Ōkahukura Residential Development

Challenge

The client was looking to achieve a comprehensive and cohesive resource consent for a residential development at Ōkahukura, including landscape works relating to open space, streetscape interfaces, and planting design. The goal was to prepare clear and coordinated landscape documentation that supported the consent application while also forming a robust basis for subsequent detailed design and implementation.

Solution

SLR’s Landscape Architecture team provided end-to-end design services for a high-quality medium-density subdivision, integrating on-lot landscaping, streetscape enhancements, and reserve restoration. From concept design through to detailed documentation and ongoing reserve monitoring, our involvement focused on creating a desirable, cohesive, and sustainable neighbourhood.

Plant species were carefully selected to ensure successful establishment and long-term manageability while complementing a range of cladding colours and materials. The resulting gardens and shared outdoor spaces achieve a balance between aesthetics, comfort, privacy, and usability. Street trees were strategically positioned to coordinate with underground services, improve connectivity, and minimise maintenance requirements.

A variety of reserve planting typologies were tailored to site-specific conditions, resulting in high survival rates and lush coverage within the first year. In collaboration with Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, cultural values were woven into the landscape through bespoke reserve furniture, fence panels, signage, and artistic concrete etching that celebrate local narratives and strengthen community identity. The reserve is attracting native bird species and in greater numbers, supporting local biodiversity and enhancing the ecological value of the area.

SLR Impact

Through creative design expertise, innovative problem-solving, and consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes, SLR’s work on this project enhances residential amenity, fosters a strong sense of place, and supports the long-term ecological and cultural sustainability of the development.

‘SLR brought exceptional design expertise and a collaborative approach to our Ōkahukura development. Their ability to embrace and promote the values of our partnership, ecological sustainability, and practical design solutions added huge value at Ōkahukura. We are pleased to have delivered together a vibrant, cohesive neighbourhood that our team and future residential are proud of.’

Laura Storey, Development Manager, Fletcher Living