Complete solutions for community spaces
Urban Effects works alongside councils across Aotearoa New Zealand to create places for people – from local parks and recreation spaces to urban streetscapes and civic precincts.
We bring a practical, experienced approach to community space design – combining smart street and park furniture solutions with the insight and support needed to deliver spaces that are welcoming, durable and made for everyday use.
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NZ made, world class quality
A comprehensive range of street furniture — designed and made for New Zealand conditions — giving you the flexibility to create stand-out spaces that feel cohesive, considered and built to last.
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From concept to completion
Everything you need to plan, specify and deliver with confidence — from design advice and documentation to manufacturing and installation support that helps keep projects on track.
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Sustainability focus
Durable, low-maintenance solutions designed for long-term performance, with materials and finishes that are easy to maintain and support sustainable outcomes over the full lifecycle of your outdoor spaces.
Community space design that brings people together
Well-designed outdoor spaces shape how people move, meet and spend time in their communities.
Urban Effects works with councils to design community spaces that feel good to be in and easy to use – supporting everything from everyday moments to larger community gatherings.
From urban streetscapes and civic spaces to neighbourhood parks and destination play and recreation precincts, we help create places that:
- invite people to linger longer
- support movement, connection and wellbeing
- feel safe, accessible and inclusive
- reflect the identity of the local community.
Grounded in user-centred community urban design principles and real-world experience, our approach focuses on creating spaces that not only look good – but work well for councils and communities, day in and day out.
NZ made
Urban Effects is a proud New Zealand-owned business with local teams, support and manufacturing in both the North and South Islands. The majority of products in our range are designed and made right here in New Zealand at our manufacturing facilities in Whanganui and Rangiora – providing local employment opportunities and delivering exceptional quality street furniture products to suit your place, purpose and price.
What’s more, you experience the level of personalised attention and support you deserve from a team committed to creating outdoor spaces that encourage people to enjoy our fresh air and landscapes.
Sustainability
Just like the Councils and communities we serve, we are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways to make our world safer, healthier, cleaner and greener now and into the future.
We offer a wide choice of high quality, durable street furniture made from sustainably-sourced, recycled and recyclable materials, such as FSC and PEFC accredited timber, aluminium, recycled concrete and wood-plastic composites. We’re focused on sustainability in our operations, too. From the materials we choose and the partners we work with to our ongoing development of more eco-friendly packaging solutions, we’re constantly working to reduce our footprint across our supply chain.
Accessibility
Our parks, recreational areas and urban environments should be able to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their age and ability. Accessibility is integral to open planning and design and this extends to outdoor furniture, facilities and amenities.
The Urban Effects range includes products specifically designed with accessibility in mind – everything from seating and table settings, to BBQs and drinking fountains.
Latest projects
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Craigavon Park, Auckland
Surrounded by established trees and generous green space, Craigavon Park is a popular Auckland destination for families to play, gather and enjoy time outdoors. Working with Auckland Council, Urban Effects supplied a customised arrangement of Legend Curved Table Settings and Legend Curved Benches to create a comfortable place to sit and connect alongside the playground. […]
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Waterfront Playground, Tauranga
Tauranga’s Waterfront Playground brings together play, culture and the coastal landscape in a vibrant city-centre destination. Led by Playground Centre as part of Tauranga City Council’s wider waterfront transformation, the award-winning playground was designed as an inclusive and engaging place for local families and visitors. Read the Playground Centre case study for the full playground […]
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Aotea Lagoon South End Renewal
The Aotea Lagoon South End Renewal, led by Porirua City Council, was designed to modernise a much-loved part of one of the city’s major parks. The goal was to create a more accessible and functional community destination while honouring the site’s heritage and natural surrounds. The renewal enhances usability for events and everyday recreation, while […]
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Waverley Revitalisation & Main Street Upgrade
Waverley’s main street has undergone a transformation, turning it into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage and civic pride – as the home to the famous Kiwi, the winner of the 1983 Melbourne Cup. Guided by a co-design approach, the Waverley Revitalisation & Main Street Upgrade was driven by a […]
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Rānui Domain Playground
A Sustainable Outdoor Space Upgrade Auckland Council revitalised Rānui Domain with a new fully fenced playground and upgraded park amenities, creating a more inclusive and enjoyable outdoor space for Tamariki/children and their whānau. Urban Effects supported this transformation with our sustainable furniture solutions- Futurewood. The Woodlands Pedestal Table Deluxe, Woodlands Plus Pedestal Table Setting , […]
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The Wave: Nohonga Toru Challenge 2024, Auckland
In line with our vision that the most successful outdoor spaces place user-centric design at their core, a talented team of landscape architects from Boffa Miskell – Zak White, Jo Kearney and Alfred Chan, collaborated with Urban Effects to be their manufacturing partner to bring a unique bench to life— the Wave. Designed to enhance […]
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Waitara Marine Park
Waitara Marine Park, situated along the scenic coast of the North Island, New Zealand, stands as a testament to community collaboration and dedication. This project aimed to create a vibrant outdoor space that would serve as a hub for recreational activities and gatherings. The park’s development was a long-awaited dream, with planning and procurement beginning […]
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Observation Green Park
Community relationships will prosper within the urban oasis of Observation Green Park in Auckland, which aims to provide an escape from city life while promoting environmental sustainability, community engagement, and recreational activities. The sun-safe, heat repellent Neo Shelter Medium and Liffiton Table Settings provide ample space for families and friends alike to relax and connect, […]
Insights
Practical summer upgrades for parks, schools and shared spaces
Summer places greater demand on parks, school grounds and shared outdoor environments. As more people spend time outside, practical details such as seating, shade, drinking water and gathering facilities become increasingly important. Preparing a space for summer does not always require a major redevelopment. Targeted additions can improve comfort, accessibility and functionality while making better […]
Creating summer-ready outdoor spaces where people can stay and play
Summer brings parks, playgrounds and shared outdoor spaces to life. Families stay longer, children play more, and communities make greater use of places designed for gathering, recreation and connection. But creating a successful summer destination takes more than installing one or two standalone products. Shade, seating, drinking fountains, BBQs, play equipment and social spaces need […]
Better Placemaking Starts with Early Street Furniture Planning
Planning furniture as part of the wider space Street furniture is sometimes treated as one of the final details in an outdoor project. However, seating, tables, shelters, bins, bike racks and other amenities play an important role in placemaking by shaping how people move through, use and experience a space. Bringing these elements into the planning process early helps […]
Why New Zealand councils choose Urban Effects for street furniture
Councils choose Urban Effects because we understand what it takes to deliver outdoor spaces that perform – not just on day one, but for years to come.
With more than 30 years’ experience, we bring together local knowledge, quality street furniture and a hands-on approach to help deliver spaces that communities value and use.
Across our range of seating, park shelters and bus shelters, commercial barbecues, bike parking, rubbish bins, and drinking fountains, we support councils with practical solutions that balance style with functionality, durability and ease of maintenance.
Customisable solutions that reflect community identity
Great community spaces don’t all look the same – and they shouldn’t.
We help councils design community spaces with a clear and consistent look and feel, while allowing room for local character, culture and story to come through.
With local manufacturing and customisable street furniture options – from materials and finishes to layouts and configurations – we offer councils the freedom to shape outdoor spaces that feel connected to their community and built for their environment.
Service and support you can rely on
We know how council projects work – and what’s needed to keep things moving.
Our team works closely with council staff, landscape architects and contractors to provide practical support at every stage – from early advice and specification through to delivery and installation.
With local teams on the North and South Islands, responsive service and a focus on doing things right, we offer faster leadtimes and greater flexibility and support across the project lifecycle.
Outdoor space design and delivery made easy
New Zealand’s leading street furniture manufacturers and outdoor space specialists, we partner with you from first enquiry to final installation to create outdoor environments that inspire connection and pride. Whether it’s a community, school or public space, our proven process and solution-focused team makes every step simple and seamless.
Enquire & connect
Start the conversation. Phone or email us to share the details of your project - big or small - and our team will guide you through the next steps.
Discover your space's potential
We take the time to understand your goals, site and community - and offer expert advice on how to shape your outdoor space to suit your place, purpose and budget.
Find the right solutions
From ready-to-go product options to customisable designs, we recommend furniture solutions that balance function, aesthetics and value for your project.
Make it happen
Using quality materials, we make and assemble your furniture and work closely with you to plan and execute its seamless delivery and installation.
Ongoing support
We're with you for the long term, with warranties, maintenance guidance and ongoing support whenever you need it.