1. Strengthening Communities Together Strategy (2022)
2. Christchurch City Council Equity and Inclusion Policy (2024)
– CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Blog Post
– Draft Equity and Inclusion Policy | Written Submission
– ‘Designing for Differences’ Framework/Audit Tool
3. CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Definitions
4. CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Principles
5. CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Policy Detail
6. Christchurch City Council | Decisions
– CCC Community Facilities | Built Post Earthquakes
– Christchurch District Plan Changes (2025)
7. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board | Decisions
– Advocating for Funding in the CCC Annual & Long Term Plans
– Advocating for Funding for the ‘Shirley Community Centre’
– ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Options
– Advocating to relocate the Shirley Library to Shirley Road
– Moving the Shirley Library to the Shirley Community Reserve
(Matatiki Hornby Centre & Ōmōkihi South Library)
8. Christchurch City Libraries
– Christchurch City Libraries | Visitor & Issues Stats
– Christchurch City Libraries | Locations Per Community Board
– Christchurch City Libraries | Built Post Earthquakes (List)
– Christchurch City Libraries | Built Post Earthquakes (Per Ward)
– Christchurch City Libraries | Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan
– Christchurch City Libraries | East ‘Suburban’ Libraries
– Christchurch City Libraries | Auahatanga – Creative Spaces
9. Education Providers
10. Support Providers
11. Existing Community Facilities
12. Local Green Spaces
13. Bookable Spaces & Local Activities Available
14. ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audits
– ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | Shirley Library (2021)
– ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | 10 Shirley Road (2021)
15. ‘Shirley Community Facility’ | Equity and Inclusion
– Shirley Community Facility Plan v1 | Written Submission
– Shirley Community Facility Plan v2 | Written Submission
1. Strengthening Communities Together Strategy (2022)
Strong communities give people a sense of belonging and encourage them to take part in social, cultural, economic and political life.
Te Haumako Te Whitingia Strengthening Communities Together Strategy 2022 details the Council’s commitment to building inclusive, safe, resilient and connected communities.
The Strategy contains four pou/pillars:
– PEOPLE: The city actively promotes a culture of equity by valuing diversity and fostering inclusion across communities and generations.
– PLACE: We help build connections between communities and their places and spaces to foster a sense of local identity, shared experience and stewardship.
– PARTICIPATION: Residents and groups in the wider community are socially and actively engaged and able to initiate and influence decisions that affect their lives.
– PREPAREDNESS: People feel safe in their communities and neighbourhoods and work together to understand, adapt and thrive in the context of change and disruption.
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/strategies/strengthening-communities-together-strategy
Full Document:
https://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Strategies/Te-Haumako-Te-Whitingia-Strengthening-Communities-Together-Strategy-document-WEB.pdf
2. Christchurch City Council Equity and Inclusion Policy (2024)
The Equity and Inclusion Policy describes our approach to enabling people from all communities and all areas of the city to have equitable access to our services.
It recognises the Council’s responsibility to ensure that decision-making reflects its commitment to fostering equity and inclusion for all residents…
and recognises that some of our residents may face disproportionate disadvantages in accessing Council services. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that equity and inclusion are embedded into everything we do.
The policy is intended to:
– Inform Council decision-making and investment, including grant funding and procurement.
– Apply an equity, access and inclusion lens over all Council services.
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/policies/strengthening-communities-policies/equity-and-inclusion-policy
– CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Blog Post:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-equity-and-inclusion-policy/
– CCC Draft Equity and Inclusion Policy | Written Submission:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CCCHaveYourSayDraftEquityandInclusion2023JoannaGould.pdf
– ‘Designing for Differences’ Framework/Audit Tool
I am currently researching/developing a ‘Designing for Differences’ Framework/Audit Tool, that could be used in the initial planning/development stages of every new Civic building/facility (libraries, community hubs, playgrounds, swimming pools) & as an audit/assessment tool when redeveloping existing Civic building/facility.
Similar to the ‘Youth Audit Tool’, but with more detailed specifications/observations/accommodations for differences:
– Architectural Design, Environmental Design, Landscape Design, Biophilic Design, Cultural Design, Universal Design
– Interior Design, Colour Scheme, Lighting, Heating, Ventilation, Acoustics, Furniture, Fixtures, Furnishings
– Spatial Design, Layout, Zones (Entrance/Exit, Transition, Landing, Activity & Observation), Wayfinding & Signage.
3. CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Definitions
– EQUITY: Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.
Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
People should have equity, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, culture, faiths, geographical location, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or socio-economic status.
– INCLUSION: The practice or policy of providing equitable access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as those who have physical, hidden, or mental disabilities and members of other minority and disadvantaged groups.
– ACCESSIBILITY: People have equitable access to the physical environment, information, communication, participation and Council services.
4. CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Principles
The Council will have regard to the following seven pillars of inclusion:
– ACCESS: creating barrier-free access to information and places.
– ATTITUDE: celebrating diversity in our city.
– CHOICE: providing inclusive spaces for informed community decision-making and participation.
– COMMUNICATION: examining and improving the way we share information and let people know about opportunities to get involved.
– OPPORTUNITY: enabling active, engaged, and connected communities.
– PARTNERSHIP: working together with mana whenua, stakeholders, NGOs and the community.
– POLICY: detailing our commitment to, and responsibility for, inclusive practices.
5. CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy | Policy Detail
The Council commits to promoting equity and fostering an environment in which equity and inclusion are valued.
This policy should guide decision-making and action across the organisation.
This means:
1. Understanding and addressing structural exclusion and its impact on delivery of services.
– We will take a collaborative approach to address disproportionate disadvantage in our city, where we can.
– We will treat everyone with dignity and respect their rights and beliefs.
2. Being aware of inequalities and barriers to participation and what this means in decision-making.
– We will build capability across the organisation so that everyone at the Council is aware of inequalities and what this means in their role.
– We will work to foster an environment for residents to provide feedback in a safe and inclusive way.
– We will work to measure the wellbeing of our residents in our monitoring and reporting to ensure Council responses reflect the needs and views of the whole community.
3. Consistently applying equity and diversity principles in everything we do.
– We will integrate equity and inclusion principles across the whole of Council.
– We will actively pursue positive outcomes across our services and programmes.
4. Anticipating, identifying and responding to people’s different needs and circumstances.
– We will utilise inclusive design principles to remove barriers to access to physical spaces, information, and participation.
– We will ensure easy access to Council services and provide information in formats that suit the needs and preferences of our residents.
5. Championing equity and inclusion within the Council to ensure that equitable considerations are integrated in the decision-making and governance of Council.
– We will use an equity, access and inclusion lens to inform decision-making to avoid discrimination promote inclusion and increase fairness in the city, wherever possible.
– As an organisation with resource, influence, and authority, using this lens means that our decisions do not create or perpetuate further inequities.
6. Christchurch City Council | Decisions
– CCC Community Facilities | Built Post Earthquakes:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1523989/
Community Facilities Built Post Earthquakes | 2012 – 2026 (List)
– Christchurch District Plan Changes (2025):
New ‘High Density Residential Zone’ around The Palms Mall & more ‘Medium Density Residential Zone’ areas in the communities around Shirley Road.
Increase in housing intensification & social housing:
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Christchurch Developments
https://engage.kaingaora.govt.nz/canterbury-Christchurch
LINZ Central Record of State Land, (Dark Purple = Social Housing)
https://linz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8501fe601f7648718d0e3a2f3f1ed216
7. Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board | Decisions
– Advocating for Funding in the CCC Annual & Long Term Plans:
Other Community Boards in Christchurch have been able to secure additional funding for their Community Facilities, as shown in the table below.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1523989/
Why did the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board not advocate for the communities around Shirley Road, in the Innes/Central Wards?
Community Facilities Built Post Earthquakes | 2012 – 2026 (Per Ward)
– Advocating for Funding for the ‘Shirley Community Centre’:
CCC Facilities Rebuild Work Left to Complete v Contingency
Page 14
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2017/09/COU_20170906_AGN_4993_AT.PDF
“Contingency Calculations as at August 2017
– Shirley Community Centre, Phase: Concept, Current Budget: $2,621,400
– May be Required from Contingency Fund: $2,378,600
– Probable Year Needed: FY21/FY22
– Comments: Current budget is $2,621,400 which is available in FY21 & FY22.
– Contingency needs to be made for community expectations.
– The current budget would only build back a facility of 447m2.
– The size of the demolished building was 1,500m2.
– If we were to build back to the same meterage we would need $8,250,000.
– Have therefore put in a contingency to allow for a total facility cost of $5M.”
Why didn’t the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board advocate for more funding for the rebuild, to ‘replace’ the ‘Shirley Community Centre’?
– ‘Shirley Community Facility’ Options:
“The options presented in the report by staff and considered by the Waipapa Community Board were based on many discussions with the community board, various feasibility studies over many years, and existing Council strategies.
In addition,
– the options presented aligned with what was budgeted for in the LTP;
– the Board’s stated desire to see construction of a facility progressed (as evidenced by the Board’s priorities, submission to the LTP and the proposed amendment by Councillor Cotter);
– and took into consideration that fact that no request has been made by the Board or by a Councillor to increase the LTP budgeted fund for a future facility.
Because of this, what you propose was not considered a viable option.
The Board decided to investigate an on-budget community building.”
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/formal-complaint-to-the-christchurch-city-council-21st-may-2025/
– Advocating to relocate the Shirley Library to Shirley Road:
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
Meeting Agenda, 13th June 2024
Pages 34 – 35
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2024/06/PCBCC_20240613_AGN_9127_AT.PDF
“Options Considered:
– Investigate the relocation of Shirley Library
4.25 The following options were considered but ruled out:
The LTP budget for Shirley Community Centre would be insufficient to include the relocation of Shirley Library and a significant level of additional capital funding would be required.
This option would not be achievable with the existing LTP budget.”
Why didn’t the Board advocate for all their residents in the Innes/Central areas during the Christchurch City Council LTP 2024-34 decision-making process, for Council to approve an appropriate new budget to build a new ‘Shirley Centre’/relocate Shirley Library & Service Centre, from the Burwood Ward to the Central Ward at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond?
– Moving the Shirley Library to the Shirley Community Reserve:
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
Discussions, 11th Sept 2025
Item 9. SCR Proposed Community Facility
Page 11
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WaipapaPICcbUpdateApril2025JoannaGould.pdf
‘Can’t justify the expense in moving the Shirley Library to the Shirley Community Reserve.’
Matatiki Hornby Centre:
– Built: 2024, Size: 3,900m2, Cost: $46M, Hornby Ward
“The newly built Matatiki Hornby Centre, opened in Kyle Park on the 19th April 2024. Work started in November 2021 to build a new indoor pool, library and service centre [4000m²] complex at Kyle Park, on Waterloo Rd.”
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350105833/council-still-refuses-release-actual-cost-build-new-hornby-pool-and-library
– The new purpose-built Matatiki Hornby Centre is located 1km from the old Hornby Library at 8 Goulding Avenue.
– ‘Old’ to ‘New’ Location (1km) Google Maps Distance:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EetbMHFVhVYbK1819
– The current Shirley Library is located 1km from the Shirley Community Reserve.
– ‘Old’ to ‘New’ Location (1km) Google Maps Distance:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LTGd1FZQJYpUu82t8
Ōmōkihi South Library:
– Built: 2026, Size: 2,435m2, Cost: $32M, Cashmere Ward
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-report/ (08 June 2022)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/south-library-submission/ (27 July 2022)
Why is the Christchurch City Council able to invest in the residents of Hornby & Beckenham, but not the residents living in the communities around Shirley Road?
8. Christchurch City Libraries
Christchurch City Libraries | Visitor & Issues Stats:
From 2020 to 2026, visitor numbers ranked Shirley Library for a ‘Suburban’ Library:
20/21 = 3rd, 21/22 = 2nd, 22/23 = 1st, 23/24 = 2nd, 24/25 = 3rd, 25/26 = 1st.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1574763/
Christchurch City Libraries | Locations Per Community Board:
Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board
(5 suburban libraries)
– Coastal Ward: Parklands Library & New Brighton Library
– Burwood Ward: Shirley Library, The Palms Mall & Aranui Library
– Linwood Ward: Linwood Library, Eastgate Mall
Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board
(2 suburban libraries)
– Fendalton Ward: Fendalton Library
– Waimairi Ward:
– Harewood Ward: Ōrauwhata Bishopdale Library and Community Centre
Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board
(3 suburban libraries)
– Halswell Ward: Te Hāpua Halswell Centre
– Hornby Ward: Matatiki Hornby Centre
– Riccarton Ward: Upper Riccarton Library
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
(2 suburban libraries & Tūranga)
– Papanui Ward: Papanui Library & Redwood Library
– Innes Ward*:
– Central Ward*:
* No suburban library in either Innes or Central Ward.
10 Shirley Road/Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve is on the boundary of both Wards.
Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board
(3 suburban libraries)
– Spreydon Ward: Spreydon Library
– Cashmere Ward: South Library
– Heathcote Ward: Matuku Takotako Sumner Centre
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurch-city-libraries-by-community-board/
Christchurch City Libraries | Built Post Earthquakes (List)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1523989/
Libraries Built Post Earthquakes | 2012 – 2026 (List)
Christchurch City Libraries | Built Post Earthquakes (Per Ward)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/lgoima-request-ticket-1523989/
Libraries Built Post Earthquakes | 2012 – 2026 (Per Ward)
Christchurch City Libraries | Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/2025/Libraries2025FacilitiesPlan.pdf
Location Preferences (Page 10)
– Near local shops/supermarket/mall/bank/medical centre/schools/playground/toy library; malls and aquatic facilities not seen as highly desirable areas for co-location or as adjacent locations; co-location with a Council service centre favoured.
– On bus route/near transport hubs; handy walking distance from home; easily accessed, free, plentiful car parking adjacent to library.
– Attractive street visibility.
Christchurch City Libraries | East ‘Suburban’ Libraries:
‘Spot the Difference’: Shirley Library & Aranui Library (Top),
Parklands Library & New Brighton Library (Bottom).
Shirley Library is located in a ‘Commercial Zone’ car park with no outdoor space.
These other East Libraries are ‘destination spaces’ in their communities, with outdoor spaces surrounding their buildings.
‘Spot the Difference’: Shirley Library & Aranui Library (Top),
Parklands Library & New Brighton Library (Bottom).
Christchurch City Libraries | Auahatanga – Creative Spaces:
Where everyone can learn, make and design. Our creative and learning spaces welcome everyone.
The purpose of our service is to support prototyping and printing small quantities, as we are a non-commercial organisation.
Locations: Tūranga, Te Hāpua Halswell Centre & Matatiki Hornby Centre.
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/creative-spaces/
9. Education Providers
Currently we have 14 Education Providers located within a 2km radius of 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve:
– 1 High School
– 1 Intermediate School
– 6 Primary Schools
– 2 Special Needs Schools
– 2 Kindergartens &
– 2 Playcentres.
Post Earthquakes School Closures:
7 Schools (3 High Schools, 4 Primary Schools)
Relocated: Shirley Boys’ High School, Avonside Girls’ High School, Marian College & Banks Avenue School.
Closed: Hammersley Park School, Richmond School & St Paul’s School.
Post Earthquakes Adult & Community Education (ACE) Closures:
Shirley Community Centre, Shirley Boys’ High & Floyds Creative Arts Centre.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-community-overview-map/
10. Support Providers
Shirley Community Reserve is centrally located for the following 10 Support Providers, located within a 3km radius of 10 Shirley Road, bringing locals & those travelling from around Christchurch into our communities:
– Child Development: Shirley Toy Library & North Parade Plunket (Shirley)
– Specialist Teaching: Seabrook McKenzie Centre, Ferndale Te Ahu School & The Champion Centre
– Neurodiverse: Autism NZ (Canterbury & West Coast)
– Intellectual Disabilities: Helen Anderson Trust & Delta Community Support Trust (Friendship Link)
– Pain Management: Burwood Hospital Pain Management Centre
– Brain Injury: Laura Fergusson Trust
– Older Persons: Delta Community Support Trust (Evergreen Club)
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-community-overview-map/
11. Existing Community Facilities
Shirley Community Reserve is centrally located to connect with our existing Community Centres:
– North of the Reserve: MacFarlane Park Centre (MPC) & MacFarlane Park Neighbourhood Centre (MPNC)
– South of the Reserve: North Avon Community Centre & Avebury House
– West of the Reserve: St Albans Community Centre
This location is also central to our local Community Gardens, Parks & Playgrounds, plus our wide range of local Recreational Facilities.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-community-overview-map/
12. Local Green Spaces
Residents have plenty of opportunities to connect with & utilise the existing local green spaces, through Christchurch City Council parks/walking trails/fruit trees, school grounds, community gardens, birdsong trails, Dudley Creek/Esplanade Reserve & the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/local-green-spaces/
13. Bookable Spaces & Local Activities Available
1. Bookable Spaces
– Christchurch City Libraries Bookable Spaces
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/bookable-spaces/
…including Libraries’ meeting rooms, AV studios and creative spaces. From seminars to music recording, community gatherings to book clubs, we can host them all…
Bookable Spaces available at these libraries (not available at Shirley Library):
Tūranga, Aranui Library, Fendalton Library, Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, Lyttelton Library, Matatiki Hornby Centre, Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre, Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre, Upper Riccarton Library.
– North of the Reserve: MacFarlane Park Community Centres
Park Centre Availability Calendar (scroll down to the bottom for timetable)
https://shirleycommunitytrust.org.nz/venue-hire/
– South of the Reserve: Avebury House
https://www.aveburyhouse.co.nz/booking.html
– West of the Reserve: St Albans Community Centre
Booking Schedule (scroll down to the bottom for timetable)
https://www.sacc.org.nz/venue-hire
2. Local Activities Available
In September 2024, I researched & created the following ‘Local Activities’ tables, based on the information (at the time) for our existing Community Centres & Shirley Library.
Local Activities | Timetable Coded
This timetable highlights the ‘Activity’ options currently available at our local existing community centres/facilities & Shirley Library:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CommunityCentreTimetableCodedSEPT24.pdf
– Most activities are held between 10am – 2pm.
– Shirley Library is the top ‘Location’ provider for ‘free’ activities.
Local Activities | Activities Coded
This coded timetable highlights the ‘Activity’ options by ‘Age’ currently available at our local existing community centres/facilities & Shirley Library:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CommunityCentreActivitiesCodedSEPT24.pdf
– The main type of ‘Activity’ currently provided is physical exercise related:
Gentle Exercise, Saygo – Rowena, Shake It Out, Universal Martial Arts, Pickleball, Yoga with Alison, Zumba with JB, Tai Chi with Roger, Yoga with Tracy, Football Dropin, Kapa Haka, Pilates with Dee, Dance Fitness, Ungu Capoeira, Capoeira Angola, Yoga with Timea, Saygo – Daph, Yoga with Dakota, Walking Group & Social Square Dancing.
– There are 4 ‘Activities’ available specifically for the ‘Preschool Age’:
Sparkling Stars, Multicultural Mums & Bubs, Wā Kōrero: Storytimes & Wā Pēpi: Babytimes.
– There are 5 ‘Activities’ available specifically for the ‘Junior School Age’:
Dungeon Delvers – Junior, Children’s Gardening Club, Football Dropin, Pippins (Girls) & Code Club.
– There are 3 ‘Activities’ available specifically for the ‘Senior School Age’:
Football Dropin, Dungeon Delvers – Senior & Impact Youth.
14. ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audits
In 2021, Shirley youth were invited to participate in Youth Audits at 3 locations: Shirley Library, MacFarlane Park Basketball Court & 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve.
Many of the issues identified in the Youth Audits for Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road, could be addressed by creating a new central ‘Community Hub’ at the Shirley Community Reserve, that would complement the existing community facilities in MacFarlane Park & surrounding suburbs.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-youth-audits/
ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | Shirley Library (2021)
The Shirley Library performed below average, in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 64.5% and producing a Net Promoter Score of -50.
The areas young people thought could be improved and gave feedback on was the vibrancy and appeal of the space, the youth corner itself, how they felt generally in the space, and the resourcing.
– The youth space was a key area the young people identified as needing change. Specifically, they wanted to see this space moved to a different area of the library.
Young people don’t want to have a space that is at the back corner of the library.
A young person suggested that they would change the layout to be more obvious where the youth space was and would make it larger.
Another auditor really wanted to have a space that was at the heart of the library and was slightly removed at the same time.
– Another common recommendation that young people felt would make the place livelier would be to add more plants and greenery.
Not only would this create a ‘better vibe’ as one auditor said, but the young people felt that it would make the Shirley Library feel even more homely.
– The suggestion of more chairs and comfy places to sit such as more bean bags etc. was also raised again within this discussion around resourcing.
This highlights a strong consensus that the Shirley Library should have more places for both young people and all library users to sit.
– The young people felt that there could be more toilets available for users in the library and also some gender neutral options that weren’t the disabled toilets.
– When asked if the space reflected their culture many of the young people said that it doesn’t feel multicultural and that they would love to see more Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori around the space.
– Young people wanted to feel included in decision making on clubs and activities for them and suggested providing different avenues for them to continue to do this. With this, they also wished to see a greater circulation of young adult books and the Shirley Library to be better resourced with activities and clubs for them.
– A couple of young people highlighted how dark the mall and library car park were and this increased how unsafe they felt leaving the Library.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-shirley-library/
ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces Audit Report | 10 Shirley Road (2021)
10 Shirley Road performed averagely in the Youth Friendly Spaces Audit, scoring a total of 42% and received a poor Net Promoter Score of -37.5.
– The youth auditors really liked how the space is well connected within Shirley.
10 Shirley Road is right in the middle of other spaces local young people would access and is surrounded by bus stops connected to the central network.
– The space has a variety of facilities for young people to use, such as the playground, basketball court, and a quiet space by the stream at the other end of the park.
– They enjoy using the space as it is easily accessible and its activities give them something to do, while making them feel like they belong.
– The areas young people thought could be improved on were the lack of basic amenities in the space and the underutilisation of the space.
– One youth auditor mentioned that Shirley Primary, located across the road, uses the space sometimes, which makes it easier for kids to feel welcome to use the space.
– Overall, it is a nice and safe park, with one auditor even commenting that it was enjoyable for all people, young or old, to use.
– Another idea the auditors raised was to add an information board which includes youth-focused information and advertising.
It should also include contacts to youth services and providers, in both Shirley and neighbouring areas. This will help young people feel comfortable with accessing support and could possibly introduce them to new groups and clubs.
– In the long run, young people would like to see a youth centre or a place where young people can sit down and relax in a sheltered space which protects them from the elements.
– During the day, they mentioned that the space feels safe due to its location on the main road and open areas. However, when dark, the auditors noted that they did not feel the same level of safety.
– Another auditor mentioned that they would feel safe if more people were around.
This could be achieved by adding more seating to attract more users and introducing more activities.
– When asked if they felt ‘in the way’ when at the space, the auditors said that they did not and that they instead felt welcome by its other users; they felt that they were part of the community.
– In terms of new activities, the auditors noted that the table tennis table is not fit for purpose as it is usually too windy to use. Instead, the auditors suggested that a big chess set could be developed, which would be something young people would welcome to the space.
– Any space needs to be accessible, which includes disability access, physical movement to and around the space, and the affordability of engaging with the space.
Young people commented that the space is easily accessible.
– Due to its location on a main road, the space is easy for not just Shirley residents to access, but everyone in the city.
– A traffic light installed right outside the main entrance makes it easier for young people to cross the road, while the bus stops located directly outside the space connect it to the city’s public transport network that many young people rely on.
– With council already planning to build a new structure in the space, the youth auditors agreed that they would like this to be a building that would be a place to both run activities and relax.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/youth-audit-10-shirley-road/
15. ‘Shirley Community Facility’ | Equity and Inclusion
– Read the 2023 Consultation Feedback comments & then ask yourself two questions:
1. What are residents asking for in a new Community Centre building?
2. After seeing the Board approved plans, does the new building match the function & expectations highlighted in our residents comments?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/2023-consultation-feedback/
– Many residents in the communities around Shirley Road had to deal with insurance claims for their own homes, after the Canterbury earthquakes.
When the insurance claim says: “Replace”, we know from our own experiences, that means “like for like”, the same size building.
We have assumed that when the Christchurch City Council says:
“Replace. Insurance Claim.” regarding our Shirley Community Centre rebuild, we would be getting a new 1,500m2 building.
We didn’t expect to feel ‘short changed’ by the new building plans.
Especially when other communities have received new Community Centres/Libraries before our rebuild, and their new buildings are an ‘upgrade’ in size/amenities, compared to their community facilities pre Canterbury Earthquakes.
– Submission #5452 from the 2023 Consultation said: “The real consultation should be ‘How do We maximise the community use of the rebuilt Center at 10 Shirley Rd’.“
That is the starting point in designing a new building that is equitable, inclusive & accessible for the residents in the communities around Shirley Road.
– The decision-making process for the new building has not been equitable.
Other Community Boards & Councillors have advocated on behalf of their residents to provide new Community Facilities, that meet the needs of their communities.
While our Community Board & Councillors, made the decision for an “on budget” building.
Knowing that this would limit the size & function of the new building, plus eliminate the Option ‘to incorporate the current Shirley Library’ into the new building.
– The Mayor’s Recommendation for CCC Long Term Plan 2021-2031 for ’10 Shirley Rd’ included:
“That the Council reinstates $3.0 million funding formerly set aside for the rebuild of the Shirley Community Centre in FY 2029/30 – FY 2031/32 to enable a subsequent annual plan to bring the funding forward if plans are progressed.
That the Council adds $35,000 in FY 2021/22 for an updated feasibility study to look at other options, including incorporating the current Shirley library.”
The funding for the Shirley Community Centre had previously been removed in 2018.
Funding was ‘reinstated’ in 2021, due to residents & ‘Shirley Road Central’ advocating for the Shirley Library to be ‘incorporated’ in the new building at 10 Shirley Road.
Now the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board have decided this funding is to be used for a significantly smaller ‘traditional’ community centre, that will exclude many of our residents that we have been trying to include in the new building. How is this equitable?
– The decision-making process for the new building has not been inclusive.
The Working Party only included representatives from the existing local Community Centres, who have a clear bias & would be unable to give an impartial opinion.
– The residents who have been advocating for the Shirley Community Centre & care about the development of the Shirley Community Reserve, were excluded?
– Children from Shirley Primary School & Shirley Intermediate were invited to share their ideas for the Reserve before the 2023 Consultation, but had no input into the new building?
– Youth were able to share their assessments of the Shirley Library & 10 Shirley Road in 2021, during the ReVision Youth Friendly Spaces audits, yet their opinions aren’t included in the new building design?
The St Albans Community Centre Consultation for their ‘Concept Design’, said ‘Designed by your community for your community.’
The Board was given Delegated Authority for the Shirley Community Centre, based on their decision-making process for this rebuild project.
Yet a ‘Concept Design’ did not go out for Consultation for the Shirley Community Facility, to allow residents to give feedback on their community facility?
Many residents are still unaware that the Board has approved plans for a new building, as they don’t follow the Board’s meetings or read ‘The Press’ articles, which are now behind a paywall restricting access.
The Board have missed vital steps in bringing the community along in this rebuild journey, of their well used & loved Community Centre.
The Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board have jumped from asking the community whether they want:
a ‘recreational space’, ‘community hub’ or ‘leave the space as is’…
to here is the building we designed for you, without you…surprise!
– Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board Approved Plans
Hint: when you design a 280m2 building with the main features being:
the number of toilets and external doors…6!
You know you have got the function & design of the building wrong!
The CCC Equity and Inclusion Policy is intended to:
“Inform Council decision-making and investment, including grant funding and procurement &
Apply an equity, access and inclusion lens over all Council services.”
How does the Board’s approved plans align with the Policy’s definitions for: Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility?
I’ve highlighted some of the issues I see, in my ‘Written Submission’s at the following links:
– Shirley Community Facility Plan v1:
Blog Post: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-plan-v1/
Written Submission by Joanna Gould:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WaipapaPICItem8ShirleyCommunityFacilitySept2025JoannaGould.pdf
– Shirley Community Facility Plan v2:
Blog Post: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-community-facility-plan-v2/
Written Submission by Joanna Gould:
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WaipapaPICItem9ShirleyCommunityFacilityDec2025JoannaGould.pdf
