In this episode, we speak to Patrick Reynolds, Deputy Chair of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Panel, Director of Greater Auckland, and former board member of Waka Kotahi NZTA. Patrick is popularly known for his architectural photography and celebrated for his active role in urban issues especially transport in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Patrick talks about the origin of the Auckland city centre and the role of transport in shaping our economic and cultural centre from the mid twentieth century until now. He explains that there is a critical difference between a central business district and a true city centre.
His advice to mayors and ministers is that we have begun doing many of the right things, but we need to do more to make Auckland’s economic and cultural centre internationally competitive.
(0:00) Introducing Patrick Reynolds
(1:48) Accelerating the booming city centre?
(3:59) Making the city centre more attractive
(7:53) Making a city centre for all Aucklanders
(9:23) Mass transit alternatives
(12:58) Balancing place and movement
(15:29) Aesthetics of the city centre
(16:35) The impact of intentional planning
(20:56) Impatient optimism
(23:07) Wrapping up
