The Golden Land

After claiming the international Whole City Award for being the most liveable city (of its size) in the world, New Plymouth is "on top of the world" according to Mayor Peter Tennent, “These awards are further recognition of what we in New Plymouth already know. This is a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”

New Plymouth's stunningly characteristic Coastal Walkway also sauntered itself onto the platform, bringing home the gold in the Sustainable Project Award category.

The city then went on to take an unprecedented third award at the same event, for community sustainability - essentially, how residents are involved in planning for the future.

The annual International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) was hosted by China, in Dongguan, from 6 to 10 November 2008. A team from New Plymouth District Council presented to the audience and other finalists before Mayor Tennent accepted New Plymouth's well-deserved awards.

New Plymouth runs alongside the Tasman Sea. In 1999, the city began construction of a pedestrian and cycle path that hugs the coastline, making for a magnificent and attractive area for active transportation. The current seven-kilometre Coastal Walkway stretches almost the entire length of the city between Port Taranaki and the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River, connecting recreational areas, residential areas, and the CBD.

: Taking the humans for a walk!

The walkway isn’t simply poured concrete along the coast, but a well thought out design that enhances and emulates the strength and character of New Zealand’s west coast. An arched sea wall provides protection from the waves and allows the pathway to exist without edges, emphasizing the feel of being next to the majestic water.

: Extension map of walkway

New Plymouth District Council intends to extend the Coastal Walkway another four kilometres to Ellesmere Ave in Bell Block. It will include a shared cycle/pedestrian bridge over the Waiwhakaiho river. The bridge's design evokes a breaking wave, symbolic of its placement near the rivermouth.

The extension is due for completion in 2009 and will cost an estimated $3.1 million. New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is funding approximately 65% of the cost and Council will meet the rest.

For more information visit New Plymouth District Council

LivCom Awards

The LivCom Awards (International Awards for Liveable Communities) began in 1997 and are an annual event advocated by the United Nations Environment Program. The focus of the LivCom awards is to recognize and give distinction to individuals, groups and cities that are working towards Best Practice design and implementation with regards to the local environment. A chance to congratulate communities that are striving to attain better practice, it is also a wonderful opportunity to exchange knowledge to others reaching for similar goals of effective resource management and sustainable technical advancement.

Both Public and Private Sectors are welcome to compete for the Environmentally Sustainable Project Award, encouraging everyone to design and develop with an environmental focus.

For more information on the International Awards for Liveable Communities

Communities for Climate Protection® – New Zealand: A New Zealand Government initiative delivered by ICLEI Oceania. This programme is part of ICLEI’s international Cities for Climate Protection® campaign.