Do I need a building consent for a retaining wall in Auckland?

Generally yes, if the wall is retaining more than 1.5 metres of ground, or if it's in a position where its failure could affect a building or public space. Auckland Council may also require consent for walls on unstable ground regardless of height. ICB can advise on consent requirements during your initial consultation.

How long does a retaining wall project take?

Timeframes vary significantly depending on wall size, site conditions, and access. A straightforward residential wall might take a few days, while a large commercial or infrastructure project could take several weeks or months. We'll provide a programme as part of your quote.

What type of retaining wall is best for my site?

It depends on your ground conditions, available space, height requirements, and budget. Allan Block and concrete block walls are popular for residential use, while soldier pile or shotcrete walls suit tighter or more complex sites. Our team can assess your site and recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Can ICB help with emergency slip repairs?

Yes. ICB responds to emergency retaining and slip repair work across Auckland and NZ. We aim to respond within 24 hours and can deploy temporary wall solutions quickly to make sites safe before permanent repairs are completed.

What types of piling does ICB offer?

We offer a full range including palisade piles, foundation piles, micro piles, driven piles, sheet piles, and secant piles. We'll recommend the most appropriate type based on your ground conditions and structural requirements.

When is piling needed instead of standard foundations?

Piling is typically required when surface soils are too weak or unstable to support a structure directly — common in Auckland with its variable volcanic and clay soils. It's also used on steep sites, near water, or where settlement risk is a concern.

What is shotcrete used for?

Shotcrete is used to stabilise and finish surfaces including retaining walls, rock batters, embankments, tunnels, and shafts. It's particularly useful where access is difficult or where traditional formed concrete isn't practical.

Can ICB handle both the design and construction?

Yes. We offer a full design-and-build service, which means a single point of accountability from concept to completion. This simplifies procurement, reduces coordination risk, and often results in more buildable, cost-effective outcomes.

What We Do

We provide a complete range of retaining and foundation solutions, from design to construction, built to perform in any environment. Our team combines proven experience with innovation, ensuring every project is delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

Retaining Walls

From residential projects to large-scale infrastructure, ICB can construct retaining walls of any size or shape — including walls up to 15 metres high.

We specialise in challenging conditions, such as:

Sloping or unstable ground
Near-water or coastal sites
Limited access or adverse weather

To discuss your retaining wall needs and get a quote, contact us.

A row of modern houses with beige, white, and dark gray siding, metal roofs, and parked cars in front. A curved road runs through a residential neighborhood, with a concrete retaining wall and a wooden fence on the right side. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue.

Piling

ICB has extensive expertise across all forms of piling, including:

Reinforced deep concrete piles
Palisade, foundation, micro, driven, sheet and secant piles

We also offer integrated services such as pile caps, capping beams, foundations, shotcrete, and drainage.

To discuss your piling needs, contact us for a quote.

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Anchors & Stabilisation

We provide complete anchoring and ground stabilisation systems for slopes, retaining structures, and excavation support.

Our services include:

Ground anchors and soil nails
Slope reinforcement and stabilisation
Retaining structure strengthening

To discuss your stablisation solution, contact us for a quote.

Construction workers and heavy machinery building a road on a hilly area with trees and bushes around.

Shotcrete

Our skilled shotcrete specialists deliver high-quality finishes for retaining walls, embankments, and structural stabilisation. Whether for permanent or temporary applications, we ensure strength, coverage, and precision in every spray.

For your shotcrete needs contact us for a quote.

Construction site with steel reinforcement bars in a concrete wall, construction machinery visible at the right.

Custom Design Solutions

Our in-house engineering and design team offers practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to your site. We collaborate closely with geotechnical engineers and clients to develop efficient, constructible design that work within your budget.

Whether you need a full design-and-build package or bespoke advice, we deliver engineered results that last.

Got an idea in mind? Contact us to talk about your project.

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Modern architectural buildings with black and white lattice patterns, set in a park-like area with a pond and lush greenery in the foreground, and hills with grass and rocks in the background.

“Working with ICB has been amazing, and I’m not sure another contractor could deliver the same high level of quality as seen on this project. They have made such an effort to put care and attention to every detail’

— Alex Smith March Cato Developments

Ready to get started?

Our engineers and construction teams are ready to help you plan, design, and deliver with confidence.

Get in touch