Best practice to support local pridePrint

Tap into existing id​​entity

  • If a development will affect the wider neighbourhood, such as a community space, involve locals in the design process early-on.
  • Integrate design features that reflect the local identity and culture. Refer to Te Aranga (Maori Design) Principles where appropriate, as they have been done in Tōia, Te Oro, and Toi O Tāmaki
  • Use local materials, where possible, or choose ones that will match the local character and context.


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Support social interac​​tion

  • Encourage people to spend more time in a space by providing amenities. Seating, adequate lighting and landscaping should be provided in communal areas or at the building edge where buildings intersect with the street.
  • Subdivisions in a community should be coherent, but also need to each have a point of difference to give residents a sense of identity. This strong connection can help make people take more responsibility for their environment.
  • In addition to creating conditions for socialising, the space should also focus on keeping everyone safe by also applying other principles from this guide.


Create a space the com​​munity is proud to care for

  • When a community is proud of a space, they act more responsibly towards it – something that is reflected in how well it is cared for.
  • The use of good quality materials as well as regular maintenance and upkeep of a space help to set a standard for expected behaviour. A well-kept environment with well-behaving visitors is a great, safe opportunity for community interaction.
  • Damaged items in the space should be quickly fixed, as ignoring initial incidents of vandalism can spiral areas into further decline. This is known as the 'broken window' theory, and suggests that allowing for vandalism or graffiti to remain, shows there is little resistance to this behaviour.
  • Sometimes, murals can reduce the vulnerability of a blank wall against graffiti. However, they can be costly and do not contribute to passive surveillance.


Define p​ublic and private areas

  • It should be clear who owns a space, and distinctions need to be made between public, semi-public, and private areas. If ownership and responsibility for a space are unclear, then crime and vandalism are more likely to take advantage of this confusion.
  • People should easily understand whether they are in a private, semi-private, or public space. This is particularly important in higher density residential zones, where commons areas, accessways, and rear lanes are more common.
  • If a space is strictly for private use, then the design should make sure that the public is not able to access it.
  • In mixed use or apartment developments, residents should be clearly informed about any procedure for reporting safety or maintenance issues. This should be supported with signs in communal areas.​

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