Matai Place Stormwater Upgrade - Oxford, Waimakariri District
In the quiet township of Oxford, where tree-lined streets meet a strong sense of community, a significant infrastructure upgrade has taken place — not with fanfare, but with impact. The recent stormwater renewal project connecting Matai Place to Park Street is a textbook example of how thoughtful civil works can strengthen the backbone of a growing rural town.
Driven by the need to address aging infrastructure and improve flood resilience, Waimakariri District Council engaged Stewart Civil Ltd to carry out the upgrade. The result is a modern, well-connected stormwater system that not only meets today’s needs but sets the stage for future growth.
At the heart of the project lies a new 375mm stormwater main, supported by a series of new manholes to ensure efficient access and long-term serviceability. The new line stretches from Matai Place through to Park Street, strengthening the drainage network along this key residential corridor.
But the work didn’t stop there. Recognising Oxford’s varied ground conditions and its reliance on sustainable drainage, the team also installed a series of new soak pits — a smart addition designed to promote on-site stormwater management and reduce reliance on piped systems. These installations work quietly and efficiently beneath the surface, dispersing runoff into the soil and easing the burden on the wider network.
Meanwhile, Ericson Lane — a service lane that had long suffered from poor surfacing and water pooling — received a much-needed facelift. Newly laid asphalt has given the lane a clean, durable finish, resolving past issues and making it far more user-friendly for residents and service vehicles alike.
Though much of the upgrade now lies hidden beneath the ground, its impact is visible in the way water moves (or doesn’t) after a storm. This project exemplifies the value of targeted, well-executed infrastructure investment — quiet work that safeguards the liveability of places like Oxford for generations to come.
