A City of Neighbourhoods

We talk to Patrick Reynolds about shaping Auckland City Centre

A City of Neighbourhoods

Show Notes

In this episode, we speak to Patrick Reynolds, Deputy Chair of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Panel, Director of Greater Auckland, and former board member of Waka Kotahi NZTA. Patrick is popularly known for his architectural photography and celebrated for his active role in urban issues especially transport in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Patrick talks about the origin of the Auckland city centre and the role of transport in shaping our economic and cultural centre from the mid twentieth century until now. He explains that there is a critical difference between a central business district and a true city centre.

His advice to mayors and ministers is that we have begun doing many of the right things, but we need to do more to make Auckland’s economic and cultural centre internationally competitive.

(0:00) Introducing Patrick Reynolds (1:48) Accelerating the booming city centre? (3:59) Making the city centre more attractive (7:53) Making a city centre for all Aucklanders (9:23) Mass transit alternatives (12:58) Balancing place and movement (15:29) Aesthetics of the city centre (16:35) The impact of intentional planning (20:56) Impatient optimism (23:07) Wrapping up

More from A City of Neighbourhoods

Oct 12, 2026

Meet the Team: Daniel Haines by A City of Neighbourhoods

Sep 30, 2026

This “Meet the Team” series introduces the people who make up the leadership of Auckland Council’s new Transport and Infrastructure directorate. The Transport and Infrastructure directorate has been formed to integrate many of what were formerly Auckland Transport functions into Auckland Council. Steve Mutton, who is the director of this new team, introduces each of his leaders to our listeners.

Sep 22, 2026

This “Meet the Team” series introduces the people who make up the leadership of Auckland Council’s new Transport and Infrastructure directorate. The Transport and Infrastructure directorate has been formed to integrate many of what were formerly Auckland Transport functions into Auckland Council. Steve Mutton, who is the director of this new team, introduces each of his leaders to our listeners.

Sep 8, 2026

In this episode of the City of Neighbourhoods #podcast, we talk about the new AI assistant that makes it a breeze to report common problems around the region directly to Auckland Council 📱

Aug 6, 2026

Steve Mutton is Auckland Council’s new Director of Transport and Infrastructure. Steve has been chosen to lead the biggest organisational change in council services since the “supercity” was created in 2010. This is to give effect to Mayor Wayne Brown’s initiative to bring transport planning and delivery under the governance and management of Auckland Council.

See all episodes →