From rural Oz childhood to city planner

David Chick is Wellington City Council’s chief city planner, but had a rural upbringing in Tasmania and has a passion for the outdoors and wild places. His wife, Lucy, and four children will join him in the capital later in the year. What is your main rol

I was appointed as chief city planner just over four months ago. This new role is all about facilitating, creating and enhancing the best possible physical environments that contribute to making Wellington even more liveable and attractive as a place to live, work, invest and play. As a landscape architect and urban designer, I am passionate about cities and creating places for people.

What’s the most exciting project in the pipeline for the capital?

There are so many, from playspace to library redevelopments, establishment of the proposed Urban Development Agency to further laneway redevelopments. Just to mention three projects that are exciting for different reasons: The Film Museum and the Convention Centre – an amazing catalyst to build on; the development of a section of the Great Harbour Way from Miramar Cutting to Waitangi Park – an amazing waterfront experience for the benefit of all.

What is the biggest challenge for Wellington’s growth over the next decade?

Making some of the big decisions to ensure Wellington continues to thrive. For example, the Ngauranga to airport project , done in a way that creates a better city by responding to the vision and principles established recently by the community. As decisions are made, these are clearly understood and communicated, including what impacts and broader benefits can be mitigated and realised as a result.

Where is your favourite place in New Zealand and why is it a favourite?

Wellington, of course. There is so much to offer and it is the launch pad to the many great places the country and even the world has to offer – a launch pad with perhaps a longer runway to make this even easier.

Can you describe a perfect Saturday?

Until the family arrive, it would be grabbing my Snapper Card (I’m enjoying not having a car at the moment) and some fresh food, jumping on a bus to the start of one of the many great walks Wellington has to offer, such as the Skyline Walk from Johnsonville to Makara Peak, and enjoying a typically spectacular Wellington day. Then heading back into town and having dinner with good company.

If you could invite four people to dinner, who would they be and why?It

would be Tim Brown from IDEO (human-centred approach to innovation and design), Chris Hadfield (the Canadian astronaut) with our place in the universe, Morgan Freeman because of his impact and interest beyond the screen, and Sunita Narain for her socially-driven environmentalism and making a difference against all odds in India.

What’s the last book you read?

Tragedy at Pike River Mine: How and Why 29 Men Died by Rebecca Macfie. Essential reading for anyone who is responsible for or interested in health and safety. It is a particularly moving and personal story in my family as my great grandfather passed away some months later as a direct result and effects of the Mount Lyell Mine Disaster in Tasmania just over 100 years ago, where 42 men lost their lives.

What music have you been listening to lately?

Too much to see and do to have time to listen to music unless, of course, it is emanating from the many venues and concert halls on the way home in the evening.