Community aspirations
Over the past 50 years, Russell has had a strong sense of identity resulting in a number of studies and plans being produced that clearly articulate what the community feels.
1977 A plan for Russell
This comprehensive plan was developed by the Community, the Department of Lands & Survey, the Northland Regional Planning Authority, the Bay of Islands County Council and the Ministry of Works. It is a fascinating read and reflects the strong desire for appropriate village development in keeping with the historic nature of the place. It acknowledge the importance of the visitors to the local economy and the changing shape of the community.
The Russell Handbook
The Russell Handbook was developed in 1980 in response to the 1977 planning guide. It was an attempt at a practical handbook to help people when building or designing in Russell.
It wasn’t intended to be a definitive design manual nor was it mean to prevent creative activity. It provides an easy read guide of ideas to retain the village feel.
Russell 2000
In the early 1990s, a group of locals looking to the Millenium wanted to create a project that celebrated the century. A Town Meeting was called, core values for the community identified and what the aspirations were.
Harry Turbott, a well known New Zealand Landscape architect worked with the group on the design, with Bram Cone a local builder. Fund raising began in earnest and continued throughout the 1990s.
Although the Millenium deadline was missed, the project team were determined to deliver the vision, and finally in 2003, the Cass Street upgrade began.
Stage 2 of the enhancements designed by Harry Turbot did not get completed until 2016.
ty Board. This will allow the community to undertake a number of initiatives should the community wish. Should a specific initiative need a larger amount then if the idea is good and the community wants it, we will find a way to get funding.
Russell Future plan
In 2013, the Far North District Council worked with a number of communities to develop long term plans (30 year horizon) to capture the aspirations and priorities of the wider Russell communities and act as a ‘blueprint’ for the community’s future development.
It was one of the most comprehensive consultation ever involved in the community, with an open invitation to the community to get involved and help steer the process. This group organised, with the Council’s support organised numerous public meeting, workshops and focus groups to capture the aspirations of the community.
The Plan then set out the community’s vision of what they wanted Russell to be and importantly, identify goals and actions, to assist in engaging with local government and other agencies. It also provided a focus for actions for the community in terms of what the various local groups can lead for themselves.
Although the plan was not adopted by the Community Board, the action plans agreed provide a clear understanding the community’s wishes, and 12 years on are as relevant today as ever.
Cass Street/wharf upgrade
In 2016, the final stage of the Harry Turbot’s design for Russell 2000, was completed by the Russell Wharf Trust as the result of 18 months of fundraising.
The combined skill from local tradies and other workers achieved a phenomenal result opening up the area for locals and visitors alike.
