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| Artist impression – some features of the concept may change. |
A construction date for the ground works on Wellington City Council’s first new central city park since 2006 has been confirmed.
Wellington, New Zealand - Work on the much-needed green space in the heart of Te Aro will begin in early August, with completion expected in March 2027.
The park, located on the corner of Taranaki Street and Frederick Street, will provide a welcoming space for people to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors in one of the city’s most densely populated neighbourhoods. It will also celebrate the rich cultural history of the area, including its significance to both Māori and Chinese communities.
The project is part of Wellington City Council’s Green Network Plan, which aims to increase the number of trees, planting and green spaces across the inner city.
Finding suitable land for new parks in downtown Pōneke is challenging, making this site particularly significant given its historic, central location. The area was once cultivation lands for Te Aro Pā, and later the heart of Wellington’s Chinese Quarter during the 1870s. Today, the heritage-listed and newly strengthened Chinese Mission Hall remains nearby, alongside community housing complex Te Kī a Alasdair.
The project embraces mana whenua values, Māori and Cantonese cultural narratives, and has included collaboration between mana whenua and a local Chinese New Zealand artist, to reflect the site’s historical significance.
Once completed, the park will feature lawn and landscaping, a mix of native and exotic trees, play spaces and seating, rain gardens to support stormwater management and bike racks as well as two accessible public toilets.
While currently referred to as Central City Park, and Chinese Mission Hall Park | Tong Yan Gaai 唐人街 by members of the Cantonese community, the interim name will be replaced with its official name when the park opens for all to enjoy.
Mayor Andrew Little says central city parks in Wellington improve the look and amenity of the city through open space and celebrating our communities and shared histories.
“This is a diverse city where everyone should be able to be exactly who they are. The provision of open spaces like this strikes an appropriate balance between making every effort to get costs under control and keep rates rises as low as possible, while still investing in the community facilities Wellingtonians want to see,” says Mayor Little.
Access to green space shouldn’t depend on where you live or what you earn says Councillor Nureddin Abdurahman, Chair of the Te Hoe Matua | City Strategy and Delivery Committee.
“We’re providing this new park as part of our Green Network Plan, and it’s the first to be created by Wellington City Council since 2006, when Waitangi Park opened.
“This park will make the area more liveable and more connected – now and for generations to come.
“Not everyone has a backyard or the ability to easily get out of the city, so it’s important we create high-quality public spaces that everyone can enjoy, relax in, connect, and feel a sense of belonging, right on their doorstep.
“Parks like this help level the playing field – they’re free, welcoming, and open to everyone. That’s what makes them so important to an inclusive city.”
Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Ray Chung has a lot of memories of the area growing up.
"My childhood was spent walking Frederick Street with my parents as they helped members of the Chinese community — delivering food, translating, chopping firewood. This place is part of who I am. As part of building this new park and refreshing the interpretation panels on Haining St, we are making sure it genuinely reflects and tells the story of the Chinese history of Te Aro. Our cultural presence here deserves to be seen, understood, and honoured.”
Background
Planning for the park began in 2023, with community engagement helping shape its design. Feedback highlighted the importance of accessible green space, places for people to connect, and recognition of the area’s cultural heritage. The project has a budget of $4.236 million, funded through the Council’s 2024 Long-term Plan.
The park, located on the corner of Taranaki Street and Frederick Street, will provide a welcoming space for people to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors in one of the city’s most densely populated neighbourhoods. It will also celebrate the rich cultural history of the area, including its significance to both Māori and Chinese communities.
The project is part of Wellington City Council’s Green Network Plan, which aims to increase the number of trees, planting and green spaces across the inner city.
Finding suitable land for new parks in downtown Pōneke is challenging, making this site particularly significant given its historic, central location. The area was once cultivation lands for Te Aro Pā, and later the heart of Wellington’s Chinese Quarter during the 1870s. Today, the heritage-listed and newly strengthened Chinese Mission Hall remains nearby, alongside community housing complex Te Kī a Alasdair.
The project embraces mana whenua values, Māori and Cantonese cultural narratives, and has included collaboration between mana whenua and a local Chinese New Zealand artist, to reflect the site’s historical significance.
Once completed, the park will feature lawn and landscaping, a mix of native and exotic trees, play spaces and seating, rain gardens to support stormwater management and bike racks as well as two accessible public toilets.
While currently referred to as Central City Park, and Chinese Mission Hall Park | Tong Yan Gaai 唐人街 by members of the Cantonese community, the interim name will be replaced with its official name when the park opens for all to enjoy.
Mayor Andrew Little says central city parks in Wellington improve the look and amenity of the city through open space and celebrating our communities and shared histories.
“This is a diverse city where everyone should be able to be exactly who they are. The provision of open spaces like this strikes an appropriate balance between making every effort to get costs under control and keep rates rises as low as possible, while still investing in the community facilities Wellingtonians want to see,” says Mayor Little.
Access to green space shouldn’t depend on where you live or what you earn says Councillor Nureddin Abdurahman, Chair of the Te Hoe Matua | City Strategy and Delivery Committee.
“We’re providing this new park as part of our Green Network Plan, and it’s the first to be created by Wellington City Council since 2006, when Waitangi Park opened.
“This park will make the area more liveable and more connected – now and for generations to come.
“Not everyone has a backyard or the ability to easily get out of the city, so it’s important we create high-quality public spaces that everyone can enjoy, relax in, connect, and feel a sense of belonging, right on their doorstep.
“Parks like this help level the playing field – they’re free, welcoming, and open to everyone. That’s what makes them so important to an inclusive city.”
Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward Councillor Ray Chung has a lot of memories of the area growing up.
"My childhood was spent walking Frederick Street with my parents as they helped members of the Chinese community — delivering food, translating, chopping firewood. This place is part of who I am. As part of building this new park and refreshing the interpretation panels on Haining St, we are making sure it genuinely reflects and tells the story of the Chinese history of Te Aro. Our cultural presence here deserves to be seen, understood, and honoured.”
Background
Planning for the park began in 2023, with community engagement helping shape its design. Feedback highlighted the importance of accessible green space, places for people to connect, and recognition of the area’s cultural heritage. The project has a budget of $4.236 million, funded through the Council’s 2024 Long-term Plan.
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