Discover St Mary’s Rise, a premium 18-lot residential subdivision in Onerahi, Whangārei. Learn how our multidisciplinary team overcame challenging terrain to deliver 18 high-quality lots and an 8,300 m² native bush reserve.
Overcoming challenges with Innovative Solutions.
Cato Bolam is proud to have partnered with Kamo Home and Village Charitable Trust to deliver a transformative subdivision at the former St Mary’s Hospital site in Onerahi, Whangārei. After being vacant and overgrown with weeds for over three decades, this prime 1.85-hectare property has been redeveloped into 18 high-quality residential lots and a collectively owned 8,300 m² native bush reserve.
This once-challenging site is now poised to benefit the Onerahi community for generations to come. Simon Reiher, Professional Registered Surveyor and land development expert at Cato Bolam, explains: “Over the years, three different surveying firms and building companies have attempted to develop a feasible solution for this site, but none were able to find one using conventional development approaches. Thanks to Cato Bolam’s expertise in civil engineering, regulatory frameworks and land development knowledge, we devised an innovative solution that not only made the development viable but also enhanced the environment and delivered premium housing sites for the community. Karmo Village will be able to leverage off the significant profit from this land development project and feed this directly back into their retirement living solutions for the wider community.”
Senior Surveyor and Project Manager Jarred Lloyd highlighted Cato Bolam’s collaborative approach: “We developed cost-effective strategies to address complex earthworks and civil infrastructure while maintaining high environmental standards. This included constructing a reinforced earth bund atop a palisade wall, gaining 2.5 meters in height at only 25% of the usual cost. We also utilised the future road as a haul road to achieve a well-compacted subgrade. Throughout the process, we collaborated closely with Mako Civil, value-engineering solutions as new challenges arose to ensure the best outcome for our client.”
In addition to addressing earthworks and infrastructure, the project strategically positioned sediment control in compliance with Northland Regional Council consents. Comprehensive weed removal, ongoing management, and native species protection were key elements in ensuring that the subdivision adhered to high environmental standards.
Premium Homes with Stunning Views
Cato Bolam’s role extended beyond engineering, surveying and project management. The team also provided building design guidelines to ensure future homes harmonise with the site’s premium location, which overlooks Whangārei Harbour. These guidelines maximise views while minimising visual impact, contributing to a cohesive and visually appealing neighbourhood.
This once-difficult site is now a successful residential subdivision that promises to enhance the Onerahi area. John Williamson, Chairman of Kamo Home and Village Charitable Trust, echoed this sentiment: “We want to leave the place better than we found it.”
Environmentally Conscious Development
The development also includes a native bush reserve spanning 8,300 square meters, collectively owned by residents. This reserve is a key feature of the subdivision, ensuring the community enjoys a green space that complements the surrounding environment. Pathways through the vegetation will provide residents with a peaceful connection to nature.
St Mary’s Rise not only represents a thoughtful housing solution but also an environmentally sensitive development that enhances Onerahi’s natural beauty while providing much-needed housing.
If you’re looking to bring your development vision to life, contact the team at Cato Bolam for an obligation-free discovery call at 0800 2 CATOBOLAM.
