The sprinklers are watering a grassed area below a berm running parallel to Smitham Dr at the 78-lot Gair Ave subdivision, a joint venture between the council and development firm AC/JV Holdings Ltd.
Neighbours have complained about the state of the plantings in the area, which they say has been left unwatered for months.
Niwa meteorologist Seth Carrier said the town recorded 77% of average October rainfall last month with 27.8mm.
Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said the developer was advised and would "attend to the matters raised".
The council takes over maintenance of the site in June, when it would "ensure that it complies with the agreed landscape plan".
Alistair Hey, one of the company owners, confirmed irrigation was scheduled to be turned on yesterday at the subdivision.
