People: The changing face of Auckland

Photo / Supplied

A strong community partnership project is behind the newest, greenest, addition to Auckland's High Street.

The iconic Melville Ellis building has been adorned with the CBD's first external vertical garden, sprouting from the balustrades of the building's outside wall to create a living artwork and add a green aesthetic to the urban landscape.

Spearheaded by the Committee for Auckland, an independent group of senior Auckland leaders, who identify issues, generate ideas, and move them into action, the group nominated a project team of seven young people to take on the task.

Forming 90 Degree Vert, the team had to tackle funding, location and resource hurdles to see the project through.

Project member Carl Jones from the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund was impressed by the support from Aucklanders.

"The whole process has shown how many Aucklanders are passionate about their city and how Aucklanders actively want to be involved in making it even better."

Committee for Auckland Executive Director, Heather Shotter was also impressed with the public engagement and the connections with Auckland Council and community groups that are represented in the 90 Degree Vert project.

"This is the first intake of the Future Leaders Programme to graduate under the new City of Auckland structure and this green wall reflects the changing face of our city. These graduates have considered the Committee's vision for Auckland and incorporated the aspirations of the Auckland plan to deliver a tangible outcome."

The team also partnered with the likes of Enviroschools who have designed a program for six local schools based on the benefits and practicalities of green walls and they were aided by Macaferri and NgatiWhatua o Orakei Marae who provided the native plants.

The Green Wall was officially launched with the unveiling of a plaque on Thursday 31st May.

Project Partners:

Maccaferri www.maccaferri.co.nz
Greenroofs www.greenroofs.co.nz
Beca www.beca.com Enviroschools www.enviroschools.org.nz
NgatiWhatua www.ngatiwhatuaorakei.com
Auckland Council - Environmental Education Team