Access Hamilton Ara Kootuitui Kirikiriroa

Hamilton’s first transport strategy was developed in 1996, and from this, the first iteration of Access Hamilton was developed in 2005. Since then, it has been updated several times in both 2010 and now 2022, to align the vision for transport for our changing, growing city.

Over the next 30 years, we expect 260,000 people will call our city home. We are committed to keeping Hamilton Kirikiriroa as a place where everyone thrives socially and economically. Like other cities, we are facing some big challenges alongside our growing population, including climate change, accessibility, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities.

Making changes to the transport system takes time and can involve significant costs. We need to make sure we are doing the right thing at the right time and spending our money wisely.

The strategy sets out what our transport system needs be like to serve our community’s needs now and into the future and identifies where we need to focus our efforts to achieve it.

Things we need to consider are:

• planning for future growth
• balancing and coordinating different forms of transport
• improving transport equity
• enabling a liveable city
• securing funding for transport
• aligning with local, regional, and national priorities.

The Access Hamilton transport strategy outlines what’s important to us and guides our investment decisions through our Long-Term and Annual Plans.

The initiatives that stem from this strategy allow us to work alongside our partners to deliver a Hamilton Kirikiriroa that can be enjoyed for generations.

The Access Hamilton transport strategy outlines opportunities and challenges, but more importantly, it highlights outcomes for our city’s transport future – and how we plan to get there.

Our vision for the future of transport in Hamilton:

• everyone is safe and feels safe while using our streets and public spaces
• a low-emission transport system that is resilient against climate change
• Hamilton Kirikiriroa is a great place to live for everyone
• a healthy te awa o Waikato (Waikato River) and natural sites which sustain abundant life and prosperous communities for all generations
• more people choose to travel on foot, by bike, by bus, or using micromobility devices such as scooters
• Hamilton Kirikiriroa is accessible for all because it has a city culture and heritage that is shared, protected, and celebrated
• Hamilton Kirikiriroa is a great place for everyone to work and do business
• an adaptable, future-ready transport system that supports quality and compact urban form.