11 April 2024
File Ref: IRC-6515
Robert Whittaker
[FYI request #26026 email]
Tēnā koe Mr Whittaker
Thank you for your email of 7 March 2024 to Wel ington City Council (the Council) requesting the
following information:
•
I have heard a rumour that the term "Golden Mile" was first ascribed to Courtney Place and
Manners Street due to the persistent smell of urine on those two streets, and it was only later
that the term was reclaimed by the business community and the City Council as a positive
framing of the area.
Is the Council able to confirm this rumour or supply any documentation that demonstrates an
alternative origin for the term?
Your request has been considered under the Local Government Of icial Information and Meetings Act
1987 (LGOIMA).
The name “Golden Mile” is derived from being the financial and economic centre of Wel ington, as it
connects four interconnected streets, each with its distinct character; these streets are Lambton Quay,
Wil is Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. The Golden Mile project is part of the Let’s Get
Wellington Moving (LGWM) three-year programme.
The Golden Mile plays a vital role in the success of Wel ington’s transport system, regional economy
and sense of place. Transecting central Wel ington, it provides the core spine for the city’s bus
network and enables thousands of people to access employment, do business, shop, dine and
access to other central city destinations each day. In 2021 when initial research was done when
developing the proposal for LGWM, it was found that around 70,000 people travel on Lambton Quay
and Wil is Street each day. On each street up to 50 percent of people are moving on foot and a similar
amount travel ing on buses. Fewer than 10 percent of people move through Lambton Quay in cars.
While fewer people move through Manners Street and Courtenay Place each day (about 40,000),
these roads are also heavily used by people on buses (about 50 to 70 percent) and people walking
(about 30 percent).
The Golden Mile is steeped in built and cultural heritage. It is both a primary destination for people
accessing work, shopping or entertainment in Wellington, as well as a principal access corridor for
people moving through the city to destinations beyond the Wellington Central Business District.
I can confirm that there is no connection between the name and the alleged persistent scent of urine.
While there is no specific document discussing the naming of the area, there is significant information
online about the Golden Mile and the LGWM project, which can be fou
nd here. For this reason, I must
refuse your request for any documentation pursuant to section 17(e) of the LGOIMA as the document
alleged to contain the information requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts to locate it,
cannot be found.
You have the right, by way of complaint under section 28(1) of the LGOIMA, to request an
investigation and review of the Council’s decision to refuse information by the Ombudsman.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
If you require further information, please contact
[email address].
Nāku noa, nā
Danika Morris-Brown
Senior Advisor Official Information
Complaints & Information Assurance
Wellington City Council
