The Watchman Road causeway bisects the Ahuriri estuary which is located within the Westshore Wildlife Reserve, a delicate natural habitat which is classified as a wetland of national and ecological significance. The intersection of SH2-SH2A-Watchman Rd was officially one of New Zealand’s most dangerous intersections.

The highly significant nature of the site meant that what was essentially a roading project, needed to not only find a transport solution , but also as a minimum, address potential ecological, cultural, landscape, land use, visual and transport impacts.

A key focus for our project team was to protect and enhance the wetland area and the biodiversity that utilises it. There are over 70 species of bird, including threatened species such as the Australasian Bittern, New Zealand Dabchick, Banded Dotterel and Black-Billed Gull. It is also an important habitat for eels, fish and some shellfish.”

All soft landscaping was supplied and installed by South Pacific Landscapes, including wetland planting, open water planting and roadside swales and median plantings, installation of biodegradable erosion control blankets and arborist bark mulch. It was a really interesting project to complete.