Ecological Impact Assessment and Fish Passage Monitoring – Springs Flat Roundabout, Whangārei
The details
The Springs Flat roundabout project in Whangārei involved diverting a tributary of the Waitaua Stream through a 110m culvert. An ecological impact assessment was required to support a resource consent application, and in 2023, Whangārei District Council (WDC) engaged NZ Environmental Management, now Hoskin, to prepare an Ecological Impact Assessment.
The assessment identified potential effects on aquatic habitat, lizard habitat, freshwater fauna and wetlands. As a result, an Aquatic Fauna Management Plan, a Stream and Wetland Management Plan and a Lizard Management Plan and Wildlife Act Authority were also required to protect native species during construction.
In June 2025, WDC received resource consent for construction of the Springs Flat roundabout. Hoskin provided ecological expertise for site monitoring and species relocation. Environmental outcomes, including fish passage through the new culvert, were monitored and consent conditions were met.
The challenge
The project team needed to avoid or minimise biodiversity loss, aiming for no-net loss overall. This meant working with the client to find ways to protect wildlife at pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases.
Our approach
We worked with the client to identify opportunities to protect wildlife at every stage. Prior to construction, we partnered with Ngāti Kahu o Torongare to relocate longfin eels, bully, koura and freshwater crabs. A Wildlife Permit was obtained, and several copper skinks were found and relocated to safe habitat.
Outcomes
Our early ecological advice helped WDC satisfy its Resource Management Act and Wildlife Act requirements, with biodiversity protection built into the project plan from the outset — leading to better outcomes for habitats and wildlife.
The culvert was completed in 2025, and we continue to monitor it for fish passage as required by resource consent conditions. We also provide monitoring support for the landscape planting contractor. Through ongoing, well-timed ecological monitoring, we help WDC meet its consent obligations while supporting positive outcomes for freshwater habitats and native species.