New Zealand’s most exceptional infrastructure projects were celebrated at the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, including a pioneering Kiwi-led hydroelectric plant in Vanuatu, high-stakes water infrastructure in Wellington, and emergency repairs on a rail bridge in Canterbury.
The awards, presented at the Civil Contractors Conference in Tauranga, “celebrated the country’s most challenging and innovative civil construction achievements across six categories – from smaller works to multi-million-dollar mega projects”.
Civil Contractors New Zealand CEO Alan Pollard says in a statement that the winning projects demonstrated the industry’s expertise and the vital contribution to building resilient communities and supporting economic growth.
“These awards celebrate not just civil construction excellence, but the innovation and dedication that keeps New Zealand communities connected, supplied with clean water and protected from natural disasters.”
Brian Perry Civil won the award for projects valued between $50M and $100M for the Kaitoke Flume Pipe Bridge in Wellington, a project to replace an earthquake-prone bridge carrying 60 percent of Wellington’s water supply.
The judges congratulated Brian Perry Civil on its innovative approach and delivery of the “very complex” project five months early, without any effect on the capital’s water supply.
Te Ahu a Turanga Alliance – comprising New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, Aurecon, WSP and five iwi partners – won the category for projects valued over $100M with the Te Ahu A Turanga Manawatu Tararua Highway.
The 12km four-lane highway involved 6.5-million cubic metres of earthworks and the construction of the Southern Hemisphere’s widest balanced cantilever bridge…
Civil Contractors NZ says the 12km four-lane highway involved 6.5-million cubic metres of earthworks and the construction of the Southern Hemisphere’s widest balanced cantilever bridge, a mission that the judges described as “achievement of very high-quality outcomes of all construction work in a challenging physical environment.”
Emergency response excellence in Canterbury was recognised, with HEB Construction taking out the award for projects up to $2M with the KiwiRail Bridge 57 Pier Wash Out.
After severe weather in April last year, and while the Rangitata River was still in flood, HEB mobilised teams within two days, allowing trains to run again within 10 days after installing temporary support – completing the entire project in six weeks.
MAP Projects demonstrated international construction expertise, winning the projects valued between $10M to $50M category for delivering the complex Brenwe Small Hydro Power Plant in a remote part of Vanuatu.
“The four-year project overcame challenges including Covid-19 restrictions, five cyclones, and engaging, employing and upskilling local people to work to New Zealand construction standards.”
The maintenance and management of assets award was won by Auckland System Management Alliance for its stewardship of the Auckland and north-Waikato state highway network, which supports the economic activity of around 10 percent of the nation’s traffic.
“New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Fulton Hogan and HEB Construction make up the alliance, which was recognised by the judges for its success connecting with local communities and striving for continuous improvement.”
Isaac Construction secured the award for projects valued between $2M and $10M for work on the Christchurch City Council Aldwins-Ensors-Ferry Intersection Upgrade. Its team futureproofed one of Christchurch’s busiest intersections to make it safer and stronger during a seven-day closure in January, delivering $2.7M of high-quality civil works without incident.
Competition was fierce in all award categories, with numerous categories’ entries being highly commended by awards judges John Bryant, Peter Goldsmith, Tim Ford, Mike Harker, Alan Powell and Brian Warren.
Pollard said the winning projects demonstrated the results possible when contractors and clients collaborate effectively from project inception through to completion.
“The calibre of the finalists showcases the skill and dedication of our contractors, who work tirelessly to keep New Zealand connected, safe and on the right track.
When we combine technical expertise with genuine partnership and shared vision, we can deliver world-class infrastructure…
“What we saw tonight is proof that when we combine technical expertise with genuine partnership and shared vision, we can deliver world-class infrastructure that serves our nation for years to come.”
Gary Richardson, General Manager from award sponsor Hirepool, congratulated this year’s winners.
“The infrastructure these teams build becomes the foundation of our communities – the bridges that connect us, the water systems that sustain us and the transport networks that drive our economy.”
Hundreds celebrated the best of New Zealand civil construction at the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards.
Main story image: Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatu Tararua Highway was recognised with the award for projects over $100M.
