The 45th Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards held on 16 August at the Bill Richardson Transport Museum saw a vibrant celebration of outstanding infrastructure construction projects across New Zealand. Winning companies were recognized for their exceptional contributions in areas such as high-voltage cables, scenic bridges, emergency transport maintenance, and significant motorway projects.

Part of The Civil Contractors Conference, the awards showcased the innovative spirit and excellence of New Zealand’s civil infrastructure construction sector. Among the notable winners was Abseil Access, which showcased its expertise with the Manganui Gorge Bridge in Taranaki, taking home the award for projects under $2 million. This suspension bridge, which spans a deep gorge on the slopes of Mount Taranaki, is poised to become a key tourist attraction. 

Waiotahi Contractors, recognized as a hometown hero, secured the award in Category 2 for projects between $2 million and $5 million for its impressive reconstruction of the Landing Road Roundabout, enhancing the gateway to Whakatāne. Isaac Construction triumphed in the category for projects between $5 million and $20 million with the successful installation of a 7.5km 66kV electricity line connecting Bromley Station and Milton Station in Christchurch through bustling urban corridors. 

The top project award for projects valued between $20 million and $100 million went to the joint venture of Fulton Hogan and McConnell Dowell for their work on the State Highway 25A Taparahi Slip Remediation. This collaborative effort saw the completion of significant slip remediation and bridge reconstruction in just seven months, demonstrating exceptional efficiency and teamwork, with soil stabilisation subcontractor Geovert also being recognized as a finalist.

Fletcher’s and Acciona’s Ara Tūhono – Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway project won in the over $100 million category. This design-and-build contract faced unique challenges during the pandemic and extreme weather, ultimately delivering over 10 million cubic meters of earthworks to create a sustainable and resilient motorway north of Auckland.

The Tararua Alliance, a partnership between Downer and the Tararua District Council, received the award for management and maintenance of assets, having expanded its annual work from approximately $5 million to an estimated $90 million due to an increase in emergency response efforts related to slips.

As the awards highlighted, competition in all categories was fierce, with several entries receiving special commendations from the judges. Noteworthy mentions include Isaac Construction's Waihola Underpass project under SH1, which ingeniously prevented traffic disruption, and Brian Perry Civil's cliff stabilisation project in Hobson Bay.

Hawke's Bay also made its mark, with United Civil Construction earning acclaim for its rapid reconstruction of a significant rail bridge on the Palmerston North to Gisborne line destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle. McConnell Dowell's maintenance and refurbishment work on the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant added to the roster of commendations.

In a celebratory acknowledgement of long-standing contributions to the sector, John and Leonie Hynds were awarded life membership of Civil Contractors New Zealand for their 50 years of support. Additionally, equipment supplier Youngman Richardson received the Major Associate Award, while Greg Lumsden of the Manawatu Whanganui Branch received a CCNZ Service Award for his dedication as the National Excavator Operator Competition organiser.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard praised the winning projects, stating they exemplified the heights achievable through collaboration between civil contractors, designers, clients, and communities. “These projects are exemplars of what’s possible when civil contractors rise to the occasion to meet the country’s infrastructure needs and overcome myriad challenges,” he remarked. 

The event also marked Hirepool's 20 years as CCNZ's Principal Business Partner, with General Manager Gary Richardson emphasising the industry's groundbreaking skills and ingenuity. “The work contractors undertake never ceases to amaze,” he said, celebrating the achievements of this year's winners.

As Civil Contractors New Zealand celebrated its 80th anniversary as a national association, this year’s conference, held from 14-16 August, reflected on the legacy and future of New Zealand’s infrastructure construction industry.