24 | Loaders Civil T T Kelly Deeks Top award for a challenging project The works restored two-lane access to the highway, which had been restricted to one lane for years following a major slip in 2015. “The material we encountered was completely different to what was indicated in the preliminary testing, and we also struck a lot of large boulders along the way.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Loaders Civil has once again proven its strength in the civil construction sector, taking home top honours at the 2025 Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) Manawatū Whanganui Branch Construction Excellence Awards. The company was a finalist in all three categories it entered, and claimed the win in the $2.5-$5 million category for its Te Oreore Northern Retaining Walls project on State Highway 4. Contracts manager Ryan Carter says it was an outstanding result that reflected the company’s technical ability and the hard work of its entire team. “We put in three submissions and were finalists in all three, which we were really proud of,” he says. “The Te Oreore project was a long and challenging one, and to come away with the win was a great reward for everyone involved.” The Te Oreore Northern Retaining Walls project formed part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s programme to stabilise the State Highway 4 corridor between Whanganui and Raetihi, following severe slip damage in 2015. Working as the main subcontractor for the Mt Messenger Alliance, Loaders Civil was tasked with constructing three large retaining walls, rebuilding a section of road, and installing new drainage and culverts. The team drilled and installed 107 poles along a short stretch of the highway, in ground conditions that proved far more difficult than anticipated. “We expected to be drilling three poles a day, but once we got into the ground, we were only able to complete one to one and a half,” Ryan says. “The material we encountered was completely different to what was indicated in the preliminary testing, and we also struck a lot of large boulders along the way.” Despite the tough conditions, the company successfully completed the project in over just more than a year. The works restored twolane access to the highway, which had been restricted to one lane for years following a major slip in 2015. “The benefit to the community is huge,” Ryan says. “The road is not only open to two lanes again, but it’s also safer and slightly wider. The challenge was carrying out all this work while keeping the highway operational wherever possible, and our team managed that really well.” Ryan credits the company’s people for the success, in particular foreman John McMillan, who managed the site operations. “John ran a tight ship and did an incredible job leading the crews,” he says. “It was also really special to have our former directors and mentors – Allan Loader, Ian Loader, and Allan Chapman – with us at the awards night to share in that moment.” While Loaders Civil’s core strengths remain in roading, deep drainage, and retaining structures, its capabilities extend across water reticulation, subdivision development, hydro excavation, traffic management, and machinery transport. Their Trimble 3D GPS-equipped plant ensures precision and efficiency on complex jobs. Ryan says these capabilities mean business remains steady in a market he describes as having a “varied workflow”. “It’s not really an environment for rapid growth at the moment, but we’re holding strong,” he says. “We’ve got a great mix of technical knowledge and practical experience in-house, and we’re continuing to retain our staff and invest in new plant and equipment.” Winning at the CCNZ Awards, Ryan says, is both a recognition of past effort and a motivation for the future. “This award shows what our people can achieve when they pull together,” he says. “Every project has its challenges, but through teamwork and dedication, we’ve proven we can deliver outcomes that make a real difference to our communities. We’re incredibly proud of that – and excited for what’s next.” ROLLING STONES QUARRY Vision Harvesting Ltd trading as ALL SHELLROCK SUPPLIES - CARTAGE BY ARRANGEMENT DAVE POPPE 027 533 3084 | JAN POPPE 027 530 3926 554 Rangitatatau West Road, Maxwell RD17, Wanganui 4587 visionh@farmside.co.nz
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