Conservation Week 2024 This is a week-long event celebrating and promoting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and natural heritage. To coincide with Conservation Week and because our inhouse Ecologists and Soil and Water Contamination teams deal with ecosystems every day, this year we wanted to make a practical contribution to Give A Trap. Give a Trap…
(image by Brett Phibbs. Image source: nzherald) Cyclone Gabrielle’s wrath left Auckland with a staggering 14,000 land slips, making it a global example of this hazardous phenomenon. Auckland’s beauty comes with a vulnerability to land slips, especially after heavy rain. If you’re facing a land slip on your property, don’t panic! Here’s a guide to…
Undertaking a project such as property subdivision, often requires connecting your drainage to a public pipe located on your neighbour’s land. While we understand that seeking your neighbours’ permission can be challenging, there are ways to navigate this without straining your relationship. So, let’s explore your options. When You Need Your Neighbour’s Permission Generally, you’ll…
The tiny home movement is gaining traction in New Zealand, offering an attractive option for sustainable and affordable living, or another income stream. But it’s crucial to understand the legalities involved, and if you need a resource consent from Council. The Resource Consent Requirements In New Zealand, building or modifying a structure typically requires…
Landscape Architect, Erin Phillips shares her insider knowledge about the best plants for commercial or public landscape design spaces. Erin, how do you go about choosing the best plants for your garden, development or public/ commercial project? “Effective landscape design for commercial and public spaces depends on several things – the overall vision, the maintenance…
Landscape design is often an overlooked aspect of development projects, sometimes addressed solely to meet resource consent requirements. However, when you involve a landscape architect early on, it can significantly enhance the project’s overall outcome. Our team of landscape architects collaborates with other professionals to ensure your development is: Functional: Designed with usability in mind,…
Wondering if your Auckland rural property holds hidden potential? Read on and discover the answers to what our clients ask us most about rural subdivision. Who dictates the subdivision rules? The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) lays out the regulations for subdividing land, including rural areas. What are the rural zones under the Auckland…
Considering subdividing your property? It can be a smart way to unlock its value and create new land parcels for sale. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved. Subdividing, which legally splits land or buildings into separate pieces for ownership, can be a complex process. That’s why we’ve developed a…
Subdividing land in Auckland can be a complex process, but the feasibility depends on your land’s size, zone, and public infrastructure access. Here’s a simplified breakdown: Zones and Minimum Lot Sizes Terrace housing and apartment buildings zone: This zone allows the most development, with buildings up to seven storeys. Resource consent applications with development plans are…
To truly understand the transformative power of design, let’s explore some notable landscape architecture projects around the world that have reshaped urban environments. High Line Park, New York City One of the most iconic landscape architecture projects in recent years is the High Line Park in New York City. Built on a historic elevated…
What is a contaminated site? Land is contaminated when hazardous substances such as heavy metals and pesticides (including DDT, dieldrin, lead and arsenic) are found in the soil in concentrations above naturally occurring soil levels. You can find a detailed list of hazardous substances listed on the Ministry for the Environment’s Hazardous Activities and Industries…
