Our Services

To design and build is to know your client, really know what they want why and how you can be dutiful in fulfilling the look and feel of the brief.

We offer the full turnkey service but also encourage clients to use the designers they are comfortable with as this relationship may already exist and forming a meaningful working relationship with your client is extremely important if you want to work with them again.

Once the architect, designer or our in-house team has done all their detailed design work, then it is up to us to understand and perceive what on paper is to be constructed in the open space project. value engineer and then come up with the best budget to add value to the client. As we are designers ourselves, we can speak to all parties involved with a clear understanding of the design capabilities versus the construction requirements, especially in the cases of design meeting budgetary requirements.

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Consultation & Design

According to Brazilian landscape architect Benedito Abbud, "Landscaping is the only artistic expression in which the five senses of the human being participate. While architecture, painting, sculpture and other visual arts use and abuse only the vision, landscaping also involves smell, hearing, taste and touch, providing a rich sensory experience by adding the most diverse and complete perceptual experiences. The more a garden can sharpen all the senses, the better it fulfills its role. " [1]

Auaha atea will for you, establish a Clear Vision and Goals and develop an understanding of the project's purpose and desired outcomes. We combine elements of art and science to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing extension of indoor living to the outdoors.

Auaha atea combines elements of art and science to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing extension of indoor living to the outdoors. We can also work from a series of images that you like and come up with something relatively smart with very little detail. The most imprtant thing is that client and installer are in 100% in agreance in the plan.

The initial purpose of landscape design is to blend man’s technology(house or building) into the natural surroundings and then bring technology into nature to enhance the experience with sound and dramatic lighting to give you that “wow factor”. making your outdoor room a desirable place to be.

Auaha atea offers a complete service, from consultation, project estimating and open space design plans to project management, installation and maintenance. Our design principles include unity, balance, transition, focalization, proportion, rhythm, repetition, and simplicity. All these principles interact to yield the intended personalised, authentic design.

The consultation is normally 1-2 hours and is an important part of the design process, as it helps determine the scope of work for your project. This initial meeting generally takes place at your home and is a critical first step for both you and the Interior Designer. It’s the chance to get to know each other and see if you’d like to work together, and there is absolutely no obligation to continue with design services after this consultation if you’re not feeling a connection!

We value Effective Communication. Open and transparent communication with stakeholders and team members is vital. We also believe in Collaboration and Teamwork, fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered and valued.

We will establish a robust Risk Management Plan, actively identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks while also endorsing Continuous Improvement.

We are nimble, adaptable and Flexible. Being able to adjust plans and strategies as needed.

We are always Learning from experience by documenting lessons learned from past projects to improve future performance, and we place great focus on value. Ensuring that the Project delivers tangible benefits to the business.

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$Set fee per project

In project management, client consultation takes on a different dimension. It involves engaging with clients to understand their project needs, objectives, and expectations.

This process sets the stage for a successful project by aligning your team's efforts with the client's vision.

Client consultation in project management is not just about gathering basic project requirements; it's about establishing a strong foundation for collaboration.

It's the process of diving deep into the client's world, understanding their unique challenges, and crafting a project plan that not only meets their specifications but also exceeds their expectations.

Baz Locke has managed some of the biggest Landscape contracts in Aotearoa, with the likes of The Waterview Tunnel, Onehunga foreshore, The New Zealand Convention Centre and the multi-award-winning “Enfield Apartments in Milford and along with his commercial acumen brings a down to earth “hands on’ approach.

Being a trained furniture designer and Cabinet maker he also leads our Custiom installation division. In speaking to him you can see by his reactions and passion that this is where his heart lies. he prides himself on coming up with solutions where others say “Nope can’t be done”. when he hears this he goes actively looking for a solution just to prove it can and generally, he finds a way.

If You have a complex project to be managed or need something tricky done … Go see Baz.

Project mangement

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Pricing the actual works is an exercise in itself and this service is part of our offering and this builds the financial framework of the project and ultimately the feasibilty.

Our landscaping team keeps to your budget and timeline, and your Landscape Consultant keeps you informed every step of the way.

A solid project plan boils down to key components that guide every step.

Goals and project objectives.
Success metrics.
Stakeholders and roles.
Scope, budget, and resource allocation.
Milestones, deliverables, and project dependencies.
Timeline and schedule.
Communication plan.

Our commitment is to deliver your design brief to perfection. We build Projects that stand the test of time; built once, built right. For us the details matter - working your property or construction site with respect for your time and space and always keeping a clean and tidy site. We make sure the journey to your successful outcome is a pleasurable one..

The maintenance of Green spaces is a necessity for at least 12 months as nature keeps growing and needs to be nurtured into fruition. If your budget doesn’t allow for it, we will supply you with a meaningful plan to assist you in reaching your green spaces full potential.

Installation and maintenance

The work and methodology to use a crane to place 2000 litre Karaka’s over a sky bridge have an immense amount of coordination andf pre-planning, and when that’s done well, these installations go in without a hitch.

“Nothing is too complex or complicated, there is always a way”……. Auaha atea

Play spaces

Small play spaces for early childhood centres

The Spaces where we send our little ones to get their first taste of learning are so important and along with the ever-increasing budget restraints we need to consider these Key Principles and Considerations:
1. Te Whāriki: The curriculum, which emphasizes play-based learning and holistic development, is the foundation for early childhood design.
2. Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements like sunlight, ventilation, and vegetation to create a calming and stimulating environment.
3. Natural Materials: Using natural materials like wood and stone to create a warm and inviting space.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability Designing spaces that can be easily adapted to different activities and age groups.
5. Protected Spaces: Creating areas where children can retreat and engage in quiet activities.
6. Clear Pathways: Designing spaces with clear pathways to facilitate movement and reduce congestion.
7. Involving Children Engaging children in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
8. Outdoor Spaces: Creating outdoor spaces that encourage exploration, play, and connection with nature.
9. Safety: Prioritizing safety in all aspects of the design, from materials to layout.
10. Licensing Regulations: Ensuring that designs meet the requirements of the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.
Design and build to your budget

Get in touch with us as depending on what sort of look and feel you are after, we can give you an indication per m2 what this will cost. as we have centres we have down or our staff have done prior which we can reflect on and put real science behind our pricing. we can also help you establish a budget for funding no problem.
Sevrice offering from Auaha atea
1. Working with teachers and your community
2. Remove old playgrounds if required
3. reparation and laying of soft fall areas
4. Concrete placing and texturing
5. Soft landscaping
6. Playground Design
7. Building of structures (decks, whares, bridges, etc)
8. Preparation and laying of artificial turf
9. Sourcing of plants and trees
The Process
Project Brief: Client provides brief of the work they wish to undertake and what they wish to see in the new playground. Client to outline any issues the area has, for example poor drainage.If the area is an existing playground indicate any structures etc. that are to be retained.
If a sketched outline of the site and some photographs can be provided this is helpful for the site meeting
Information provided by client regarding age group/abilities the playground is to cater for
Site Survey: Site visit arranged. Site will be measured, photographs/drone footage taken. Exchange of ideas about what may and may not work in the space
Concept Design: An initial design will be provided based on the information from the brief and site visit. This can take two or three weeks. This will be sent to the client with a written brief that outlines the work to be undertaken
Developed Design: A final plan to be provided that incorporates any changes that the client has requested. An updated proposal is also provided. A quote for the work will be sent. Upon acceptance a time will be made to undertake the project and a contract put in place.
Construction: The build time will be outlined before work commences. School and centre policies regarding access to the site need to be provided by the client. The area will be secured with fencing. Disruption from construction will be kept to a minimum but is unavoidable. Once construction is completed the area will be left clean and tidy.
Large commercial playgrounds

The large commercial playground… well the world is your oyster there is an abundance of local and international playthings that some you haven’t even dreamt of.
Commercial playgrounds are high-quality, durable play systems designed for public use in places like parks, schools, and businesses, prioritizing safety and promoting physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development in children.
Key Features & Considerations:
Durability & Construction:
Commercial playground equipment is built to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, using materials like galvanized steel, sturdy plastics, and weather-resistant coatings.
Safety Standards:: They adhere to strict safety standards and require professional installation and regular inspections.
Variety of Play Elements:: Commercial playgrounds offer a wide range of equipment, including swings, slides, climbers, playhouses, and interactive features.
Inclusive Design: Many commercial playgrounds are designed to be inclusive, offering accessible options for children of all abilities.
Benefits for Children: Playgrounds help children develop motor skills, social skills, strength, and imagination.
Applications: Commercial playgrounds are found in various locations, including parks, schools, churches, daycares, and businesses.
Customization:
Playground People and KOMPAN offer customizable playgrounds that can be tailored to specific needs and themes.
Maintenance: Commercial playground equipment often requires dedicated maintenance and inspections to ensure safety and longevity.
Lifespan: The expected lifespan of commercial playground equipment is generally 8 to 20 years, with some high-quality equipment lasting over 25 years.
Estimated cost per m2 for a commercial playground $400.00-450.00
Involving Children

The kids will be brutally honest and let you know instantly if it’s a success…
Flexibility and Adaptability

These are key phrases in any business in current times, and we have no problem changing things around if they don’t work, it’s all part of the fluidity in adapting to a space.
Clear pathways

Whether this is meant metaphorically or just what is required, space and movement play a huge part in the layout of any play space.