A bold new vision

In the heart of Franklin, just 40 minutes south of Auckland, lies a visionary new town that represents a fresh approach to community living.

Founded with the intention of creating a master-planned town that future generations can be proud of, Paerata Rise is more than just another real estate project.

Community at the heart

This sprawling new town, covering a 300-hectare site is set to house around 4,500 homes once fully complete in 2035.

But despite its size, a strong sense of community has been central to the project’s development from the beginning.

“The key is to build a community,” says Chris Johnston, director of Grafton Downs, the team behind the town.

“We wanted to create a town where people know their neighbours, where children can play safely in the streets, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.”

To achieve the ultimate lifestyle opportunities for a wide range of owners, the town has been designed with ample green spaces, parks, and gathering areas - encouraging residents over generations to come together and foster relationships.

Johnston emphasises that the vision isn’t just about infrastructure. Prospective residents can “build their community together, creating a sense of kinship and connectedness where everyone knows their neighbour on a first-name basis,” he says.

Connected living

Connection is at the core of this community’s existence, both in terms of its physical location and its integration into the wider Auckland region.

Situated between Karaka and Pukekohe, the development offers the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and urban convenience. The location has been carefully chosen to provide residents with easy access to the amenities of Auckland while offering the peace and space that comes with living outside the city.

“We’ll have a railway station as well (opening in the next two years) so our community can hop on a train and commute to work if they want,” says Johnston.

The new train line will ensure a seamless connection to Auckland’s city centre, reinforcing the founders’ commitment to providing a lifestyle that combines the best of both worlds—urban accessibility and a strong community feel.

Beyond transportation, the town has been designed with connectivity in mind. The layout encourages walking and cycling, with an extensive network of paths and trails that link homes to parks, schools, and shops.

This focus on connected living is about more than just physical infrastructure; it’s about creating a place where people can easily interact, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.

Paerata Rise is set to house around 4,500 homes by 2035.

A vibrant heart of the community is the village centre, with everything you'd expect from a township.

Modern living

Paerata Rise offers a diverse range of housing options that cater to modern living while ensuring each home is unique.

With 15 different builders involved in the project, no two houses are exactly alike, providing a rich variety of architectural styles and designs. This diversity not only adds character to the community but also allows residents to find a home that truly reflects their personal taste and lifestyle.

“The key is to build a community and we also didn’t want every house to be looking the same,” says Johnston.

“Every house will look different and the architects can be creative so the town looks unique. We use 15 build partners, and each partner has a choice on which architects they use.”

The town is packed with state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

“We’ve got a primary school, an early childhood centre, a park and playground already; we are working on our commercial area, which is going to have a supermarket and shops,” Johnston adds.

From the oxide-infused pavement concrete that reduces glare and heat to the all-abilities playground, every detail has been carefully considered.

Future-Focused living

Future-proofing has been a key consideration in the planning and development of the community.

The founders have taken a long-term view, ensuring that the town will stand the test of time and continue to be a desirable place to live for generations to come.

“What we wanted to do is build a community that in 50 years’ time or 100 years’ time, people will say this was well done, they are proud of it,” Johnston explains.

“We are being respectful to the Franklin area, which is a rural area.”

Design guidelines governing architecture, landscaping, and streetscapes ensure that the community is aesthetically pleasing, while still allowing for individuality and creative expression.

“Part of the design guide is also to get the cars off the road,” says Johnston.

The town’s layout prioritises safety, with rules that prohibit air conditioning units or gas bottles in front of homes, ensuring a clean, attractive streetscape.

Environmental sustainability has also been a major focus, with green spaces, energy-efficient building practices, and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area. Paerata Rise is not just about creating a town for today, but about building a community that will thrive in the future.

Paerata Rise offers a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting new chapter in Auckland’s history.

Whether you’re raising a family, looking to downsize, or seeking a vibrant community to call home, it’s a future-focused community designed for living, with something for everyone.

Discover Paerata Rise