FEBRUARY, 2026
Hello Ara Hills residents,
We wanted to share a brief update on a few topics that have been front of mind across the community Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and for being part of what makes Ara Hills such a special place to live.
Mail Delivery at Ara Hills
We know the current mail situation has been frustrating, and we understand how important reliable mail delivery is for everyday life
NZ Post has changed its approach across all new developments in New Zealand, with mail now delivered to shared or “cluster” mailboxes rather than individual homes This is now their standard position for all new neighbourhoods.
We’re working directly with NZ Post to understand what this means for Ara Hills and to explore practical options. Due to our terrain and layout, finding safe, convenient and accessible locations for cluster mailboxes is more complex than in flatter communities.
Because of this, we’re also looking at an alternative option involving a centralised mail delivery point and how mail could be distributed within the community
Any long-term solution will involve ongoing costs and responsibilities that sit with the Residents’ Association, which is why resident input is so important
Our aim is to work through the options and present a clear proposal at the AGM later this year for discussion and feedback
At the same time, AVID is part of a wider industry working group advocating for more consistent and practical mail solutions across new communities nationwide Even as traditional mail volumes decline, we believe it’s important that Ara Hills has a solution that works for daily life.
ARA HILLS
Construction activity, site management and safety
You may have noticed increased construction activity across Ara Hills recently
At Stage 2, our contractor McKenzie Civils has completed most works, and we’re now in the final stages of the titling process an exciting step as we prepare to welcome new neighbours soon.
At Stage 4, our contractor Hoppers has commenced early works, including the installation of sediment and erosion control measures. These controls are essential and are monitored regularly to meet regulatory requirements
We’d also like to remind everyone that construction areas are active work sites with heavy machinery Recently, there was a near-miss involving children entering a live construction area Thankfully, no one was hurt
Even if site gates are open for authorised access, construction zones are not safe for public entry Please ensure children are supervised at all times and do not enter construction areas Keeping everyone safe is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate your cooperation
If you have concerns about construction activity, sediment control, noise or safety, please contact the site team directly so issues can be addressed promptly
Cats and Ara Hills’ no-cat rule
We’re aware there has been ongoing discussion about cats at Ara Hills, and we’d like to clarify the position.
Ara Hills is a no-cat community. This applies to all domestic cats and forms part of the development’s resource consent conditions.
The rule is in place to protect the significant native birdlife and wildlife surrounding our community, particularly given our close proximity to Nukumea Reserve
The connection to nature the birdsong, bush outlooks and reserve at our doorstep is one of Ara Hills’ defining features, and protecting it is a shared responsibility
We understand that some residents may not have been aware of this restriction when they moved in, and we recognise that this can be upsetting However, the rule does apply to all homes and needs to be respected to protect the wider environment and community values
If you regularly see a cat within Ara Hills, enforcement sits with Council Please do not take matters into your own hands Instead, contact Auckland Council Animal Control:
• Phone: 09 301 0101 (24/7)
• Online: Auckland Council website – Report a problem (Animals → Cats)
We ask everyone to approach this topic with understanding and respect, and to continue fostering a supportive and considerate community.
Supporting a Growing Community
In August 2025, residents were advised about Plan Change 119 a proposed zoning change lodged with Auckland Council to align zoning with both the development already built and what is planned for the remaining land
For existing homeowners, there are no changes to your property Your zoning is already reflected in your title and consent notice The proposed change applies only to undeveloped land and seeks to increase the total number of homes from 575 to around 900
This aligns with the long-term vision that has always been shared for Ara Hills: approximately 900 homes across 84 hectares, housing around 2,000 residents, while maintaining the retreat-like feel that makes the community unique and well connected to Orewa
The public submission period has now closed, and Auckland Council is preparing its hearing report. To help residents learn more, we’ll be holding an Information Centre session where you can view the plans and speak with our team.
We’re proud of how Ara Hills continues to evolve and will keep you informed as we grow together. Warm regards,
The Ara Hills Team