Te Manawa FAQs - using the space
Contents
Click here to watch the video for bikes at Te Manawa
Click here to watch the video for vehicles at Te Manawa
What are the road rules at Te Manawa
Te Manawa is a Shared Zone. This means that cars, pedestrians, bike riders and other users are all allowed to use Te Manawa.
What is a Shared Zone?
According to New Zealand Transport Agency 'Shared Zones' are all about bringing road users together by removing typical things you would see on a street such as kerbs or dedicated footpaths, and adding street furniture or landscaping to direct traffic. The road is narrowed to encourage vehicles to travel slowly.
A Shared Zone helps to increase foot traffic without disrupting the traffic flow.
Shared Zones are now used in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Napier.
Are Shared Zone's safe?
Making the space less like a typical street makes it safer for users. This is because, without normal streetscape to rely on and with a narrow roadway, pedestrians, drivers and other users become more aware of what is going on around them and take greater care.
Users are encouraged to be respectful and courteous and to Share with Care when using Te Manawa.
How do I use a Shared Zone?
Te Manawa is a Shared Zone and users must be respectful and courteous of others in the space. The concept of giving way to pedestrians is not actually new for this space - City Focus had four courtesy crossings where drivers often gave way to pedestrians. Now it will be compulsory.
Some guidelines are outlined below:
If you are driving a car
Motorists must give way to pedestrians in a Shared Zone. It is important that motorists reduce their speed to walking pace (approximately 10kmph) when driving in a Shared Zone to allow pedestrians to move freely across the space.
If you are a pedestrian (including those on skateboards, scooters or mobility devices)
Pedestrians have right of way within Te Manawa but must not directly hinder traffic. Traffic will travel along Hinemoa and Tutanekai Streets so pedestrians must still watch out for cars.
If you are riding a bike
Bike riders must give way to pedestrians at Te Manawa. The Green Corridor is continued through the space and riders are directed by signs at either side. Bikes are permitted to use any of the space but the preferred route is the Green Corridor.
What happens when a bike and a car meet at the same time?
Under the Land Transport Act bikes, skateboards, foot scooters, in-line skates and roller skates (wheeled recreational devices) are all considered a vehicle'. In Shared Zones vehicles must give way to pedestrians but in turn pedestrians must not unduly impede the passage of any vehicle. If two vehicles meet within the Shared Zone area standard road rules apply e.g. give way to your right.
In Shared Zones respectful and courteous behaviour is encouraged and the slower pace environment makes it easier for users to navigate around each other.
Are skateboards/scooters/skates allowed at Te Manawa?
Under the Land Transport Act bikes, skateboards, foot scooters, in-line skates and roller skates (wheeled recreational devices) are all considered a vehicle. Vehicles are permitted at Te Manawa but must give way to pedestrians.
People should be respectful, courteous and use reasonable consideration towards other users of the Shared Zone area but to maintain safety and enjoyment, foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are best ridden in recreational areas designated for their use.
Click image to enlarge
Can cars drive both ways through Te Manawa?
Yes. The roadway has been purposefully narrowed to encourage motorists to reduce their speed. Both Hinemoa Street and Tutanekai Street are two-way. There will be GIVE WAY signs on the Hinemoa Street side of the intersection.
What are the benefits of a Shared Zone?
Case studies from other places in New Zealand that have Shared Zones have shown an increase in pedestrian traffic in those areas.
The main benefits of a Shared Zone include:
- more space for pedestrians to gather, relax and enjoy
- more space for events and activities
- encourages traffic to drive at a safer speed
- creates an attractive destination for people to visit and business to develop
How are Shared Zones policed?
The rules for using Te Manawa will be enforced the same way as other streets are policed, using Council's Bylaws and the New Zealand road code. Illegal parking, dangerous driving and speeding may result in ticketing.
- Drivers and bike riders must give way to pedestrians
- Pedestrians must not directly hinder traffic
What about heavy trucks - are they allowed in Te Manawa?
There are already rules in Rotorua's inner city that do not permit vehicles with an axle weight of more than 600kg. This starts at the edges of the inner city (Fenton/Ranolf streets).
I have a shop near Te Manawa - what does my courier driver do?
Vehicles over 6000kgs are not permitted on inner city block between Fenton Street and Ranolf Street, and Eruera and Pukuatua Streets. This rule was already in place before changes to the inner city started.
Couriers and delivery companies should assess the delivery route and make the according changes. This may mean using a van instead of a truck.
If you have concerns, contact your delivery company directly to find out more.
Will there be lighting at night?
Yes - nine new streetlights were installed in Te Manawa as well as the decorative lighting on the pillars.
How can I busk or hold an event/activity at Te Manawa?
If you would like to busk, fundraise or hold an event or activity at Te Manawa please call Council on 07 348 4199 or email to info@rotorualc.nz. Permits for activity are approved by Council's Inner City Operations team.