December 2025 Updates
The earthworks season is now in full swing at Plimmerton Farm, and our teams are fully established on site. The early part of the season has focused on putting robust environmental controls in place and finalising how the works will be delivered safely and efficiently over the coming months.
Below is a summary of what has been completed to date and what you can expect to see next.
Establishing the Site and Environmental Controls
Before commencing major earthworks, our first priority has been to set up the site and confirm our environmental management approach.
Management plans
We have finalised the key management plans that guide how works are undertaken on site, with a particular focus on stormwater and erosion control.
The Stormwater and Erosion Management Plan has been developed in conjunction with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and their specialists. This plan identifies a suite of tools and methods that we must use, depending on location, ground conditions and water volumes.
Stormwater and erosion control measures
To protect local waterways and minimise sediment leaving the site, we have:
Limited open earth areas
We are carefully staging the works so that only the minimum area is exposed at any one time.
As we complete areas, we stabilise them using grassing, hay mulch and, where required, coconut matting.
Installed silt fences
Silt fences are now in place in key locations to slow down surface water, help direct flows, and capture sediment before it can move further downhill.
Constructed Sediment Retention Ponds (SRPs)
SRPs are large basins designed to temporarily hold runoff so that sediment can settle out.
Water enters the pond, passes through areas of fluctuation where sediment settles, and then discharges as much cleaner water.
These are a critical part of meeting our environmental obligations and protecting nearby waterways.
Current Work Areas
At present, there are two main areas of activity on site:
James Street entrance and access track
Reservoir site and associated haul roads/earthworks
James Street entrance and access track
At the James Street end of the site, we have:
Established the full suite of stormwater and sediment controls, including:
Multiple types of silt fencing
A primary sediment retention pond to manage runoff from this work front
Constructed an access track across the lower paddocks to the first main earthworks area. This provides safe access for machinery and sets up the route for future construction activity within Stage 1.
There is a significant earth batter (cut) planned along the bottom of the Mo Street sites. This will be a prominent feature during construction, but in the longer term it will be softened and integrated into the landscape through planned planting.
Following the initial establishment works, there has been limited additional activity at the James Street entrance while we focus on completing enabling works elsewhere. Activity in this area will increase again as we move into the next phase of earthworks.
Reservoir site and associated works
The reservoir is a key piece of infrastructure being delivered by the developers. In addition to servicing the Plimmerton Farm development, it will also add resilience to the wider local water network.
Progress to date includes:
Major cut for the reservoir platform
The large cut into the hillside (visible in recent photos) is being formed so that the reservoir can sit as far as practical below the ridgeline, reducing its visual prominence.
Material from this cut is being re-used to build up a nearby low area that requires filling as part of the overall site formation. This cut-to-fill approach reduces the need to import material and supports a more sustainable earthworks programme.
This first major cut-to-fill component of the project is now approaching the halfway mark.
Haul road and culverts
A haul road has been formed into the site towards the southern end of the main wetland area to enable safe movement of earthmoving plant and trucks.
Three permanent culverts are to be installed along this route. The first culvert installation is underway, and the second is programmed to start this week.
Preparation for Zone 2
Additional machinery and personnel are now arriving on site to begin setting up “Zone 2” in the middle of Stage 1.
Environmental controls (ESCs) are being established in this area ahead of bulk earthworks.
This zone will include our first deliverable sections within Stage 1, located just above the lower flat paddock and the future stormwater detention area.
Looking Ahead – Remainder of the Earthworks Season
Over the remaining months of the current earthworks season, stakeholders can expect to see:
Reservoir cut completed: bulk earthworks for the reservoir platform will be brought to completion, allowing the next phase of reservoir construction to commence.
James Street major cut and haul road: the first major cut at the James Street end of the site will be completed. This will create space for our temporary haul road alignment as well as the future permanent road corridor.
Ramp-up of works in Zone 2 (middle of the site): earthworks activity will increase in Zone 2 as we shape the ground levels for the first release of sections within Stage 1.
Fulton Hogan mobilisation
Fulton Hogan will be arriving on site to:
Start construction of the new reservoir, and
Construct the new wastewater pump station near the James Street entrance, below Mo Street.
