Client
Services
Year
Location
: Kāinga Ora
: Urban Design + Landscape Design
: 2023-2024
: Nationwide New Zealand
Kāinga Ora Open Space Guidelines
Kāinga Ora's Open Space Guide, provides comprehensive guidance for designing and delivering public spaces in housing developments. The guide establishes key principles focused on creating safe, accessible spaces that promote community wellbeing through nature-based solutions. It covers essential aspects including project partnerships, community engagement, asset ownership, and maintenance requirements.
Design specifications are provided for different typologies:
Open spaces (neighbourhood parks, reserves, pocket parks)
Street hierarchies (small, medium and large streets)
Infrastructure elements (pathways, bridges, landscaping)
The guide emphasises sustainability through resilient design, ngahere (forest/bush ecosystems) preservation, and integration of cultural expression. It promotes standardised, maintainable solutions while allowing for place-specific customisation through community input.
Technical specifications for materials, furniture, play equipment and wayfinding are included, with a focus on using proven, replaceable elements to ensure long-term viability. The document serves as a practical toolkit for delivering high-quality public spaces that support thriving communities.
