By Chris Solleder, Director, Cato Bolam Consultants.
Congratulations to Neil Construction Ltd on the approval of Plan Change 107, a major milestone toward delivering the future Whenuapai Business Park. Secured in a more demanding plan change environment, this result reflects disciplined technical work, early engagement and close collaboration with Council, Auckland Transport, Watercare and Healthy Waters. With the plan change now in place, the precinct is positioned for scalable, sustainable growth that will strengthen Whenuapai’s economy for decades to come.
Delivering infrastructure for scalable growth
A cornerstone of Plan Change 107 was providing technical certainty for transport and three waters servicing. Working closely with Auckland Transport and the Supporting Growth Alliance, we planned and secured upgrades to Brigham Creek Road and Trig Road. These upgrades align with Auckland’s future transport network and help ensure the precinct can grow in step with demand.
In partnership with Watercare, we developed staged water and wastewater infrastructure planning. This provides developers and Council with confidence that the Whenuapai Business Park precinct is set up to expand in a practical, sustainable way.
Future proofing with water smart design
Flood resilience and environmental performance were central to our approach from the outset. Detailed stormwater modelling helped confirm downstream property protection and also supported Healthy Waters wider catchment planning.
Our stream erosion risk assessment informed targeted ecological interventions that can evolve alongside future development. These inputs fed into a water sensitive Stormwater Management Plan designed to support long term environmental resilience across the precinct.
Strategic partnerships that drove success
Plan Change 107 progressed through early, consistent collaboration. Open engagement with neighbouring property owners helped address flooding concerns and built confidence in the proposal.
Close coordination with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Healthy Waters and Watercare ensured technical issues were worked through early. That shared approach helped keep the plan change process clear, efficient, and focused on achievable outcomes.
Engineering certainty in a challenging environment
Plan change applications today face a tougher technical environment, particularly around flooding, infrastructure delivery and transport impacts. Cato Bolam delivered robust engineering inputs to support PC107, with a focus on resolving risk early and ensuring the proposal was both practical and durable.
Our integrated services meant key matters were addressed thoroughly and proactively, supporting a well serviced precinct and a clear pathway to delivery.
Creating long term value for Whenuapai
Plan Change 107 represents more than zoning. It sets the foundation for a new business precinct that will contribute to Whenuapai’s economy, create jobs, and support Auckland’s wider growth strategy.
Considering a plan change?
Talk to our expert team at Cato Bolam. We can guide you from feasibility through to Council approval, helping you understand your options and unlock your land’s potential. With integrated planning, engineering, surveying and ecology in house, we bring clear advice and practical pathways to get your project moving.
