You can construct a retaining wall up to 1.5m, provided it does not carry surcharges (additional loads like a driveway, a building, or a steeply sloping bank). If it does or exceeds 1.5m, it will require building consent from your local council.

There are many varieties and options out there, depending on the aesthetic landscaping look you are after, and if cost is a driving factor.

In a residential application, the two most used retaining walls, are a SED timber retaining wall, or a keystone masonry retaining wall.

Depending on the design, you should expect anything between a minimum period of 25-50 years. 

And even if you do not require a building consent, I would always advise the consultation of a structural engineer to give you a design to follow. You may feel it’s an unnecessary cost, but for longevity, my professional opinion would be to seek support from a local structural engineer. At Kiwi Construction, we can help you in this area.

By far and away, the best and most popular low maintenance driveway is a concrete driveway. Paver driveways require the most maintenance, with constant weed maintenance, and re-sanding of the pavers themselves. They are also more difficult to clean up using a water blaster if moss and mould start to grow on them. 

You do not need building consent for your pool or spa if it sits directly on the ground, or in the ground, and its capacity is less than or equal to 35,000 litres. However, all pools with a depth of 400mm or more need some form of a pool barrier, and this requires a consent. The only exception to this rule is if it has non-climbable sides of 1.2m high above ground. The ladder for the entry point MUST be removable and stored away when not in use. 

A resource consent may be required if the proposed pool is within close proximity to a boundary or another building. 

For further details, please check with your local council, to discuss your pool’s design and any further regulations and consents that it may require. Better to be safe than sorry!!