First sites released for new Rangiora residential development - Rossburn
A landmark new residential development surrounded by native reserves and wetlands is underway, with the first home sites released to the market this week.
Rossburn, located on 24 hectares of the Spark family farm near Rangiora in North Canterbury, will have 270 new homes, a community hub, farmer’s market and a café precinct when complete. It is uniquely positioned encircling the Northbrook Wetlands, an ecologically significant reserve.
The first stages of Rossburn include Brookside and Marketside. Brookside features attractive sites set along the reserve with direct waterfront access to the Northbrook Stream/Ō-Tūmatapura. Careful design ensures the built environment merges harmoniously with the surrounding reserve and wetlands with views to Mount Grey/Maukatere. Marketside sits alongside the site of The Old Dairy, heritage farm buildings which will be transformed into a community hub with a weekend farmers’ market showcasing the region’s outstanding fresh produce and local artisans.
Originally established by the Ross family in 1870, the Rossburn land has remained in multi-generational family ownership ever since. The Spark family has farmed here since 1942.
Geoff Spark, who is overseeing the new development with his cousin Hannah Williams, says Rossburn will have an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, community spirit and urban connectivity.
“Our family has been working on this project for many years, and to see it come to fruition is so exciting. We are creating something special, designed with a long-term vision.
“This is a chance for people to establish a home immersed in nature, and to be part of a real and vibrant community. We want them to feel a sense of the history of this place, our long and careful guardianship of the land, and a deep connection to the natural beauty surrounding it,” Mr Spark says.
On 11 September a blessing ceremony was performed by Dr Te Maire Tau, the local Tuahiwi (Ngāi Tahu iwi) leader. Community members were joined by Waimakariri District councillors and the Mayor Dan Gordon, and invited guests.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said “as a Council, we have planned for development up to 17,000 new dwellings over the next 30 years. Rossburn is a very fine example of our District Plan giving effect to it and the Spark Family working with our Council to achieve it.
“Their respect for this land, and for the generations who have cared for it, reflects the values we want to retain as our district grows. I am pleased to see so much of this history being brought forward into this development,” Mayor Gordon said.
The proposed Rangiora Eastern Link (REL) will run directly from Rossburn’s Spark Lane to Lineside Road. The REL will provide shorter, more direct connection to Christchurch and significantly reduce local congestion.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, Rossburn features community-led design including a planned café precinct near Northbrook Reserve with uninterrupted view of Mount Grey/Maukatere. A pre-school is also proposed, adjacent to the café.
“Rossburn is a rare opportunity for people to be part of a carefully planned community set thoughtfully in this unique part of the world. We expect our first premium-positioned sites will be in high-demand,” Mr Spark said.
“We're pleased to be working alongside local Rangiora business BG Contracting, a long-established Canterbury civil construction company with a strong track record, who will be taking care of bulk earthworks, roading, drainage, utilities, footpaths and kerbs,” Mr Spark says.
“Rangiora town centre is just a few minutes’ away. It’s a really progressive town with a lovely mix of heritage and modern amenity,” Mr Spark said.
“With major Christchurch facilities including the international airport, the new OneNZ Stadium and Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre a short drive away, Rossburn residents will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.”
Key Milestones
• Earthworks commence: Spring 2026
• Section sales go live: Brookside and Marketside 18 September 2026
• Civil works: Summer/Autumn 2026–27
• Rangiora Eastern Link construction start (proposed): Spring 2027
The Rossburn sales office is located at The Old Dairy, 220 Boys Road.