Community Partnership Spotlight
The Hill is working to contribute to the surrounding community through partnerships with local businesses, collaboration with iwi, and environmental initiatives that support the area's long-term wellbeing. Learn more about how native species have been carefully relocated, how street names reflect local history and cultural identity, and how local suppliers and contractors are helping shape the neighbourhood as it grows
Supporting Local Schools
Supporting local schools is one of the ways we help bring The Hill and its community closer together. We joined St Mary’s Catholic School at the Ellerslie Fairy Festival in 2025, adding a touch of Fletcher Living magic to a fun-filled day.
We’ve also hosted students from One Tree Hill College’s Trades Academy on-site and visited their classrooms to share insights into construction careers and building practices. Their latest project - the relocation and upgrade of a second Kāinga Ora home - is a great example of how education and innovation go hand in hand.
These partnerships strengthen our local connections, support hands-on learning, and help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Environmental and Sustainability Progress
Before construction began, 27 native copper skinks were safely relocated to nearby Waiatarua Reserve, where they now live in custom-built log stack homes. Working alongside iwi partners, 66 tuna (eels) were also carefully caught and released into suitable habitats.
Over 19,000 plants and trees have been planted on-site to date, restoring native biodiversity across The Hill. Our landscaping partner Greenscene has diverted up to 90% of plant pots from landfill by reusing them, a practical example of our circular economy approach in action.
Cultural Heritage in Action
On 20 April, we gathered in Belvedere Gardens for the blessing of two newly installed rock sculptures, beautiful works that now stand as enduring anchors of cultural significance within the neighbourhood. The sculptures were designed and crafted by Chris van Doren and Paora Puru (Ngati Te Ata Waiohua), with catering provided by local businesses Little Luscious Cafe and Richoux Patisserie.
The first sculpture, Te Aromaunga, meaning "the face of the mountain", is positioned at the top of the Belvedere Gardens stairwell. Its name acknowledges the ancestral maunga visible from this hilltop site, with niho taniwha (triangular cultural patterns) etched into its surface, symbolising strength, protection, and resilience.
The second, Te Waiata, meaning "the water reflection", sits at the lower end of the stairwell. It pays tribute to the freshwater lake that once existed within what is now Waiatarua Reserve, honouring the relationship between whenua (land) and wai (water). A puhoro pattern represents the movement of water, and an ipu (bowl-like form) at the top captures rainwater, a space where birds may drink and children may play.
We are grateful to Paora and Chris for the whakaaro (thoughtfulness) and aroha (love) they brought to this work. These sculptures are an expression of manaakitanga, a gesture of welcome and care toward all who will call The Hill home.
All street names across The Hill were developed through community consultation and collaboration with local iwi, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, and community stakeholders. Each name carries cultural and historical significance, from Furlong Drive celebrating the racing heritage to Kiatere Lane, named after a legendary steeplechase champion.
Supporting Local Business
Flowers of St Johns in Ellerslie Village is our official florist, providing seasonal bouquets for our events. "The Hill team has been brightening up their sales events with my seasonal blooms" says owner Kerry McCullough. "It's wonderful to see a development that values being part of the existing community". We've partnered with a wide range of local Ellerslie and Auckland businesses across construction, supplies, and services, reducing our environmental footprint through shorter supply chains while strengthening the local economy.
More local partnerships are featured in our monthly newsletter. Interested in working with us? Contact thehill@frl.co.nz.
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