Environment

Treading Lightly on the Land

Plants can take up to 50 years to grow in this challenging environment, with very infertile soils, high temperatures and salt-laden winds. The area is home to many species of plants and animals.

During construction Transit will take care to minimise any impact on the natural environment.

Works will stay within the boundaries of the current road as much as possible. Working closely with DOC and the local iwi, Transit engineers have developed systems for protecting the land during road construction and restoring the site after the road has been built.

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Water and Soil

Scenic View

The soil in this area is geologically old and vulnerable to erosion, especially on the ridges.

By sealing the road, stormwater runoff will be reduced and erosion on the surrounding land minimised.

Culverts will be built under the road so stormwater is discharged safely. There will be less silt in the water than there was before the road was sealed, and it will be discharged onto areas where any impurities can be trapped and dispersed harmlessly.

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Community Involvement

Ngati Kuri is working with Transit, with support from the Department of Conservation, to replace any native plants that are removed as part of the sealing project. New plants will be grown in a nursery from locally gathered seeds.