• Jeremy Brophy, Director of Flint Planning Limited:

    Flint Planning is proud to have provided planning services to He Ahi Limited Partnership for the development of the He Ahi – Eco Industrial Park, within the Centennial Industrial Environment Zone in Taupō, adjoining Rakaunui Road and Centennial Drive.

    Flint Planning has prepared and obtained resource consent applications for approval by Waikato Regional Council and Taupo District Council which enable this land development. The role as Consents Project Lead has also been managed by Flint Planning which involved communications with each Council and working to resolve further information requests as part of a wider project team of engineers, ecologists, landscape architects, surveyors and project managers.

    The subdivision development design contains considerable civil engineering design by Strata Group Engineers to ensure that overland flow paths are maintained, that a natural inland wetland on the adjoining property (referred to as He Tipu) is protected and that potential for large flood events are accommodated within the subdivision design.

    The subdivision will create to a total of 44 developable Industrial Lots within Stages 1-4, and 5 developable Industrial Lots within Stage 5. The subdivision will un-lock opportunities for industrial businesses and research and development enterprises to take advantage of geothermal resources available via Contact Energy infrastructure located within stages 1-2 of the subdivision.

    Approval of resource consents and the shift to construction activities to implement this subdivision development will realise the aspirations of the six hapū that collectively make up Te Pae o Waimihia Maori Trust (who direct the development entity He Ahi Limited Partnership). It is rewarding to see mana whenua continue to re-assert their tribal identity over their whenua in Taupō. It has been a privilege to be part of this He Ahi project development team led by Blandina Diamond (He Ahi Project Director).

  • Simon Gabrielle, Senior Civil Engineer

    Strata Group Consulting Engineers offers Civil and Structural Engineering solutions for a diverse array of projects throughout New Zealand. During my career at Strata Group and in previous roles, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in many interesting projects. However, the opportunity to collaborate on this project with He Ahi truly stands out as both exciting and unique.

    Participating in the design and overseeing the civil aspects of an industrial land development project that prioritises sustainability over simply designing to the rules and regulations, and embraces core values such as Kaitiakitanga, Whakapapa and Whanaungatanga, and respect of Mana Whenua has been hugely satisfying. Throughout this project, we consistently consider the final outcome: an industrial space that coexists harmoniously with the natural environment, setting a benchmark for future industrial developments on this whenua.

    Navigating the challenges of the project has been no small feat. From existing easements, utilities, and geotechnical hurdles to mindful consideration of the natural surroundings including the impact on the broader environment—especially the He Tipu wetland - each obstacle has shaped the civil design that we have completed. The outcome is not merely obligatory; it reflects a genuine commitment to being sympathetic and responsible.

    Stormwater management has been paramount to the overall design. The project will treat all of the stormwater run-off from the new roads via grassed and planted stormwater swale drains. The development also regulates treatment from the future businesses who will occupy the industrial yards that are being developed. Stormwater attenuation has been achieved through dry storage ponds with bathymetric wetlands upstream. These features will provide stormwater quality treatment, attenuation to limit post development flows to predevelopment levels, an enhanced habitat for native fauna, and create an aesthetic asset rarely observed in industrial environments.

    The mahi tahi with He Ahi and the wider consultant team along with regular consultation with Taupo District Council, Waikato Regional Council and external utility providers has paved the way for a successful development that we trust not only meets but exceeds the desires of all stakeholders and will deliver an outstanding asset to the wider Taupo region.

    Strata Group looks forward to seeing the design of the He Ahi development through to completion and assisting with construction monitoring of the subdivision infrastructure. We are also very excited about the prospect of collaborating with future lot owners and developers to help to ensure the overall vision for the whenua is not lost and to help to foster the growth of the subdivision beyond the issuance of titles for future generations.

    For and on behalf of Strata Group Consulting Engineers.