HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Work is well under way across Te Rā Nui as we head into autumn 2026. This quarter has seen real momentum - homes under construction, more homes cleared to make way for new ones, and major progress in Cannons Creek Park, the wetland and our new reservoir.

Here's a look at what's been happening:

NEW HOMES TAKING SHAPE ACROSS EASTERN PORIRUA

Construction is underway on 79 new social homes in eastern Porirua. These homes are on track to be completed by the end of June 2026.

In Cannons Creek North East, construction has begun on 30 new CPC homes, due for completion by the end of December 2026.

We've also been clearing the way for future development. Fourteen homes have been removed from the corner of Matahourua/Castor Crescent and 13-19 Castor Crescent - a move that could make way for up to 26 new homes to be built by the end of June 2027.

A NOTE ON STORMWATER

The Global Stormwater Consent has been approved for Te Rā Nui. This is a significant milestone - it means new homes built within the wetland catchment area won't need individual stormwater detention or treatment systems, as these will be managed centrally by the wetland.

CANNONS CREEK PARK AND WETLAND: PROGRESS UPDATE

Construction on Cannons Creek Park and wetland continues to progress. Here's a snapshot of what's been completed so far:

Site setup and environmental controls

The site is now fully set up for construction. Environmental controls are in place, including three sedimentation ponds and water diversion systems. Security fencing and cameras have been installed, and the lower sports field has been converted into a site office compound.

Wastewater upgrade

A total of 803 metres of wastewater main is being installed, including 18 manholes. To date, four manholes and 176 metres of wastewater pipe have been installed, and all installed manholes and pipes have been tested.

Stormwater upgrade

490 metres of new stormwater mains are being installed across nine manholes. Four manholes and 155 metres of stormwater pipes are already in the ground.

Sports field 1

Around 9,600 cubic metres of existing stockpile has been moved from the wetland area to fill Sports Field 1. Total bulk fill in the field now stands at approximately 11,000 cubic metres.

Wetland earthworks

12,000 cubic metres has been cut to the base of the wetland. Our contractor partners at JFC are currently building a fish refuge pond and installing the pipe that brings water into it. Two manholes have been installed, along with 32 metres of concrete pipes.

Material from the site is being screened to separate finer soil, which will be reused to build up and level the wetland base. 

Coming up next:

• Continued wastewater and stormwater pipe installation

• Ongoing wetland earthworks

• Wetland drainage and stormwater system installation

To find out more about this project, visit our Cannons Creek Park and Wetland page.

PORIRUA HIGH LEVEL NO. 2 RESERVOIR: CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

Construction is now under way on a new, larger water reservoir at the end of Stemhead Lane in Whitby, sitting behind the existing tank.

Site clearance and establishment works are complete. Environmental controls are in place, and the main earthworks are getting under way.

This upgrade will ensure local households have reliable access to clean drinking water, even during major weather events or disruptions to the wider network. Visit our reservoir webpage to find out more.

COUNCIL VISIT TO TE RĀ NUI

On 20 March, Kāinga Ora and Te Rā Nui presented to the Porirua City Council Leadership Team, City Councillors, and communications staff. Representatives from the team at Te Rā Nui- Rachelle Raw, Nick Howcroft, Bianca Hitha-Neumann and Steve Mann - were on hand, followed by a bus tour of the development. The tour included a visit to the new wetland under construction, a number of super lots where new homes are being built, and the reservoir site.

TIMELINE

Autumn 2026

• Existing stockpile carted and used to fill Sports Field 1.

• Bulk earthworks cut to the wetland base.

• The fish refuge pond is complete.

• Wetland inlet and outlet construction and installation.

Winter/Spring 2026

• Bothamley pathway construction (subject to winter work permit).

• Earthwork stabilisation for the winter season at Cannons Creek Park.

• Continued sewer and stormwater upgrade installation at Cannons Creek Park.

• 79 social homes completed.

• Construction starting at the corner of Matahourua and Castor Crescent.

Summer 2026/2027

• Pathway construction at Cannons Creek Park.

• Pathway lighting installation at Cannons Creek Park.

• Upper sports field sub-soil drainage installation at Cannons Creek Park.

• Installation of landscape design features at Cannons Creek Park - BBQ areas, play equipment.

• 30 homes completed by Central Pasfika Collective (CPC).

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

If you have questions, check out our project pages, FAQs, or get in touch with the team here.