself and as access to public transport.
Health professional recommend walking as a matter of course and are involved in lobbying for walkable environments.
There are many long and short recreational walking routes for visitors and locals, including the DoC Great Walks, Te Araroa, regional parks and suburban loops. A selection of these are fully accessible. Tourism officials and industry representatives recognise the economic benefits of walking and advocatoe for walkable cities and routes.
The sectors involved in walking - including health, urban design, transport and recreation organisations – establish and publish relevant measures and indicators for walking. Professional education and training includes walking as an integral component for these sectors.
New Zealand territorial and regional authorities put a high priority on walking for recreation and transport and commit to improved conditions.
Mission (Living Streets Aotearoa’s purpose)
We will energetically and creatively persuade decision-makers, officials and the public of the importance and desirability of walking and attractive public spaces.
Note: Living Streets Aotearoa New Zealand uses ‘walking’ to mean “The act of self-propelling along a route, whether on foot or on small wheels, or with aids.” (same definition as LTNZ Pedestrian Planning and Design Guide). We strive to include people with mobility and/or sensory impairments.
Living Streets Aotearoa Outcomes & Initiatives
These are Living Streets Aotearoa’s high level longer term deliverables.
| Outcomes | Initiatives |
| 1. More people choosing to walk more often | High level outcome of other initiatives Ensure appropriate measurements are made and publicised |
| 2. Higher profile for walking | Lead national Walk2Work event Organise national walking awards Organise biennial walking conference Produce Media releases and articles Involve MPs from a range of parties Develop high profile “ambassadors” |
| 3. An effective network of active Walking advocacy groups around the country working with local bodies and others to ensure good walking environments | Facilitate the formation of new groups Support and revitalise existing groups Develop and run workshops |
| 4. Good communication between walking stakeholders and decision makers at national, regional and local levels | Start or participate in regional walking forums Participate in national fora Maintain and expand contacts databases Encourage communication between health, transport and, recreation sectors nationally and locally about walking. |
| 5. Good information about walking promotion and best practice planning | Publish newsletter Maintain and redevelop website, including resources from WalkIT. Maintain and inspire email discussion group Catalogue national resources e.g. books, maps Identify research gaps and lobby for their fulfilment (NOT fill them) Promote economic benefits of walking |
| 6. National, regional and local decision making bodies/organisations understand the importance of walking and plan for it | Make, co-ordinate and encourage submissions, nationally, regionally and locally. |
7. Living Streets is a strong and credible organisation recognised as a source of information, advice and expertise by media, the health and transport sectors | Implement the Communications strategy Develop a Volunteer strategy Continue Governance training for Exec. Council Increase membership Document policies and delegations Plan succession for Exec Council Train and educate Exec Council and staff including participation at conferences Diversify funding sources |
The three year business plan and annual plan prioritise outcomes and include budgets, project planning, performance measures/targets, outputs, dates and details.
Living Streets Aotearoa’s Strategic Partners
We recognise the wide range of organisations that are working to support the needs and aspirations of people on foot, and will help us to achieve our vision.
Co-ordination between government agencies and advocacy groups is vital to ensuring a productive and successful way forward in addressing pedestrian issues.
We have a wide range of potential strategic partners, from the following groupings:
- Policy Agencies
- Delivery Agencies
- Politicians / Decision Makers
- NGOs and Advocacy Groups
- Research / Academic organisations
- Business Groups
- Professional Bodies
- Media
- Funders