Dunedin’s Heart to Feature Inclusive Design with Rainbow Crossings
Dunedin City Council is considering a proposal to add two new rainbow crossings in the heart of the city as part of the Bath Street upgrade project. The $1.5 million initiative, which is expected to enhance the city’s infrastructure, aims to reflect the diverse community of Dunedin through a unique design that incorporates both local cultural values and inclusivity for the rainbow community. The proposal will be reviewed at next week’s Council meeting, with decisions yet to be made.
A Vision of Inclusivity and Cultural Significance
The proposed rainbow crossings, located in the Central Business District (CBD), will be situated at two key locations: one on George Street between the Civic Centre and Bath Street, and another smaller crossing near the lower Stuart Street intersection. These crossings are designed to symbolize unity and inclusivity, blending elements of mana whenua values with the vibrant diversity of the rainbow community.
Councillor Jim O’Malley, who chairs the Infrastructure Services Committee, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its collaborative nature. The design process has involved close consultation with mana whenua through Aukaha, as well as input from local members of the rainbow community. “What’s been really exciting about this project so far is that the plans have been developed in partnership with mana whenua and representatives from our city’s rainbow community,” Councillor O’Malley said. “I’m looking forward to next week’s discussions and to seeing our plans for Bath Street progress.”
A Design Rooted in Culture and Community
The design of the rainbow crossings and the broader Bath Street upgrade incorporates several cultural elements that honor Dunedin’s local Māori heritage. According to Rachel Wesley, a rūnaka-mandated mana whenua panellist from Aukaha, the project embodies several key Māori values. These include mahika kai (the knowledge and practice of gathering food and resources), haumarutaka (a safe and sheltered space for all people), auahataka (a space that embraces creativity and community), and maumaharataka (acknowledging past histories of mana whenua).
The rainbow crossings’ design features the colors of the progressive pride flag, woven together in the shape of a hīnaki (eel trap), symbolizing how the diverse strands of the rainbow community come together in strength. Local artist Madison Kelly, alongside designer Daniel Blackball Alexander, was commissioned to create these unique designs, ensuring that the cultural and community elements are faithfully represented.
Budget and Further Plans for Bath Street Upgrade
If the proposal is approved by the Council, the rainbow crossings will be incorporated into the Bath Street upgrade project, with design details to fit within the allocated $1.5 million budget. While much of the funding will go towards essential infrastructure such as earthworks, stormwater management, and road improvements, the addition of the rainbow crossings and other design features will enhance the area’s aesthetic and functionality.
The upgrade plans also include the installation of cultural markers at each entrance to Bath Street, as well as pedestrian-friendly zones with designs inspired by local cultural motifs such as pātiki (flounder) and ara moana (ocean pathways). Additional improvements will focus on better lighting for pedestrian safety, new outdoor seating, and native plantings in a newly designed pocket park.
This Bath Street upgrade promises to not only enhance Dunedin’s urban environment but also serve as a lasting symbol of the city’s commitment to inclusivity, culture, and community. The Council’s final decision is expected next week, with the community eagerly awaiting the potential transformation.
