Business Central July 2021

48 | Taupo - Camex Civil New look town centre taking shape in Taupo The Taupō Town Centre Transformation project is funded by a $20.6 million government investment. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT W ith 30 skilled staff and management operating from its Taupō depot, Camex Civil is proud to be part of Taupō Town Centre Transformation (TTCT) project. The shovel-ready project is funded by a $20.6 million government investment and is taking place over two years and across four phases. The foundation of the transformation project is a reorientation of Taupō’s street network. The streets and lanes that connect the town centre provide the places where people meet to do business and enjoy the social atmosphere. Turning them into quality places is a critical part of attracting people to spend time in the Taupō town centre, with the associated social and economic benefits. Project scope includes improving the storm- water drainage; new surfaces with pavers, decorative concreting and asphalting; land- scaping features; street furniture; plantings and enhanced lighting upgrades. “We’ve just attended the opening of the Ho- romatangi and Ruapehu Streets intersection upgrade, which is the second of three inter- sections to be upgraded in phase one of the Taupō Town Centre Transformation project,” says Camex CEO Jason Brewer. “Between now and September 2022 Camex will be helping complete further phases involv- ing the transformation of Tongariro Street, including a reduction to two lanes and the redistribution of car parking. There will also be significant improvements for pedestrians, with better linkages between the CBD, Tongariro Domain and Lake Terrace.” Roberts Street and Lake Terrace will be transformed into a people-friendly environ- ment that not only has pedestrian friendly connections to Tūwharetoa Street but also connects people to the lake and the beautiful environment surrounding that location. Jason says that as with many of the shov- el-ready projects instigated under the Crown Infrastructure Partners Scheme, the final design is still to be developed for later stages of the project. Camex has worked closely with the wider design team offering a variety of construction options to ensure the maximum long-term value is delivered in this important community asset. Given the volume of work being completed by both Camex and other contractors in the Taupō district on the TTCT project, a variety of other Council projects and also the Contract Energy Tauhara Geothermal project, it is clear that a genuine skill shortage exists. “That shortage includes both skilled labour and the availability of specialised contractors, T T Richard Loader but through our training and internship pro- grammes we’ve gone some way in addressing this issue,” explains Jason. Reflecting on the value that Camex brings to the TTCT projects and projects like it, Jason says an important part of the company’s mahi involves recognising the significance of the district’s Iwi partners. “It’s a pleasure to work with local hapū to ensure protocol is maintained and recognise the people and places attached to these significant lands, in particular, the Great Lake Pathway project where many of the design elements reflect the values of local hapū. Our mahi enables us to employ and build skills within the local workforce and provide career advancement opportunities which address skill shortages and build long-term capability for the local community.” In addition to the TTCT, Camex is involved in a variety of other projects for the Taupō District Council. Last year the company completed the Great Lake Pathway Corridor Upgrade, involving some 4 kilometers of shared pathways along- side Lake Taupō with hard and soft land - scaping features. “We’ve just completed the Tauhara Ridge Falling Main, with 3 kilometres of new watermains making way for a new housing development. “Our water reticulation team is also in the process of completing the 5 Mile Bay Water reticulation, where the town water supply is being introduced to the community, and the Acacia Bay Road Water Supply Project, which involves connecting the existing water net- work in Acacia Bay to the main water supply in Taupō. “Our civil team is in the process of com- pleting a footpath extension on Mapara Road and NZTA footpath connections where three sections at Whakamaru, Waitahanui and Tau- ranga-Taupo are being improved to address safety concerns.” Providing a professional, safety conscious service to The Waikato & Bay of Plenty 0800 CUT NOW (288 669) mike.treloar@xtra.co.nz Experienced Concrete Cutters & Drillers With over 25 years of experience, we can oer clients all manner of concrete cutting and core drilling services. Operating 24/7 we specialise in a range of specic services, including: Call us from anywhere in Taupo, Bay Of Plenty and North IslandWide today for an obligation-free quote. • HYDRAULIC CUTTING • WALL SAWING • FLOOR SAWING • CORE DRILLING • CONTROLLED DEMOLITION • WIRE SAWING For precision concrete cutting and core drilling in Taupo, Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty and the North Island