Drury wetland’s ‘eeling’ power

The tuna [eel] design was chosen for both its cultural significance to mana whenua as well as for functional purposes.

There’s something more than a little fishy about a monumental addition to the Franklin landscape – Drury Wetlands is one of the largest constructed wetlands in the country.

“The tuna [eel] design was chosen for both its cultural significance to mana whenua as well as for functional purposes,” Peter Norfolk from Tonkin Taylor says of a new multimillion-dollar freshwater wetland at Drury South Crossing. “The S-shaped design, with its winding curves and varying elevations, is necessary [for] a slow meandering stream.”

The ‘S’ shape helps ensure it will prove a healthy waterway by removing sediment and pollutants before they reach the Hingaia Stream and Manukau Harbour, he explains.

Created by dam design experts along with artists from local iwi, the wetland took two years to complete and covers 35,000sqm. It opened in April 2021.

“Bringing this design to life in a relatively short space of time required the latest in sophisticated 3D modelling and construction techniques.”

In addition to helping improve water quality, it will provide a habitat for endangered native eels, fish and birds. It is intended to strike an environmental balance with the new subdivision, Drury South Crossing CEO, Stephen Hughes, confirms.

“Residential lawns and grass around houses contribute to capturing sediment from stormwater runoff, however modern subdivisions tend to have less lawn, which increases the need to capture runoff from surrounding roads and housing.”

As an added bonus, the wetlands are an expansive recreational green space for residents of the subdivision and the wider community, Mr Hughes adds. “The creation of this new wetland and public recreational area is designed to set a new standard for residential and industrial developments in the Auckland region.”