Rotokauri Greenway

The Project

The Rotokauri Greenway project is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the environmental and urban landscape of Hamilton, New Zealand. Since 2022, our team has worked alongside the client, project team consultants and asset owners dedicated to developing a sustainable and community-focused greenway that not only improves water management but also provides a recreational space for residents.

The 4.7 km long Greenway is designed to manage and treat stormwater runoff through a series of swales, artificial wetlands, and ponds. This system helps to convey and store flows from Lake Waiwhakareke to Lake Rotokauri, ensuring better water quality and reducing flood risks.

The project will include realignment and recontouring of the existing Rotokauri Drain, along with upgrades to the culverts and the construction of check dams. These improvements will assist in managing water flows and enhancing the overall functionality of the greenway.

Once complete, the project will unlock the potential for housing development, providing space for approximately 20,000 new residents. The greenway serves as a vital recreational area, promoting outdoor activities and fostering a sense of community.

Our Role

We were brought into the project by the private client in 2022 to advance the design and provide expert geotechnical and contaminated land services. Our role has included the following key contributions:

• Site investigation to support compliance with environmental and geotechnical requirements including:

  • Site walkover and geomorhic and paleochannel mapping

  • Hand augers, CPT testing, seismic CPTs, Machine Borehole, Piezometer installation and groundwater monitoring, and sampling for lab analysis

  • Inspection for evidence of HAIL activities and/or visual soil contamination, and collection of soil samples

• Geotechnical assessment included:

  • Ground modelling, liquefaction, lateral spread, slope stability, settlement, dewatering and dam design.

  • Assessment of effects on surrounding land and asset owners including Waka Kotahi, Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council, and surrounding residential and industrial properties

• Contaminated land assessment to ensure the site is safe for development. This included:

  • Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI) and Detailed Site Investigations (DSI) to identify potential contaminants across the site.

  • Recommendations for further investigations and remediation, ensuring that any potential risks to human health and the environment are managed effectively.

• Reporting a series of reports to support fast-track approval including:

  • Geotechnical Factual Report summarising current and existing testing information across the site

  • Geotechnical Assessment Report presenting our geotechnical results and assessment of effects

  • Geotechnical Effects Management Plan outlining monitoring and mitigation measures for identified effects

• Collaboration with the project team to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and meets the required technical standards and community driven outcomes.

The Results

The project is currently ongoing, and we are proud to have helped the project achieve fast-track approval. Our continued involvement in the upcoming construction phase reflects the trust and collaboration within the project team. The Rotokauri Greenway is set to be a cornerstone for future urban development, combining environmental stewardship with community benefit.