Developing a best practice approach to the deployment of an overhead utility network.

Chorus needed to provide high-speed internet throughout Auckland. An overhead network was necessary where an underground network was not possible. Boffa Miskell landscape planners assisted with broadband consenting by undertaking visual assessment.

Boffa Miskell developed a best-practice approach for the overhead deployment, and to guide the proposal through the Resource Consent process. The result is an 'Auckland Consenting Rule Book’ alongside a detailed visual assessment.

Client

Chorus NZ Ltd

Location

National

Worked with

Arborlab
Beca
Incite

Project date

2015

Awards

Best Practice Award | Excellence in Consultation & Participation Processes | NZPI Annual Awards

With thousands of streets involved, it was essential to find a method to simplify the network design process. The method for minimising potential visual effects needed to be straightforward and applicable anywhere within the consent area.

We talked with network architects and engineers to understand the ultra-fast broadband programme. We worked with arborists, heritage architects and planners to identify trees and sites of significance management methods. Testing scenarios ensured potential visual effects would be ‘less than minor’.

Our cultural advisory team supported with developing an Iwi engagement best-practice approach. We led iwi engagement for Chorus to develop the approach for the consenting process, provided strategic advice on network construction affecting Māori, and technical advice around monitoring cultural impacts.

Concurrent with the development of the rule book, detailed GIS analysis was undertaken over the entire project area. This involved mapping various District Plan overlays (such as heritage areas and volcanic viewshafts) in order to identify areas of the city that might be subject to specific rules or constraints. Our GIS specialists developed a map identifying over 3,000 sites subject to various provisions under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.

Council granted over 25 consent applications, non-notified, and Boffa Miskell went on to assist Chorus achieve overhead consents in Gisborne and Wellington.