Everyone wanted it to be better. The trouble is, they couldn't agree how.

Until everyone was given the opportunity to design an experiment. Together. And transformed this street from congested mess to pedestrian paradise in just 3 nights.

What were we asked to do?

Auckland Council needed a way to solve a stalemate. Traditional methods of engagement and project delivery had eroded trust and burned bridges. Putting a larger city-wide transformation in jeopardy.

We proposed a pilot. A process and project pilot. We examined each part of the lengthy street renewals process, and set about on a professional rule-breaking journey with the people who lived, worked and played on High Street.

What did we achieve?

We empowered local stakeholders to design their future place together. Through a series of collaborative design workshops, supported by subject matter experts, local people delivered a workable design, supported by 97% of locals.

“We’ve never been trusted to be in the same room, together.”

We helped everyone to unlearn and relearn ways of working together. And to build a bit more trust in their local government body.

And we still hold the record for the fastest street transformation, with the least disruption.

What did we learn?

1000 cups of tea. Invest in developing authentic and trusted relationships with the community you’re working with.