Case studies –
Planning & Regulatory
Professionalism and ethical behaviour is a core principle of the company. This is reflected throughout all our activities.
Tauranga Eastern Link
On behalf of Environment Bay of Plenty, we processed the applications for all consents sought by the New Zealand Transport Agency and Tauranga City Council associated with the Tauranga Eastern Link. This 23km greenfields toll road will provide improved access from Te Maunga to Paengaroa, within improved access to the Port of Tauranga.
SouthernSkies part in this project involved the technical assessment of erosion and sediment control methodologies, streamworks and stormwater management options, attendance at pre-hearing meetings, preparation of the officers hearing reports and attendance at the hearings.
This project is typical of the extensive experience that SouthernSkies brings in coordinating and processing resource consent applications on behalf of regional councils, particularly for large scale infrastructure project. The team at SouthernSkies has been integral in providing similar services for all major New Zealand Transport Agency projects undertaken in the Auckland Region since 2000.
SouthernSkies has now been engaged by the Fulton Hogan / HEB team to develop the detailed erosion and sediment control plans and methodologies for the project.
Key partners
Northern Gateway
The SouthernSkies team provided the Auckland Regional Council with technical assessment and input into hearing reports for all stages of the Northern Gateway Motorway between Albany and Puhoi. This project crossed very sensitive environments, including the Nukumea and Otanerua streams and the Waiwera River.
SouthernSkies then monitored all stages of construction for compliance with the various resource consents granted to the project by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC).
Through the partnership undertaken with the Auckland Regional Council, the continuing development of positive working relationships and the enduring high standards of compliance on site, several projects that SouthernSkies has monitored have been recognised through industry best practice awards.
Key partners
Mill Creek Wind Farm
On behalf of Greater Wellington Regional Council, SouthernSkies Director Gregor McLean has recently provided expert review and Environment Court evidence in relation to the environmental management systems for the proposed Mill Creek Wind Farm near Wellington.
This work draws on Gregor’s experience in the development and implementation of environmental management plans, erosion and sediment control plans, chemical flocculation and environmental monitoring. Gregor is also providing environmental monitoring of sediment ponds at the Millwater subdivision near Orewa, north of Auckland. This work includes telemetric rainfall monitoring and automatic sampling of pond discharges.
The SouthernSkies team has previously provided expert evidence to council and Environment Court hearings regarding roading developments and re-zoning of rural land.
Key partners
Waikumete Cemetery
Since 2004, SouthernSkies has provided extensive planning and consenting services to Waitakere City Council.
Those services involved planning advice and preparing and obtaining resource consents for OPEX and CAPEX projects including road construction, stormwater and wastewater upgrades (local and catchment wide), the management of contaminated soils, public walkways, lighting, bus shelters and tsunami warning system.
The contracts also included a number of projects within Waikumete Cemetery, such as the development of new burial areas, construction of mausoleums, and restoration of gates and an historic chapel. We have also completed environmental sampling and monitoring within the cemetery.
Waikumete Cemetery, at 108ha, is the one of the largest municipal cemeteries in the Southern Hemisphere. Having been in continuous use since 1886 it is a privilege to be involved in the operation and development of this cherished asset of the people of Auckland.
Key partners
Wairere Falls Track
Through our relationships with Frame Group Limited, Auckland Council and its predecessors, SouthernSkies has developed specialist skills in obtaining resource consents for public walkways and cycleways through parks and other sensitive areas, including land managed by the Department of Conservation.
These projects generally require consents for vegetation alteration, earthworks and sometimes structures under the relevant district plan. Occasionally they also trigger consent requirements under regional plans.
SouthernSkies has developed key project teams of designers, arborists and archaeologists to provide integrated planning, design, consenting and construction services for public assets.
An example is the Wairere Falls Track within the Kaimai Ranges near Matamata. SoutherrnSkies obtained resource consent from Matamata Piako District Council for the replacement of two bridges on this Department of Conservation track.
Key partners
Auckland Metro Electrification
In 2008 SouthernSkies was engaged to provide expert technical advice and strategic consenting services to Ontrack’s electrification of the Auckland Metro Rail system.
On behalf of the project we obtained agreement from the regional council on a number of permitted activities, and prepared and obtained resource consent for the management of potentially contaminated soils within the corridor. We now provide ongoing compliance services to Ontrack and the contractors.
Key partners
Victoria Quarter Depot Redevelopment, Auckland CBD
Working with an extensive team of architects, engineers and planners, SouthernSkies provided consenting services to the Pelago redevelopment of the 3 hectare inner city site formally used as a council works depot and more recently as warehousing and car parks.
The project involves approximately 20 multi-storey mixed used residential and commercial buildings, and extensive basement car parking. SouthernSkies prepared and obtained resource consents from the Auckland Regional Council for earthworks and the diversion of groundwater, and from Auckland City Council for the basement and first stages of buildings.