The subdivision of an 83 lot property at Waihi Beach brought with it a number of significant civil engineering challenges. Maranui Estate is based on a very steep site overlooking Waihi Beach and the Bay of Plenty. While providing magnificent views, it is also highly visible from the whole of Waihi Beach and therefore any development undertaken on the site needed to be both sympathetic to its environment and sensitive to the local community.

Great care was needed in designing the overall development. Woods coordinated the engineering process to deal with all geotechnical issues and to provide a sympathetic landform for residential development, overcoming any potential for stability problems. The intention of the roading and lot layout was to utilise the elevated contours of the then farm land to create broad outlooks across the Bay of Plenty towards Mayor Island to the north and Mt Maunganui to the east. The other important aspect of the design was the Client's desire to create generous reserve areas, with approximately 35% of the original land area being designated as reserve. Woods' work also included designing the infrastructure including stormwater treatment devices, sanitary sewer pump station and a water booster station.

One particularly interesting aspect of the planning for this subdivision was the iwi consultation process that Woods undertook in light of the cultural significance of parts of the site. Working sensitively throughout the planning and construction process, a number of artefacts were discovered including an early bird trap, digging instruments and bowls which have been passed on to the local iwi for conservation after preservation.

Integral to the success of this project as with each of the projects Woods undertakes was the need to work closely with relevant authorities. This included the provision of practical, engineer-led design and solutions, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all parties including contractors.