New link road to boost growth and environmental resilience
Published on 09 October 2025
Image: An artist's impression of the reserve which will be part of the link road development - this concept will be developed further
A new link road between Fox Road and Fitzherbert Avenue is set to unlock new land for development, improve local transport connectivity and enhance environmental resilience.
The 600-metre link road, named Pingao Drive, is part of the Springvale Structure Plan, which aims to meet projected housing demand for land out to 2065, providing a high-quality urban environment, walkable neighbourhoods, and streets connected to public spaces.
The structure plan proposes a shared cycleway network linking to schools and adjacent areas, provision for a neighbourhood park, and expected enhancement of the Tītoki Wetland, an area of high cultural and ecological value.
It includes a detailed landscape management plan, developed through a co-design process with Hapū, landowners, and the council. This plan is essential for restoring native plant communities and creating a functional ecological connection of the Mokoia catchment area from Roto Mokoia (Westmere Lake) to the Whanganui River.
The road opens up a new urban streetscape that has taken careful consideration of Tupua te Kawa, the four values under the Te Awa Tupua Act.
Mokoia Catchment programme director Piripi Huwyler says, “The delivery of the Fox to Fitzherbert Link Road marks a first step and significant milestone in the Mokoia Catchment Programme, a paradigm shift from conventional infrastructure development to one shaped by Te Awa Tupua and the values of Tupua te Kawa.
“This hapū and community-led co-design approach reflects the strength of working together as one, like the kawa: Ngā manga iti, ngā manga nui e honohono kau ana, ka tupu hei Awa Tupua – the small and large streams that flow into one another and form one River. It establishes the foundation for a wider network of projects to restore, reconnect and strengthen the mauri of our awa, whenua, wai and community.”
Resource Management Act changes to residential density rules mean the possible number of new housing sections in the area has now doubled compared to the original concept plans. The link road also includes a cycleway and reserve.
The project will provide critical transport access through currently underdeveloped land, opening the way for the potential construction of hundreds of new homes in the surrounding area. The link road alone will open up development for about 125 homes.
Council Three Waters manager Kritzo Venter says the project supports climate change adaptation and environmental outcomes.
“The area around the new road will incorporate features like enhanced wetlands, climate-adapted drainage systems and swales – shallow, grassed roadside channels that filter and convey stormwater – that will improve local water quality flowing back to our Awa and reduce the risk of flooding. This is an example of a water-sensitive urban design approach,” Kritzo Venter says.
The council is also developing a catchment plan alongside Iwi/Hapū under a Te Awa Tupua framework that will provide resilience for stormwater management and re-establish important ecological linkages to the Awa.
The larger catchment includes Mill Road, Titoki Wetland, Kokohuia Wetland and the Churton Creek (much of which is now piped and flows into the Whanganui River).
The new drainage network is designed to manage the area's low water table and will route stormwater into the Titoki Wetland through careful engineering and future stormwater reserves.
Downer NZ has been awarded the contract for the new road, with earthworks scheduled to begin on Monday, 20 October. The road and underground infrastructure are expected to be complete by the end of November 2026, followed by an additional 12 months to deliver downstream stormwater systems and stormwater reserve areas.
For more information, visit the project page on the council’s website.