Aucklanders are slamming new, bright-yellow safety signs on a central city street, claiming they have ruined the “vibe” of the area. Photo / Anna Heath
Aucklanders are slamming new, bright-yellow safety signs on a central city street, claiming they have ruined the “vibe” of the area. Photo / Anna Heath
Aucklanders are slamming new bright yellow safety signs on a central city street, claiming they have ruined the “vibe” of the newly revamped area.
Although the signs have given rise to concerns about their aesthetic impact, Auckland Council cited their importance after a pedestrian slipped on one of thetree pits.
As part of Te Hā Noa, a multimillion‑dollar Auckland Council project, native trees were planted along Victoria St, with tree pits installed around both the new plantings and existing trees to protect their roots.
The tree pits along Victoria St East have recently had two safety signs installed on either side of each tree to warn pedestrians that the surface could become slippery when wet.
One person, criticising the signs on a social media thread, said they hoped the signs were only temporary.
“They’re gonna look even worse in a few months once they’re battered and grubby,” they said.
“Genuine question, who do I contact to tell them that these flexi posts really ruin the vibe,” another person wrote.
Auckland Council city centre priority location director, Simon Oddie, told the Herald the council has received a report that a pedestrian recently slipped on one of the tree pits.
Aucklanders are criticising new bright yellow safety signs on a central city street, claiming they have ruined the “vibe” of the area. Photo / Anna Heath
Oddie said after speaking to neighbouring businesses, it was heard anecdotally that some others have slipped too.
“Further investigations have found that the surface of the tree pits in this area can get very slippery in wet weather,” Oddie said.
He said to date, no complaints have been formally received about the signs.
“Signs have been installed as an interim measure to let people know about this potential slipping hazard, while [council] work on a permanent solution.
“We understand some people may not appreciate the signs aesthetically; however, we need to ensure people can walk safely in the area and are aware of any risks,” Oddie said.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s office declined to comment on the signs.
What is the project?
Auckland Council told the Herald the major project, Te Hā Noa, on Victoria St aimed to make the key central city street greener, easier and safer to move through.
The project aimed to create more spacious walking and cycling connections to support the thousands of people who will use the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station, expected to open later this year.
Oddie said Te Hā Noa Stage 1 (Kitchener to Federal Sts) has an allocated budget of $50.5 million.
He said at this stage, the council was on track to deliver the full Stage 1 within budget.
When finished, Victoria St will have one vehicle lane in each direction, wide tree-lined footpaths with places to sit, street furniture, public art and a designated cycle lane.
