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Your Local Advantage in Commercial Property
Developing land from afar comes with unique challenges, especially in high-stakes environments like airport precincts. Project Apōpō provided the local presence and expert project management needed to transform a commercial plot near the airport into a success.
By acting as the developer's local representative, we navigated the complexities of building within an active flight path. We worked closely with airport authorities to manage expectations and maintain total compliance with aviation standards, ensuring zero disruptions. From securing future-proofed energy solutions to hand-picking the best local tradespeople, we managed every detail so the client didn't have to.
Kaitaia Residential: A Full-Cycle Development & Heritage Project
Project Apōpō led this residential development from the initial site identification to the final handover of keys. Situated on a challenging, high-elevation site with panoramic views over the Te Ahu Centre, this project required a delicate balance of modern engineering, cultural stewardship, and lifestyle design.
Our comprehensive management included:
Acquisition & Planning: Identifying the site, negotiating the purchase, and securing both Resource and Building Consents.
Technical Rigour: Procuring and managing specialised engineers for geotechnical, stormwater, and wastewater designs to overcome the complexities of the sloping terrain.
Structural Innovation: Engaging structural engineers to design an expansive timber deck. This significant addition was engineered to safely overarch the slope, purposefully expanding the living space and capturing the site's spectacular views.
Cultural & Heritage Oversight: Recognising the site’s history as a former pā, we engaged deeply with two local hapū and managed archaeological reporting to ensure the land was developed with sensitivity and mana.
Construction & Renovation: We managed the relocation of a suitable dwelling from Auckland and oversaw an extensive renovation using high-quality local contractors.
The Result: A stunning, revitalised home now owned by a young local family, featuring seamless indoor-outdoor flow that celebrates its unique Northland vantage point.
Kerikeri Wastewater Treatment Plant: Rescuing a Critical Community Asset
This project represents a significant achievement in Natalie’s professional portfolio, delivered while working for another consultancy. Natalie was engaged to provide client-side project management for the Far North District Council (FNDC) at a critical juncture: the project was four years in, and the existing plant was over-capacity and failing to meet environmental standards.
Key Contributions & Strategic Outcomes:
Problem Resolution: Successfully untangled longstanding contractual, legal, and planning issues that had stalled the project’s progress.
Pandemic Resilience & Innovation: When COVID-19 necessitated a site shutdown due to personnel and supply shortages, Natalie developed rapid, innovative solutions to manage disease transmission risks. In a situation the industry was unprepared for, she ensured project continuity and safety.
Collaborative Management: Bridged the geographical gap between the Auckland-based designers and the local site through a collaborative management style and virtual site visits.
Operational Readiness: Facilitated comprehensive hazard management planning for the plant’s future operations.
Formal Authority: Fulfilled the essential roles of Contract Manager and Engineer’s Representative.
The Impact: Despite global disruptions, the project successfully relocated the plant, ensuring environmental compliance and providing the capacity needed for Kerikeri’s future growth.
Enabling Vital Infrastructure through Cultural Connection
When MetService sought to establish a new rain radar in Northland, the ideal site was landlocked behind Māori-owned land. Project Apōpō was engaged to bridge the gap between corporate infrastructure needs and local community interests.
Our role involved:
Complex Landowner Engagement: Identifying and connecting with a wide network of landowners to facilitate a shared vision.
Structural Governance: Guiding the establishment of an Ahuwhenua Trust, providing the legal framework for the owners to manage their land collectively.
Creating Mutual Value: Negotiating a landmark agreement where MetService gained vehicular access in exchange for providing ongoing educational support to the Trust’s beneficiaries.
This project was more than just an access agreement; it was about building a sustainable partnership. The rain radar is now a "game-changer" for Northland, providing life-saving weather data for the entire region.
Your Local Experts for Rural Compliance
Developing rural property from a distance requires a project manager you can trust to handle the technical details. Project Apōpō stepped in for an out-of-town developer to lead a remote residential project through the final, critical stages of compliance.
Recognising that reliable water and waste systems are the backbone of rural property value, we oversaw the procurement and installation of specialised potable water and wastewater treatment solutions. By managing local contractors and liaising with the necessary authorities on the developer's behalf, we removed the stress of remote management.
The successful completion of these systems ensured the home achieved full compliance, allowing the owner to proceed with a successful sale.
Smart Infrastructure for Oturu School
Project Apōpō is proud to partner with Oturu School to deliver their 10-Year Property Plan (10YPP). Our role is to ensure that the school’s physical environment is safe, dry, and conducive to learning.
A key highlight of this partnership was resolving a persistent flooding issue on-site. By identifying and installing a simple yet highly effective drainage solution, we were able to quickly restore the usability of the school grounds.
Other wellbeing-focused projects include:
Thermal Comfort: New heat pump installations for year-round classroom comfort.
Health & Safety: A new UV water treatment system and a sprinkler system extension.
Effective Maintenance: Ensuring infrastructure upgrades provide the maximum benefit for the school's budget.
Waima C30A Strategic Realignment Project Apōpō was engaged to lead the technical realignment and relocation of a residential dwelling within the Waima C30A Block. This project focused on harmonising the site’s physical infrastructure with its historical land designations.
Our team undertook a comprehensive review of legacy documentation, identifying opportunities to modernise outdated records to reflect current regulatory requirements. We provided expert guidance on the phased relocation of the primary structure and critical utilities—including water storage, onsite wastewater treatment systems, and site access—ensuring the property is positioned for long-term sustainability and full compliance with contemporary standards.
Technical Advisory: Tegel Dargaville Resource Management
Project Apōpō provided specialised technical support to Tegel Foods Ltd during the planning stages of a significant pullet rearing facility in Northland. Our focus was on the intersection of primary industry operations and Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) requirements.
Technical Contributions:
Documentation Audit: Conducted a deep-dive review of technical specifications to identify potential social and environmental pressure points.
Benchmarking & Site Analysis: Utilised firsthand observations from Waikato-based facilities to inform the Dargaville impact analysis.
Empowerment Frameworks: Designed mitigation strategies that prioritised local training and employment pathways, turning a commercial proposal into a community opportunity.
Environmental Mitigation: Advised on strategies to reduce the facility's industrial footprint through proactive design.
Result: The project provided Tegel with a sophisticated understanding of the local landscape. By identifying both risks and opportunities for local empowerment, we ensured that the project’s legacy is one of informed decision-making and rigorous due diligence.
Pōtahi Papakāinga: Expertly Managing a Live Development
Pōtahi Papakāinga: Expertly Managing a Live Development
Delivered between 2022 and 2024, the Pōtahi Papakāinga project at Pōtahi Road, Te Kao, provided 16 new homes to support Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri (TRNOTA) whānau on their journey toward affordable home ownership. The development featured a specialised housing mix, including five 2-bedroom homes for kuia and kaumātua with varying accessibility levels, four 3-bedroom homes, and seven 4-bedroom homes (two of which were fully accessible).
Navigating a Live Site Environment
Navigating a Live Site Environment
The primary value Project Apōpō delivered was the seamless management of a complex, live construction site where 20 households were already in residence. Our team ensured the safety and well-being of the existing community through:
Community-First Coordination: We worked closely with the client to synchronise construction activities with daily life, ensuring no disruptions to school bus pick-ups and drop-offs or property access.
Cultural Respect: We proactively managed site works to maintain peace and access during tangi held at the adjacent marae complex.
Safety Excellence: We conducted monthly audits and continuous monitoring to protect both workers and residents.
Real-Time Monitoring: We deployed remote Wi-Fi cameras and a secure project dashboard, allowing stakeholders to view updates and site security at any time.
Comprehensive Infrastructure & Professional Rigour
Comprehensive Infrastructure & Professional Rigour
Beyond the whare, we oversaw critical infrastructure upgrades including a new wastewater treatment plant, roading, parking, and the addition of pedestrian pathways to support active transport.
Project Apōpō’s multi-disciplinary consortium provided:
Cost Management: We maintained strict financial control, managing all monthly contractor claims and retentions under NZS 3910:2013 and the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
Precision Surveying: Our team provided professional Land Surveying to ensure all houses and infrastructure were positioned with absolute accuracy.
Kaitiakitanga: In line with our commitment to broader outcomes, we ensured materials removed during construction were offered back to the community for repurposing.
By balancing technical expertise with a deep respect for the Te Kao community, Project Apōpō delivered a high-quality development that honours both the people and the land.
Pōtahi Papakāinga: Modern Whare for Te Kao Whānau
Delivered between 2022 and 2024, the Pōtahi Papakāinga residential development was a transformative project located at Pōtahi Road, Te Kao. This initiative was dedicated to achieving the long-term housing goals of Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri (TRNOTA): providing whānau with new, safe, and warm whare while supporting them on a sustainable path toward affordable home ownership.
Project Overview
The development introduced 16 new homes to an area where 20 homes were already established. To ensure efficiency and quality, these homes were prebuilt offsite and transported to the papakāinga. The housing mix was specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of the community:
5 x 2-bedroom homes dedicated to kuia and kaumātua, all of which provided for accessibility needs to various levels.
4 x 3-bedroom homes for whānau.
7 x 4-bedroom homes for larger whānau, including two units specifically designed to be fully accessible.
Beyond housing, the project involved significant infrastructure upgrades to support the expanded community, including:
The installation of a replacement wastewater treatment plant and associated reticulation.
Comprehensive roading and parking improvements.
The construction of pedestrian pathways designed to increase walking and cycling modes around the busier development.
Upgraded stormwater, telecommunications, and power systems.
The Project Apōpō Value Add
As a Māori-owned business registered with Amotai, Project Apōpō brought a unique blend of professional expertise and cultural alignment to this development. We served as the client-side Project Manager, Engineer to Contract (ETC), Quantity Surveyor, and Land Surveyor, ensuring TRNOTA’s interests were protected throughout the project lifecycle.
We provided distinct value through:
Precision Land Surveying: We provided specialised Land Surveying services to ensure all buildings, roadways, and critical infrastructure were positioned accurately on-site. This included a Land Surveyor with direct whānau links to Te Kao, ensuring the site was treated with professional and personal care.
Kaitiakitanga in Action: Committed to leaving a positive environmental legacy, we ensured that materials removed as part of the project were offered to the community for repurposing.
Rigorous Cost Management: Our Quantity Surveying function maintained strict financial oversight, which included managing monthly contractor claims and retentions in accordance with NZS 3910:2013 and the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
Innovation & Transparency: The team utilised remote Wi-Fi cameras and a secure project dashboard, providing stakeholders with real-time updates and virtual site visits that reduced travel costs and enhanced site security.
Technical Excellence: By employing PMI-certified project managers and Chartered Professional Engineers, we maintained rigorous control over time, budget, and scope.
Safety First: With SiteWise Green Certification, we prioritised the safety of all workers and whānau through continuous monitoring and monthly audits.
By integrating proven project delivery systems with a deep respect for tikanga, Project Apōpō ensured that Pōtahi Papakāinga became a sustainable foundation for the Te Kao community.
Waima Topu B: He Taupua Housing Feasibility
Project Apōpō was engaged by the Waima Topu B Trust to provide project management services for a Housing Feasibility Project funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD). Our role was to transform the Trust's strategic vision into a tangible, actionable development roadmap.
The Value We Provided
Project Apōpō served as the strategic lead, ensuring all technical workstreams were expertly coordinated and integrated into a final investment path.
Masterplan Optimisation: We assisted the Trust in reconfiguring their original masterplan to ensure development was viable within physical constraints, specifically addressing topography, proximity to waterways, and access sightlines along the State Highway.
Technical Leadership: Our team managed the engagement and coordination of specialist subcontractors for land surveys, geotechnical assessments, planning, and civil and traffic engineering.
Integrated Strategic Planning: We delivered a comprehensive Development Plan and Budget that synthesised complex technical data and provided precise cost estimates for future feasibility.
Project Synthesis: We acted as the central point of integration, incorporating the Trust’s own whānau housing assessments and workforce training plans as critical appendices to ensure the final plan remained community-aligned.
Project Scope
Our feasibility work focused on the viability of 35 potential residential sites across the Whawharu, Sheriffs / May papakāinga, and "Bull Paddock" development areas. By managing technical due diligence and budgeting, Project Apōpō empowered the Trust to progress their mission of housing their people with confidence.
Unlocking Potential: Cavalli Road Residential Extension
Rural development requires a deep understanding of local zoning and infrastructure requirements. Project Apōpō provided the specialist planning support needed to prepare a Cavalli Road property for a significant residential extension.
Rather than navigating the process alone, the owner partnered with us to gain a high-level view of their property’s potential. We conducted a meticulous assessment that translated complex planning rules into clear, actionable data. This allowed the owner to make informed decisions about their investment and the future of their land.
Key Outcomes:
Regulatory Clarity: Identified the specific planning requirements for rural residential growth.
Informed Decision Making: Provided a comprehensive report that served as the foundation for the project’s next phase.
Empowering the Next Generation: Kerikeri Cadet Unit Redevelopment
Project Apōpō is proud to provide pro-bono planning and infrastructure strategy to the Kerikeri Cadet Unit. Our goal is to transform their site into a modern, self-sufficient hub that reflects the unit’s values of leadership and resilience.
A Blueprint for Sustainability We are facilitating the essential planning stages for a comprehensive site upgrade. By focusing on sustainability and long-term viability, we are helping the unit reduce its environmental footprint through:
Off-Grid Solutions: Implementing solar power and composting toilets for independent, eco-friendly operations.
Site Optimisation: Relocating the carpark and improving site access to ensure a safer, more accessible environment for cadets and their families.
Pride of Place: Designing enhanced amenities, including a new flagpole and modernised training facilities.
Beyond Planning Our support extends beyond technical advice. We are actively assisting the unit with funding applications and direct sponsorship. Most recently, we were delighted to provide ten pairs of new boots, ensuring the cadets are equipped and ready for their training challenges.
Securing the Right Ground: Proactive Site Selection for Marsden Metals
Expanding an industrial business into a new region is a high-stakes move. For Marsden Metals’ expansion into Waipapa, Project Apōpō acted as the strategic planning lead, ensuring the client’s investment was grounded in technical and environmental reality.
We conducted a "deep dive" into the planning implications of their proposed site, ensuring adherence to the Northland Regional Plan and local district requirements. However, our greatest value-add came when we identified that the initial site choice would face significant regulatory hurdles.
Our Approach Included:
Identifying Alternatives: Rather than simply identifying problems, we presented a range of alternative site options that offered better planning outcomes.
Comprehensive Due Diligence: Evaluating zoning, noise, and traffic impacts alongside regional environmental discharge standards for each option.
Risk Mitigation: Helping the client avoid a costly "planning bottleneck" by providing the data needed for a strategic pivot.
Today, the Marsden Metals Waipapa facility stands as a model of efficient industrial placement—proving that the right advice and a proactive search for alternatives at the start saves years of complexity at the end.
LookNorth: Strategic Advocacy at the Beehive
Project Apōpō occasionally has the opportunity to apply our management expertise to high-profile, bespoke projects. In July 2025, we were contracted by NorthChamber to project manage the prestigious LookNorth event, hosted by the Northland Corporate Group at the Beehive, Parliament Buildings.
Our Role & Management Scope:
End-to-End Coordination: Managing the complex logistics of hosting a premier regional advocacy event within a high-security government environment.
Stakeholder Liaison: Acting as the central point of contact for Northland’s business leaders, corporate sponsors, and parliamentary hosts.
Protocol & Compliance: Navigating the unique requirements of the Parliament Buildings to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.
Execution Excellence: Ensuring the event's programme was delivered with precision, allowing Northland’s key voices to be heard at the highest level.
The Result: A highly successful evening of networking and advocacy that effectively showcased Northland’s economic potential to the nation’s decision-makers.
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