ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the process of the Freyberg Square children's audit/consultation—a first for Auckland Council—and considers connections between research, policy and practice which created it. In current urban planning practice, children's use of the public realm is largely relegated to child-specific destinations such as playgrounds, swimming pools and libraries. Their presence is seldom anticipated or even welcomed throughout the city. In some spheres children have come to be recognized as 'experts' on their own lives and agents in their own right, who have "a valuable contribution to make to social and political life". Evidence suggests when their voices are heard—that is, when they are involved in program design and research to inform policies—policies are more likely to successfully meet their needs. Understanding the everyday experiences of children living in the city and contributing their voice to urban planning has been a focus of the Kids in the City research.
