Fletcher Building : Residential completes purchase of Oruarangi Rd

Fletcher Residential has completed the purchase of 33.8 hectares of land for its residential development in Oruarangi Rd, Mangere. Last week's purchase follows Auckland Council planning consent approvals granted in May of this year.

General Manager Ken Lotu-I'iga said Fletcher Residential is pleased with the continued progress on this important development. 'It is well known that Auckland needs more houses and we believe this will be a wonderful new neighbourhood sensitive to the surrounding area. It will also include affordable housing which so many Aucklanders so desperately need.'

The land was farmed by the Wallace family for more than 150 years and was zoned for future residential development in 2011. In 2014 Auckland Council then granted Special Housing Area status to the existing owner. Fletcher Residential plans to build up to 480 homes on the site with a mix of stand-alone homes and terrace housing. It will include approximately 48 affordable homes.

A small part of the residential development land borders the Stonefields Reserve. Ken Lotu-I'iga said the Stonefields are an important part of the history of Aotearoa. 'We applaud the Auckland Council for acquiring the Stonefields and making them a reserve for all to enjoy. In keeping with this history of protection we have set aside more than 25% of the development land to provide a buffer zone for the reserve.'

Comprehensive preparations and planning have already been undertaken to protect the culturally significant geological features of the area including the adjacent Stonefields Reserve. Fletcher Residential has commissioned reports from archaeologists, Heritage New Zealand, lizard experts, engineers, and others and incorporated these recommendations into the development plans.

Ken Lotu-I'iga said the company has been working with Māori leaders who have the mandate to represent their Iwi. 'We have walked the site with mandated representatives and used ground penetrating radar to confirm the exact location of caves and midden. We are not building on any of these areas. We are also protecting the old farm house and some significant trees. We have comprehensive protocols in place for the discovery and protection of anything of significance found on site including having an archaeologist on site.

'We believe Auckland can have both history and houses. We are committed to creating a new neighborhood that reflects these values. While we understand there is some local opposition from people who don't want any development at all, we believe that the redevelopment of this site has been carefully considered and provides a good outcome for Aucklanders. We will continue to discuss our plans with mandated stakeholders.'