Sound catchment management within what was an entirely rural catchment, has been an essential element of the project, presenting opportunities to integrate ecological functionality and a strong landscape framework within the new urban environment. Of central importance to the ecological functioning is the restoration of ‘connectivity’, linking existing native forest patches at the top of the catchment with others at the bottom end. Where practicable, vegetation in the urban open space network is providing habitat for native birds, lizards and fish, including the restoration of inanga spawning habitat in the lower catchment close to the future village centre. Low impact design (LID) principles are being integrated with the landscape and ecology, by creating rain gardens and other natural water quality treatments within the streetscape and open space network.

Street environments have been designed to maximise their potential as places for people. In the ‘home zone’ residential streets people will have priority over cars and will be encouraged to use streets as public space. The usual allocations of separate space for transport, walking, cycling and infrastructure functions will be blurred and landscape elements used to enhance amenity and integrate built form with the outdoor networks.