Property removal on Pharazyn, Marsden, Mills and Rutherford Streets

Demolition of properties to ground level is mostly complete by Greater Wellington and its contractors. Properties have been removed to create the space required for the flood protection works (e.g. the Mills St Stopbank and Melling Transport Improvements). 

Clearing the sites

The final stage, which is now underway on Pharazyn St near Melling Station, is to remove what's left on the sites. We’re starting with the removal of plants and trees. Then concrete slabs, driveways, foundations and redundant underground utilities will be removed. We expect this work to be completed in January 2025.

Vegetation removal

No heritage plants have been identified, but we’ll collect seeds from totara trees, and salvage plants (where we can) from residential properties. Some priority invasive pest plants have been identified and are being removed safely by Greater Wellington’s biosecurity team to prevent their spread.

Some of the branches removed are being provided to our friends in Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo. These will be used mostly as feed for the giraffes and nyalas (a type of antelope). The capybaras, kangaroos, wallabies, sheep and primates will also get some, and what remains is being mulched to help stabilise the soil.

Reuse and recycle

We continue to recycle as much material as possible.

• We have relocated entire houses, and engaged with Mana Whenua and the community about re-purposing chattels and other items.
• 99% of available concrete has been recycled and used for infrastructure projects across the region.
• In October 2023 we hosted a Salvage Day. Over 200 items were taken by the community instead of going to landfill.
• Fencing removed will be available to be recycled for making pest traps.

We will continue to look for opportunities to salvage materials as building removal work nears completion.

Safety is important

We have been surveying for hazardous and contaminated materials and removing them safely before work continues. We’ll continue to follow WorkSafe guidelines while doing this.