32 | New Plymouth - Smithers Earthworks T T Karen Phelps Major project a step up for company The walkway will help protect the historic Hauranga Pā site, addressing longstanding concerns from Ngāti Tairi and Ngā Mahanga hapū about damage caused by walkers and mountain bikers. “I’m hoping to leverage this opportunity to continue growing Smithers Earthworks in the region, creating more jobs, employing more staff.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Smithers Earthworks, led by company director Byron Smithers, is currently undertaking its largest commercial project to date – the Weld Road Pathway in New Plymouth. Earmarked for completion in 2025, the project involves constructing a 100-metre concrete pathway and a rock wall, incorporating 4500 tonnes of rocks. The walkway will help protect the historic Hauranga Pā site, addressing longstanding concerns from Ngāti Tairi and Ngā Mahanga hapū about damage caused by walkers and mountain bikers traversing the archaeological area. In particular, people using the 10km Ōākura Coastal Trail were going over the headland occupied by the pā site at high tide or during storm surges to get to and from Ahu Ahu Road beach and Weld Road beach. New Plymouth District Council, which manages the Weld Road Coastal Reserve, approved a bridge, rockwall and walkway traversing the headland. Byron says the coastal walkway project demonstrates his company’s capability to handle significant infrastructure developments. He has invested heavily in equipment to meet the project’s demands – a strategic move he believes will propel the business to new heights. The project for the New Plymouth District Council marks a significant transition from private projects to more substantial public infrastructure work. “It’s a good feeling to undertake such a large and important project for the region,” says Byron. “I’m hoping to leverage this opportunity to continue growing Smithers Earthworks in the region, creating more jobs, employing more staff.” After completing school, Byron followed in his father Tom’s footsteps, initially working in the family business specialising in building skate parks across the country, something the pair still do all around New Zealand. A qualified builder, now with approximately 15 years of building experience, Byron established his own company to focus specifically on earthworks and construction. Smithers Earthworks offers a comprehensive range of services, from civil construction and commercial development to rural infrastructure solutions. It undertakes sub-divisions, section clearing, site excavation and site works, commercial works such as car parks, demolition and drainage. For the rural sector it can complete farm races, tracks and driveways, construct and clean dams and ponds, undertake drain, culvert and overland flow installation, construct culverts and remove trees and vegetation. It can undertake all types of concreting and retaining walls as well as supplying a variety of aggregates and soils for projects. Smithers Earthworks has a range of gear to get any job done, big or small. The company operates primarily in Taranaki, but is willing to extend its reach depending on the project, which sees it work further afield from time to time. Smithers Earthworks maintains a small, dedicated team, with a focus on personal service and versatility. Family remains at the core of the business. Tom occasionally contracts to the company, and the pair also runs a side firewood business from their yard. Previous projects underscoring its capability include a comprehensive redevelopment at the Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, where Smithers Earthworks handled everything to offer the client a complete service. It demolished the old pool, cleaned up the site, put in a new swimming pool, drainage system, concreting, retaining walls and hard and soft landscaping. Byron says the project demonstrates the resources and capabilities of Smithers Earthworks. Currently tendering for additional projects as it completes the Weld Road Pathway project, Smithers Earthworks appears poised for continued growth in the region. “New Plymouth is a small place and growth of a business is slow and steady,” says Bryon. “So the coastal walkway project is a real testament to the ambition of Smithers Earthworks, our technical expertise and commitment to regional development.” TIM BENNETT 027 289 8270 | udc.co.nz PROUD TO SUPPORT SMITHERS EARTHWORKS. UDC Finance Limited. UDC lending criteria apply. udc.co.nz/equipment We’ve been supporting local businesses just like Smithers Earthworks for over 85 years, by providing finance to help them grow. So, if you need to upgrade or purchase new equipment, we’re ready and waiting with flexible, hassle-free equipment finance.
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