Woods was chosen to lead the development of a challenging two-hectare site at the confluence of three streams into a vibrant neighbourhood.

Our role

The site was identified by Auckland Council's urban regeneration agency, Eke Panuku, as an opportunity to increase housing supply in the region. After several years of preliminary planning, Woods was engaged in 2015 to lead the project's design and engineering efforts. Our integrated services encompassed civil and stormwater engineering, urban design, and architectural planning.​

Recognising the complexity of the site, Panuku sought to mitigate development risks by partnering with McConnell Property. Impressed by the groundwork laid by Woods, McConnell retained our services to continue guiding the project through to completion.​

Key challenges

The site presented a complex mix of environmental, design, and planning challenges that shaped the approach from the outset. Located at the confluence of several streams, the land was prone to flooding and formed part of a wider catchment feeding into the nearby D’Oyly Reserve. This required a carefully integrated stormwater management strategy that would mitigate flood risk for existing downstream properties, while also enhancing the ecological value of the area. The design needed to balance increased residential density with ecological sensitivity — ensuring that natural features were not only protected but improved.

In parallel, the team had to address community and stakeholder expectations around quality of life, green space, and amenity. The development needed to provide usable public space, maintain strong visual and physical links to the surrounding environment, and offer a level of housing that met the growing need for medium-density living in the Hibiscus Coast. Creating architectural variation and interest within a compact urban layout, while respecting ecological corridors and water-sensitive design principles, required a truly multidisciplinary effort.

Outcome

Woods' multidisciplinary approach culminated in the successful delivery of Mariner Rise, a 60-home subdivision featuring a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom terraced and standalone homes. The architectural design showcases varied materials and forms, creating an engaging streetscape that maximises open space on each lot.​

A key feature of the development is the 2,700-square-meter public reserve, thoughtfully landscaped to include a children's playground and native plantings. This space not only serves the new residents but also enhances the broader community's access to recreational areas.​

In acknowledgment of the environmental impact of the development, efforts were made to restore nearby D’Oyly Reserve. This included daylighting a previously culverted stream segment, thereby revitalising natural habitats and improving stormwater management in collaboration with Auckland Council's stormwater team and local iwi.​

Mariner Rise demonstrates the successful integration of residential development with ecological stewardship.