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- By Chris Harrowell, Eastern Times
The company behind a rural East Auckland residential housing development that’s battling issues relating to wastewater infrastructure has been placed into receivership.
Residents living in the Whitford Manor Estate development, built by Le Coz Ltd, have been publicly airing their frustrations with the wastewater situation for more than a year.
According to the New Zealand Companies Office’s Companies Register, Kevin John Murphy is the sole director and shareholder of Le Coz Ltd.
In mid-2024, residents conducted a public protest while waving placards on the side of the road outside the development, which is accessed from Whitford Park Road.
The issue stemmed from what they said was a lack of progress on building a wastewater treatment plant, which left sewage having to be removed via truck.
As a result, some residents were able to smell raw human waste.
A resident living at Whitford Manor Estate told the Times about the situation prior to Le Coz Ltd being placed into receivership, which happened earlier this month.
They said the development’s “private state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant” was supposed to service its 31 households.
“We are desperate for Auckland Council to step in and take over the completion and running of the plant from the developer.
“The developer does not have a discharge consent, so instead of converting the treated waste to potable water and discharging it into the settling ponds, it is simply held in storage tanks and trucked off the estate at a cost of about $30,000 a month.
“Meanwhile, we are stuck with an inoperative wastewater treatment plant that is little more than a cesspit for collecting sewage.
“It stinks and is a health hazard. It’s also an environmental problem as we are located right next to the Whitford Estuary.”
Auckland Council field operations manager David Pawson recently told the Times in the past year the council has investigated complaints from residents regarding wastewater overflows.
The council has taken enforcement action in each instance of a verified wastewater discharge.
“The private wastewater treatment plant and the land it is on are owned by the Whitford Manor Estate Residents Society Incorporated, of which all owners in the development (including Le Coz Ltd in relation to any unsold lots) are members.
“Therefore, all owners have a responsibility to maintain the plant and adhere to consent conditions, including maintenance of the plant and odour management.
“We empathise with these residents and the council has been working with the developer to ensure a resource consent for a permanent wastewater solution could be lodged as soon as possible.
“This consent was lodged late last year and has since been publicly notified.
“Submissions for this application closed in February, and the application is currently on hold while we await further information from the applicant.”
The Times asked the council what Le Coz Ltd being placed in receivership meant, if anything, for residents in Whitford Manor Estate and their wastewater infrastructure issues.
Pawson says: “From a compliance perspective, the situation is unchanged.
“The society is made up of the property owners who are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the wastewater plant.
“If the properties change hands, then we would work with any new owners to remedy the matter.
“The owner doesn’t yet have a discharge consent as this is still being processed, with the application currently on hold.”
Leon Bowker and Luke Norman of KPMG Auckland were appointed receivers of Le Coz Ltd on August 4. Their first receivers’ report is due on October 11.
According to the New Zealand Companies Office’s Companies Register, a brief description of the property in receivership is “all of the company’s present and after-acquired personal property”.
Bowker told the Times: “On August 4, 2025, Leon Bowker and Luke Norman were appointed Receivers and Managers (Receivers) of Le Coz Limited, the Company behind the Whitford Manor Estate; a residential land subdivision project encompassing 81 lots, located 20km southeast of the Auckland CBD.
“The appointment of the Receivers follows a prolonged period of subdued sales activity and the failure of the developer to meet key milestones for the development.
“The Receivers have now assumed day-to-day control of the development and land sale process and will be working closely with all relevant stakeholders to progress with the development and execute a revised sales strategy.”
The Whitford Manor Estate website states the development offers “country living and city convenience”.
“Whitford Manor Estate occupies a stunning site on the corner of Whitford Park and Saleyard Roads next to the golf course.
“Surrounded by rolling green hills and mature trees, it is the perfect location for your dream home.
“With a picturesque site and rustic landscape design, this exclusive subdivision has all the charm of a country estate but with the convenience and amenity of living within greater Auckland.
“Whether you’re looking to build a forever home, purchase one of the existing houses, or invest in one of the upcoming projects, there are many opportunities to join the thriving community at Whitford Manor Estate.”
Murphy has not responded to requests for comment from the Times.
