New pipes same technique

Manurewa is getting new stormwater infrastructure. Alongside Mahia Road work is well underway to upgrade the old stormwater pipes. Manurewa has experience large population growth in the last few years as many residential developments have opened up such as Glenveagh Park and Wattle Downs causing an increase in impervious areas and increasing the level of storm water runoff into the drains the old pipes are no long able to handle the volume of water runoff from the area.

Source: Layco, 2011 Personal Photos.
Diggers preparing the ground for the pipes.

Source: Layco, 2011 Personal Photos.
Pipes on road side waiting to be placed underground.

Source: Layco, 2011 Personal Photos.
Numerous large pipes that will be installed to help Manurewa deal with stormwater.

Its great to see investment into infrastructure in Manurewa, however it should be accompanied with more environmental methods of dealing with stormwater and runoff such as rain gardens. Old methods of channelling and draining stormwater maybe efficient in the short-term but its long-term impacts on the environment is significant and should be avoided. Other areas have dealt with stormwater using best management practises with added creativity no longer is the stormwater piped and quickly sent away but it becomes a integral feature of the place. 

Source: Prince, J.W. 2011.
Stormwater ponds used as a "natural feature" in a park.

Source: Prince, J.W. 2011.
Stormwater retention ponds as a 'natural' view for the surrounding residential development.