August 2026 Updates
If you've been following our monthly updates, you'll know that June marked the start of several major infrastructure projects across Plimmerton Farm. Throughout July, those projects continued to gather pace, with significant progress made on the future entrance road, reservoir, wastewater infrastructure and environmental restoration programme.
Despite the challenges of winter, our contractors made the most of every break in the weather, keeping work moving across multiple areas of the 380-hectare site. While much of this work remains behind the scenes, it is laying the essential foundations for the future community.
Road 1 continues to take shape
One of the biggest areas of progress during July has been Road 1 – the future main entrance into Plimmerton Farm from James Street.
As highlighted in last month's update, crews first had to remove areas of peat beneath the proposed road corridor. Peat is organic material and too soft to support a permanent road, so it was excavated until solid ground was reached before construction could continue.
Throughout July, the road has been steadily rebuilt using engineered rock fill, geotextile reinforcement and carefully compacted material. In some areas, the new road formation now sits four to five metres above the original ground level, creating the stable foundation required for one of the development's primary access routes.
Although it still resembles a large earthworks project, every layer being installed now is designed to ensure the finished road performs reliably for decades to come.
Protecting the environment while work continues
Winter earthworks require more than just moving material—they also demand careful environmental management.
As excavation and filling progress, exposed ground is being progressively stabilised through hydroseeding and erosion control measures. Along Road 1, heavy woven fabric has been installed over newly formed embankments (positive edges) to protect them from rainfall and prevent sediment runoff.
Across the wider site, a combination of single, double and super silt fences are being used in areas requiring additional protection. These systems slow stormwater, allowing sediment to settle before water leaves the active construction zones.
These measures may not be the most visible part of the project, but they are an important part of ensuring construction continues responsibly throughout the wetter months.
Making the most of every weather window
Whenever conditions allowed during July, Goodman Contractors took full advantage by operating multiple earthmoving crews across the site.
Scrapers and ejector dumpers worked together to transport material from several cut sites into the current fill areas, while a D9 bulldozer continually maintained the haul roads behind them.
Large-scale earthworks are carefully coordinated operations. Rather than simply adding more machinery, operators work together using radio communication to safely manage traffic and maximise productivity across the limited haul routes.
The use of ejector dumpers also provides a safer way to place material, allowing loads to be discharged while the machine remains stable instead of lifting a conventional tipping body.
Reservoir reaches another important milestone
The future reservoir has also made significant progress throughout July.
Following the foundation work completed in June, crews have now finished the formwork and installed an extensive network of reinforcing steel ahead of the reservoir's post-tensioned concrete slab.
Unlike a conventional concrete slab, this design incorporates high-strength steel cables that are tensioned after the concrete has been poured. This places the slab under compression, helping minimise cracking and improving the long-term durability of the structure.
The next major milestone will be pouring the slab before precast concrete wall panels, currently being manufactured in Ōtaki, are installed to form the reservoir itself.
Once complete, the reservoir will become a critical piece of infrastructure supporting the future growth of Plimmerton Farm.
Wastewater infrastructure continues to advance
Progress has also continued on the wastewater detention tank and pump station.
During July, crews completed further foundation work after removing unsuitable ground beneath the structure and constructing a stable working platform. A tidy slab has also been completed around the perimeter, providing a clean, level base for the reinforced concrete ring foundation.
Once this work is complete, precast concrete panels will be craned into place to form the detention tank.
Although this infrastructure will eventually sit largely out of sight, it is a vital part of the servicing required to support future homes across the development.
Restoring the landscape alongside construction
Environmental restoration continues to be a major focus alongside the civil works.
Although some parts of Plimmerton Farm won't be developed for another 10 to 15 years, fencing has already been installed to protect wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas from stock, allowing native planting to begin well in advance.
Across the 380-hectare property, around one-third of the land will ultimately be restored to native bush.
This year's planting programme includes approximately 70,000 native plants, with dedicated planting crews working throughout winter. Individual team members are planting well over 1,000 plants a day, highlighting the scale of the restoration programme taking place alongside the construction work.
It's a significant investment in the long-term environmental health of the site and an important part of the vision for Plimmerton Farm.
Looking ahead
July has been another productive month, with strong progress made across the site's key infrastructure projects despite the challenges of winter.
Road 1 continues to rise from its engineered foundations, the reservoir is approaching its concrete pour, wastewater infrastructure is steadily advancing, and thousands of native plants are transforming the wider landscape.
As we move through August, we'll be looking forward to the reservoir slab being poured, the installation of the precast concrete panels, and continued progress on the infrastructure that will support this exciting new community.
Thank you for following the journey. We look forward to sharing more progress with you in next month's update.
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