Awakeri Wetland Stage 1A

Building a community with wetlands in mind

PROJECT: Awakeri Wetland Stage 1A CONTRACTOR: McKenzie & Parma CLIENT: Auckland Council – Healthy Waters VALUE: $13m

The Awakeri Wetlands Stage 1A was a high-profile project to improve flood-prone areas in Takanini, South Auckland. It forms part of the revitalisation of the area to enable thousands of homes to be built in this growing community.

The first large-scale open stormwater channel in the country, it was delivered by McKenzie & Parma as main contractor and consultant GHD from April 2018 to July 2020.

The 2.3-kilometre-long stormwater channel forms a natural stream and wetland, with a series of weirs that control water levels, and connects boardwalks, shared cycleways and pathways with public recreation areas, enhanced by extensive native plantings and specimen trees. Originally a kauri swamp, large ancient swamp kauri were uncovered during construction, many of which have been left in place to celebrate the history of the areas.

This was a complex project involving extensive earthworks, and robust erosion and sediment control. It required a collaborative problemsolving to find solutions that were sustainable, environmentally sensitive and delivered value for money. As well as being a large development, this project was unique with the site being almost entirely composed of peat material and prone to waterlogged conditions.