Experience Upper Hutt

About Us

Experience Upper Hutt was launched early in 2006 to co-ordinate retail activities in the central business district.  The launch coincided with a resurgence of retail interest in the Main Street precinct of the city.  Upper Hutt City Council wanted to take a lead role in the CBD revival by establishing the organisation and providing initial funding.  It is expected that CBD businesses will take a greater role in driving and funding Experience Upper Hutt in the future.

The organisation aims to involve all stakeholders in its activities and decision making – including retailers and other business owners; building owners; and regular users of the area, such as shoppers, youth and older people.  Feedback is encouraged and incorporated in planning processes.

Experience Upper Hutt is run by a board consisting of Council and local business representatives.  It has a dedicated Director who co-ordinates initiatives such as:

• 'Paint the Town', a partnership with Wattyl to provide building owners with a $500 paint subsidy to spruce up their building.
• Local artists are being used to create art on buildings that depicts Upper Hutt’s history in a modern style.
• An education campaign for retailers to advise them how they can boost security for example, with improved lighting and shop displays

Contact Experience Upper Hutt