A PLACE TO CALL HOME IN OREWA

Welcome

The team at Strathmill have taken the time to listen to the community and we are proud to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What will the development/houses look like?

Strathmill will consist of 466 homes on a 24 hectare live zoned residential site, comprising 457 standalone homes, 7 terrace homes and 2 duplexes. Single and double level homes with a range of 2 to 5 bedroom configurations are planned on different size sections.

Homes in Strathmill are designed with garages and/or parking pads. In addition, on-street parking spaces have been included in the development to cater for guests and additional vehicles.

Phil Smith – Strathmill Master Planner and Architect says “This master planned development offers a wide variety of choices for individuals and families, from first home buyers to large families and retirees. The pre-designed and consented homes ensure consistency and quality, while the integration of landscape design and the consideration of topography result in attractive and varied streetscapes. This thoughtful approach to urban design creates a vibrant and inclusive community, accommodating diverse lifestyles and meeting the needs of residents across different stages of life.”

How will traffic issues be resolved and how will public transport be upgraded?

Orewa’s Strathmill development will boost the area’s infrastructure through the construction of a new public road network compromising 11 new public roads and two upgraded intersections. The new public road network will provide better connectivity to improve traffic flows to the area which currently has poor pedestrian and cyclist connectivity – so Strathmill will have significant positive benefits of linking West Hoe Heights and Flavell Drive for pedestrians, cyclists, and potentially for public transport by providing a new route through the site.

How will stormwater and wastewater systems be upgraded to meet demand?

Investment by the development company will improve community infrastructure from stormwater enhancements to reserve developments. Along with local infrastructure upgrades, an additional development contribution of $6.7M paid by the development company which is levied by Local Government to be used to fund parks and infrastructure.

What protection and restoration is in place for the environment?

Significant improvements in regeneration of streams through riparian planting and extensive landscaping will be undertaken and improve the amenity value and quality of life for all residents in the area.

Will Strathmill be at risk of flooding in an extreme weather event?

The engineering design includes extensive flood modelling and confirms that Strathmill is not at risk of flooding in an extreme weather event.

The development is in accordance with Auckland Council design standards for new subdivisions. These standards are significantly more robust than has historically been the case, as evidence in some more established areas with recent flooding.

Does Orewa need more affordable housing?

Our research proves a demand exists for more affordable housing in Orewa, supported by local legislation.

Simon Watts - MP for North Shore said in the House in supporting the legislation in 2021 that “A significant proportion of the feedback that I had was from young people within my community of the North Shore. These are young people who are struggling to afford to buy their first home, they are struggling to find a home to rent, and they are hopeful in terms of being able to participate in the homeownership process, as have many generations before them, but the reality is that this is a significant challenge. It’s a significant challenge that has faced our country for a period of time, and I think while there is no silver bullet in terms of solutions, the ability for both sides of this House to work together to put in place actions that will make and support this process and support the futures of our young people in particular is, I think, a good thing.”

In September 2022, the medium density residential standards (MDRS) for specified urban areas including Orewa was mandated under the Resource Management Act to enable a wider variety of housing choice for thousands of Kiwis desperate to buy quality affordable housing.

Oscar Sims - the Labour Party’s candidate vying for the Auckland Central seat at this year’s election, is a spokesman for the Coalition for More Homes and a leading advocate of affordable housing in Auckland, has said increased housing in Ōrewa with a range of different sizes would allow more Aucklanders to choose the sort of housing that worked for them. He said the coalition supported the provision of more housing supply, and thought it was unfair for Orewa residents to “lock out” potential future residents.

“The beach is a big part of Kiwi culture, and we don’t think it’s fair that existing residents can lock potential future residents out of living in desirable areas - not everyone can afford a large house,” Sims said. He said housing developments in greenfield areas like Ōrewa were more infrastructure intensive, but the best way to relieve this pressure in the future was to support more developments that made better use of existing infrastructure.

What was Covid Fast Track Legislation intended for and what are the requirements?

Strathmill consenting is proceeding under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and has met the purpose and criteria for access.

This Act provides for a short-term consenting process to fast track projects that can boost employment and economic recovery.

A project can only access the fast-track process if the Minister for the Environment (and the Minister of Conservation if the project is in the coastal marine area) considers it meets the purpose and criteria of the Act by providing jobs and investment in a way that promotes the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.

Under the Act, a panel appointed to consider the applications must, before making a decision, invite comments from people and organisations listed in the Act. The panel may invite comments from any other person it considers appropriate.

For more information and to submit your questions, visit www.strathmill.co.nz