Karaka Lakes Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase a section at Karaka Lakes
Currently, there are three ways to purchase a section at Karaka Lakes. You can purchase:
1. A House and Land package from one of the preferred Karaka Lakes Builders;
2. A completed home from Universal Homes Limited or
3. A section directly from Karaka Lakes in the Farm Neighbourhood or the Karaka Ridge Neighbourhood.
Find out more about the available sections for sale.
Who are the Karaka Lakes Builders?
A number of builders representing some of New Zealand's pre-eminent building companies have purchased sections at Karaka Lakes. They are all aware of the Karaka Lakes Covenants and Design Guidelines, which are intended to ensure that the quality and visual harmony of the project, as envisaged by Karaka Lakes, is not compromised.
Find out more about the Karaka Lakes Builders.
Am I restricted to using the Karaka Lakes Builders?
No, you can use your own architect and builder provided their designs and construction comply with the Karaka Lakes Covenants and Design Guidelines. All plans must be submitted to Karaka Lakes for approval prior to making application to the Papakura District Council for building consent and prior to construction.
Are there Covenants in place to control house designs?
Covenants are registered on the titles for each residential lot to ensure a consistent quality development within each Neighbourhood. The Covenants allow for a mixture of single-level and two-level dwellings with consistent design themes (including integrated roof pitch designs, gables and eaves) and landscaping that maintain visual harmony with the surroundings.
Download Karaka Lakes Covenants »
Does Karaka Lakes provide Design Guidelines?
Yes, Karaka Lakes has prepared Design Guidelines (which may from time to time be updated or amended) to assist you with the preparation of your plans to meet Karaka Lakes’ approval. The Design Guidelines are intended to assist with maintaining the standards as envisaged by Karaka Lakes.
Does Karaka Lakes need to approve my house plans prior to construction?
Yes, Karaka Lakes requires plans to be submitted for its approval prior to application for a building consent with the Papakura District Council. This will ensure that the plans comply with the Karaka Lakes Covenants and Design Guidelines.
Please can you explain the staging at Karaka Lakes?
Instead of referring to the stages as stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, we refer to them by their “Neighbourhood” names, for example Stage 1 is the Farm Neighbourhood and Stage 2 is the Orchard Neighbourhood. Each Neighbourhood has its own reserve area which is intended to incorporate that Neighbourhood’s particular theme around which the community can gather. The Neighbourhood themes have been developed in response to the local history of the land.
How many homes will there be in the Farm Neighbourhood?
The Farm Neighbourhood is approximately 14.8 hectares incorporating 3.18 hectares of lakes and reserves. It is estimated that there will be approximately 130 homes in the Farm Neighbourhood once completed.
What are the lot sizes in the Farm Neighbourhood?
The Farm Neighbourhood provides for a range of dwelling and lot sizes, including medium and low density sections. There are 39 medium density lots ranging in size from approximately 320m2 to 510m2 or an average of 366m2. The low density lots range in size from 550m2 to 734m2.
When are titles expected to be issued for the Farm Neighbourhood?
Titles have been issued for the first 104 sections in the Farm Neighbourhood. Five show homes are under construction with an expected completion date of Spring 2008. The balance of titles along Hinau Road and Wawatai Drive are expected to be issued by Spring 2008.
How big is the Orchard Neighbourhood?
The Orchard Neighbourhood is approximately 9.5 hectares.
When is the Orchard Neighbourhood expected to begin earthworks and when will sections be available for purchase?
There is no firm date for commencement of earthworks for the Orchard Neighbourhood. However, titles are expected to be issued in Spring 2008 for a limited number of additional sections along Hinau Road and Wawatai Drive in the Farm Neighbourhood.
How does Karaka Ridge fit into the Karaka Lakes development?
Karaka Lakes also owns land on Harbourside Drive beyond the proposed future town centre. We have just released 33 sections for sale and called this new Neighbourhood Karaka Ridge. Titles are expected mid 2008. Separate covenants and design guidelines apply.
Download Karaka Ridge Covenants »
How big is the Karaka Lakes development?
The Karaka Lakes development comprises approximately 100 hectares and will include approximately 600 homes when fully developed. We estimate it will take Karaka Lakes 8 years to complete the development.
Who owns the lakes?
The lakes have been built by Karaka Lakes but ownership has now transferred to Papakura District Council as reserves for the benefit of the whole community.
Karaka Lakes did not want to limit the lakes to their stormwater function only, but rather saw the opportunity to include surrounding features that enhance the entire Karaka Lakes development. These features include walkways and attractive stonework, a fountain, waterfall, an attractive arched bridge and stone belvedere for the community to enjoy.
Where can I send my children to school?
There is the Karaka Learning Centre for preschoolers and the private Strathallan College providing education from preschool to high school. The Department of Education has also bought 10 acres on Hingaia Road and has advised that it intends to open a new primary school for the area by 2011.
Find out more about schools near Karaka Lakes.
I understand that there is a town centre planned; please can you tell me more about it?
The Hingaia Peninsula Plan change includes a 15 hectare Mixed Use zone across Hingaia Road from Karaka Lakes. This zone provides for a full service supermarket of up to 3500m2 and many retail, service and entertainment amenities including cafes, restaurants and movie theatres. It is anticipated that commercial space ideal for boutique offices and medical centres will also be available and construction could commence as early as 2011.
Is there Gas at Karaka Lakes?
Yes, gas connection is provided to the boundary of each residential lot. To arrange a supply, please contact OnGas 0800 42 75 48 or visit www.ongas.co.nz
I understand there are plans to widen and upgrade Hingaia Road, when will this take place?
Hingaia Road is an important arterial road providing a link to the rural areas to the west of Karaka Lakes and the Franklin District. Papakura District Council is progressively widening Hingaia Road from the current 2 lanes to 4 lanes. The first stage of this is complete and Stage 2 is under developed design. It is understood that the land necessary for this widening has been secured and Papakura District Council expects to commence works in February 2009 with a projected 6 month construction period. There will be a central median planted with trees.
Is there going to be an upgrade of the Motorway interchange?
Transit NZ has committed to a full upgrade of the existing interchange to a cloverleaf. Developed design is underway and Transit has indicated that it expects works to commence early 2009 and be completed by 2011.