Extract

Despite its bi-cultural history of New Zealand, it is largely European preferences that have shaped the public spaces. However, with immigration and travel, the country is rapidly becoming multi-cultural. Pasifika people and Asians now comprise larger proportions of the population alongside those who identify as Māori and European. If public spaces are to respond to these changing demographics, there is little empirical evidence to help urban designers and public space managers achieve this. Using field observations and interviews, this paper examines Great South Road (a Polynesian shopping district) in South Auckland. The research identifies characteristics that support people’s stationary and social activities along the street. The findings will be of interest to other researchers, urban practitioners and city officials.

Keywords: Street design, Polynesian people, Great South Road, cultural contexts.

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