Business Central June 2023

Volume 8 | Issue 3 | June 2023 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Sustainable quest The latest offering from Wellington brewery Garage Project enhances its already impressive sustainability credentials.  Page 07

2 | 44| Restoring the past The redevelopment of Cambridge’s Masonic Hotel will bring the iconic building back to life. 50| Timber solutions Mitchpine Products is hoping to turn an environmental problem into an exciting opportunity. 96| Hitting the right note With its beautiful Baroque architecture, Wellington’s Public Trust Hall offers an elegant ambience. 52 96 44 These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise Business Central immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available issue of Business Central. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cutoff time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper. Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in Business Central are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Business Central welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Business Central accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businesscentral #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Meridian Energy ��03 RJ’s New Zealand ��06 Garage Project ��07 CEDA ��08 Noske Rail ��10 Downer Manawatū ��12 Australian Defence Apparel ��14 Wallace Development Company ��15 Totally Vets ��16 Waitomo District Council ��18 Fulton Hogan Taranaki ��20 NZ Forestry ��23 Spark Metal Fabrication ��26 Powerco ��28 OPS Plumbing and Pipeline ��29 Watts & Hughes Construction ��30 Taupo District Council ��32 Pratt Milking ��33 The Wellington Company ��34 Thames Pacific: ��35 Pritchard Civil ��36 AHS Group ��39 HW Developments ��40 Landsdale Developments ��42 Duke St Hotels ��44 ATS Logging ��45 DG Glenn Logging ��46 Rayonier Matariki Forests ��48 Manulife Forest Management - Waikato (NZ) ��50 Mitchpine Products ��52 Max Tarr Group ��54 EPS Fabrication ��56 Energize Technology ��57 Levin Truck Services ��58 Greaves Bulk Haulage ��60 For Farms (NZ) ��61 Ardern Peters Architects ��62 Drawingroom Architecture ��65 Edwards White Architects ��66 Aspect Architecture ��68 Novak+Middleton ��69 Wallace Architects ��70 Shelter Architects ��71 Shed Central ��72 Landmark Homes Hawke’s Bay ��73 Wayne Adam Builders ��74 Maridale Construction ��76 Venture Build ��77 Homestead Construction ��78 Barrett Homes Central Plateau ��81 Classic Builders Lakes District ��82 FLiP Homes ��85 Maple Build ��86 Mahanga Builders ��88 AP Construction ��89 Warner Construction Ltd ��90 iLine Construction ��92 Willeston Conference Centre ��94 Public Trust Hall ��96 OUR PARTNERS: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz CO-MANAGING PARTNER Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Nick Gormack nick@waterfordpress.co.nz Sub-editors Paul Mein, Randall Johnston Journalists Ange Davidson, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Sue Russell, Karen Phelps, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Colin Morais, Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson, Jane Watson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Alissa Crosby, Ann-Marie Frentz, Josie Villa OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz

| 3 “It’s a high wind site, which of course is great for a wind farm but makes construction challenging....” T T to page 4 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Meridian Energy - Wellington: Harapaki Wind Farm T T Karen Phelps Harapaki Wind Farm taking shape Harapaki Wind Farm is located in the MaungaharuruRange northwest of Napier and will be New Zealand’s second-largest wind farm. Cyclone Gabrielle threw a curveball at the construction of Harapaki Wind Farm but Meridian Energy project manager Robert Batters says the damage was less than feared and due to a team effort the repair work is nearing completion. Multiple teams are working on site undertaking earthworks (building roads), constructing turbine foundations, electrical works (cable installation, substation, data and electronics etc.) and the construction of the services building and substation. “It’s a high wind site, which of course is great for a wind farm but makes construction challenging. We’ve had an unprecedented number of extreme weather events including the cyclone, which caused some damage. “The large number of contactors and resources working on the project was fortuitous after the cyclone when Waka Kotahi needed to undertake emergency repairs to SH5 and emergency generators from the wind farm were used to provide emergency electricity supply. “Utilising our contractors and resources, meant access to parts of the community cut off due to the cyclone damage could be accessed by emergency services and power supply for community co-ordination centres could be established faster,” explains Robert. Harapaki Wind Farm is located in the MaungaharuruRange northwest of Napier and will be New Zealand’s second-largest wind farm. It will have 41 turbines, each 145 metres high, generating 176 MW of renewable energy - enough to power more than 70,000 average households. The farm will cover 1,235 hectares at altitudes of 730m to 1,100m and the project will take around three years to complete. Robert says that ensuring Harapaki is built as sustainably as possible is a key priority for Meridian.

4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Meridian Energy - Wellington: Harapaki Wind Farm Coping with construction challenges a constant The two main transformers have been installed and are ready for commissioning. T T from page 3 0SJHJOBM QIPUP $SPQQFE UP GJU Having already worked on the Te Uku Wind Farm for Meridian in a joint venture with Hick Brothers Civil Construction Ltd, Spartan Construction Ltd was well prepared for the Harapaki Wind Farm project. Hick Brothers Spartan Joint Venture is responsible for Construction of all roads, turbine foundations and crane hardstands for Harapaki. Spartan Construction general manager Joe Fluhler says that the project perfectly itted its company mission of achieving excellence in a niche contracting environment, speci ically complex projects. Spartan’s scope under the joint venture is to deliver all the foundations including piling, site concrete, assemble and install tower anchor bolts, reinforcing installation, concrete supply and installation. The project is still on-going and by the time it is inished Spartan will have poured 492 piles and constructed 41 turbine foundations. At peak Joe expects the Spartan team to number around 50 on site. “At Spartan we ensure strong interaction with the client and the wider team to enable better construction outcomes and optimise the client’s return. Our emphasis is on simple, clear quality systems that promote the swift resolution of key issues and development of clear objectives to the project team. Spartan engages frontline construction experience, focusing on communication, task clarity and project delivery.” The main challenge is the weather: Battling the elements “They don't put a wind farm in an easy place,” he jokes. “We have to battle with wind, snow and rain including Cyclone Gabrielle. Basically we’ve had to increase our resources – almost double – to stay on schedule due to weather events.” He credits its joint venture partner Hick Brothers Civil Construction and Spartan Construction’s subcontracting team as being key factors in the project’s success: “Our main subcontractors and suppliers include Contract Landscapes (piling), Steel & Tube (reinforcing supply and install) and Allied Concrete (concrete supply). We wouldn't have been able to do it without them.” He says the project demonstrates Spartan’s philosophy of continuous and relentless improvement, striving towards unrivalled performance in the construction industry. “Harapaki Wind Farm shows the resilience of the Spartan team, which can excel even when the terrain or elements are challenging. Every single person has been dedicated to getting the job done and there are a lot of hours and e ort that are going into delivering an exceptional outcome.” Joe says the wind farm projects also align with Spartan’s focus on delivering projects that add value to New Zealand. “It’s important for us to take part in projects where we can have a hand in working towards a greener world. It makes us proud to be helping out where we can.” • Wastewater Treatment Plants • Foundations & Civil Structures • Dredging & Desludging • Water Treatment Plants • Pump Stations & Pipe Lines • Bridge Construction Proudly supporting Meridian Energy & the Harapaki Windfarm Proudly supporting Meridian Energy & the Harapaki Windfarm www.spartanconstruction.co.nz 07 856 1870 admin@spartanconstruction.co.nz One of the ways project carbon emissions have been lowered has been by setting up a concrete plant on site rather than transporting concrete from Napier. Through this and through other improvements in the earthworks and civil construction workstreams, Meridian has managed to reduce the project emissions by 5000 tonnes of carbon (civil and site works only). The main services building is also nearing completion along with substation, which is expected to be commissioned in June. The two main transformers have been installed and are ready for commissioning. Members of the turbine installation team from Siemens Games Renewable Energy (SGRE) are preparing for installation of the first shipment of turbines, which arrived from overseas at Napier Port. SGRE is responsible for supplying and installing the 41 turbines across the site. Robert says that one of the objectives Meridian has for the project is to make sure as many local people and contractors as possible are employed to enhance regional benefit. So far over 50% of workers and contractors have hailed from the local region. Harapaki is Meridian’s eleventh wind farm development and combines the consents granted for two proposed wind farms in 2005. Meridian purchased the resource consent for Hawke’s Bay wind farm from Hawke’s Bay Wind Farm Ltd in 2010 and the consent for the neighbouring Titiokura site from Unison Networks. Robert says the overall vision is for Harapaki to be New Zealand’s most sustainable wind farm, delivering economic growth and advancing goals for climate action by delivering renewable energy to Aotearoa New Zealand.

| 5 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Meridian Energy - Wellington: Harapaki Wind Farm Harapaki is Meridian’s eleventh wind farm development and combines the consents granted for two proposed wind farms in 2005. COMBINING VAST EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCES TO ADD VALUE TO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION Nationwide Infrastructure & Development Specialists Experienced Personnel & Hands On Project Management Taking Care of Major Infrastructure & Development Projects Specialists in Difficult Jobs, Demanding Environments & Challenging Conditions • Drainage • Earthworks • Roading • Utilities • Machinery • Hick Heavy Haulage CONTACT US 09 426 3470 | hick.enquiries@hickbros.co.nz 42 Forge Road, Silverdale Auckland, New Zealand Tracking their carbon footprint Hick Bros dedication to lowering its carbon footprint can be seen on its work on the Harapaki Wind Farm project for Meridian Energy. “We are tracking our carbon footprint for the project through monthly reporting. It’s been an important part of working on a project that will help to deliver a lower carbon future for New Zealand,” says Hick Brothers Sustainability Manager Pete Ralph. Hick Brothers instigated redesign of road alignments in an early contractor involvement process to save on time, quantity, cost and ultimately carbon in response to help mitigate time losses due to natural disasters and pandemics that occurred during the project. Some of the larger carbon reduction initiatives include reducing earthworks volumes to save 10% of carbon from earthworks. The design was also tweaked to reduce the amount of concrete pipe needed, which has saved 105 tonnes of pipe and 30 tonnes of CO2. “We have given away five tonnes of materials that couldn’t be used on site to the local community such as pipe off cuts, manhole off cuts and IBCs/plastic tanks,” says Pete citing additional benefits. With forty-three wetlands within 100m of the work area excellent environmental compliance has also been important, says Hick Brothers Chief Operations Officer Dan Hohneck. There are several types of areas in the project that require special management including Ecological Interest Areas, Recommended Areas of Protection and Outstanding Natural Features. The site is of cultural and archaeology significance and there are full-time cultural monitors on site. The Harapaki Wind Farm project includes 41 turbines, 23km of roading, 70km of cables, around 1.1m m3 of earthworks and 147 sediment ponds. Hick Bros with its JV partners Spartan, have delivered the earthworks and the critical infrastructure including roading, cabling, turbine foundations etc. Additional innovations have included utilisation, in what Dan says is possibly an industry first, of simulators for pre-employment screening/competency testing and training of operators. “This means we don’t have to put people out on machines to assess initial competency. Instead, a simulator is used on the site to train operators in a safe and controlled environment. They simply sit in a chair and via screens simulate doing exercises using an excavator or dump truck,” explains Dan. He says the company’s work on Meridian Energy’s Te Uku Wind Farm in Raglan means it is well acquainted with the client’s requirements and has been able to build on its skills and knowledge, which has allowed it to successfully deliver earthworks and critical infrastructure through multiple record wet weather events. “Hick Bros are excited to be a part of another exceptionally challenging, nationally significant project,” says Dan, “and help to deliver a project critical to New Zealand’s renewable energy goals.”

6 | RJ’s New Zealand REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT RJ’s enjoys sweet taste of success RJ’s continues local production in Levin and enjoys global popularity. T T Kelly Deeks Packaging Central ˏȫˏcasectrlȲ+&%"/Ȑ +) Proudly Supplying Quality Corrugated Packaging to RJ's Licorice ojifs.com QUALITY PRODUCTS, SUPERIOR SERVICE. Proudly Supporting RJ’s New Zealand General Engineering | Food Grade Manufacturing | Industrial Insulation & Cladding CUSTOM ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS 06 368 5141 www.washeetmetal.co.nz RJ’s, the beloved Kiwi confectionery brand, continues to make significant strides in various areas by placing a strong emphasis on its people and ensuring their training, support, and overall success. Founded in Levin in 1995 by Roger Halliwell, a passionate licorice enthusiast, and his son, Regan James, RJ’s emerged as a quintessential success story from a small New Zealand town. Their mission was clear—to create the finest licorice money could buy, infused with the classic Kiwi can-do spirit. And they accomplished just that. Today, RJ’s continues local production in Levin and enjoys global popularity, with over 10,000,000 units sold annually outside of New Zealand. The product range has grown significantly, with the business innovating constantly in the confectionery category and now including Kiwi favourites such as Fabulicious, Heards, Mackintoshes, Oddfellows, and Jaffas. “Our recent marketing efforts and the prioritisation of this within the business means our products have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, and we’re excited to look at ways we can meet the demand and rise to the opportunity in market,” says RJ’s HR manager Paula Bracefield. “That’s why we are dedicated to our production floor team. They are the ones responsible for crafting these highly sought-after products, and with their passion for confectionery, we’re looking after lolly lovers globally.” With a team of more than 120 individuals in Levin, RJ’s employs people across a diverse range of positions, from warehousing and production roles to high-level engineering positions, ensuring the smooth operation of numerous hardworking machines that run 24 hours a day, five days a week. Given Levin’s small population of less than 20,000, getting the skills needed to ensure operations continue to run smoothly often means team members are commuting from communities like Palmerston North and Wellington – a hurdle that requires strategic thinking for the business to overcome. In response, RJ’s has taken a creative approach to its employment package, offering a structured career progression plan to those seeking professional advancement. “To recruit talent for our positions we have introduced a new initiative on our production floor, with plans to extend it to our warehouse and engineering teams,” Paula elaborates. “Our novel production classification system is tied to training, allowing our people to progress through five different levels as they gain experience – and are financially rewarded for their loyalty over time as their skillset evolves.” After six months with RJ’s, acquiring knowledge of manufacturing processes, health and safety protocols, as well as food safety and quality standards, new employees automatically transition to level two, which comes with a pay rise. “We want to enable our people to grow and develop as much as they desire. As they continue to expand their skills, they have the opportunity to advance all the way to level five, with further pay rises to incentivise this growth within the business, and retain the skills needed internally to ‘Make It Better’ for our fans and consumers.” In addition to prioritising its people, RJ’s continues to invest into capital improvements to ensure machines operate at peak efficiency, matching the dedication of the production team. Paula affirms that RJ’s executive have a genuine commitment to continual improvement, which is evident in their capital investment strategy as well as their people-centric approach. “Caring for our team is at the forefront of our priorities, and as the HR manager, I truly appreciate that. Making things better is our company motto – and we’re proud to be doing that for our people.”

| 7 T T Ange Davidson Innovative brewery all about sustainability Garage Project’s latest offering is Treehugger, a 4% crisp pilsner made from 100 percent New Zealand ingredients. Garage Project REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Call us on 0800 240 120 Residential, commercial & recycling services Enviro NZ is proud to be Garage Project’s preferred recycling and resource recovery par ner. environz.co.nz Sustainable is the new green and Garage Project have it in spades. The latest offering from the iconic brewery in Aro Valley in Wellington, is Treehugger, a 4% crisp pilsner made from 100% New Zealand ingredients. The innovative brewery has focused on sustainability increasingly since its inception in 2011, looking after their employees and engaging with the community by throwing their support behind people doing great things across the country, while also making their products as low impact on the environment as possible. Steve Almond, Garage Projects sustainability manager says Garage Project views sustainability as three pillars - Community, People, and the Environment. “The purpose of Treehugger is to fund trees given directly to grassroots community groups for planting projects. $1 per six pack is given to Trees for Canterbury who grow the trees and we’ve donated $15,000 so far. “In addition, we’ve tried out a range of sustainable production processes all at once with Treehugger, making it our most sustainable beer yet. By focusing on the environmental sustainability of one beer, it’s an easier process to take those learnings over to other products,” says Steve. “Where we brew Treehugger, we’re now using nitrogen to remove the oxygen in the can prior to filling with beer from the tank. We used a food grade CO2 in the past which is a by-product of the oil and gas industry and has seen a price hike of 400% in the last few years. Nitrogen is cheaper and better for the environment.” With the ethos of doing more with less raw materials, the packaging of Treehugger uses more recycled components and less virgin paper. The outside of the shipping carton uses a reworked black which is from left over ink from other packaging. The outside of the 6-pack and outer box is plant or water-based ink and the can recyclable. “The cans have a pretty good chance of being recycled as they are of high value. At present the raw sheets of aluminium for cans comes from Korea or China, the cans are manufactured in Auckland and recycled in the Middle East!” says Steve. “The beer itself is brewed at higher gravity which means it is boiled for less time and uses less natural gas per litre. By brewing 1000 litres of 8 % alcohol beer and diluting it to 4%, we’re making 2000 litres of beer and minimising resources. We use barley from Canterbury that’s freighted by rail and hops from Nelson which reduces our emissions and freight costs.” Water is a vital part of brewing and Garage Project is supporting the Million Metres Streams Project waterway restoration planting at Baring Head and Wainuiomata Stream by helping fund their planting and coordinating the annual Garage Project team planting day. And the beer? Treehugger is a clean, beautifully balanced aromatic beer that’s perfect for summer. It combines plump, sun-ripened Canterbury barley with Southern Cross, Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka hops from Upper Moutere. It’s also good for the environment and the community. What’s not to love? “ By focusing on the environmental sustainability of one beer, it’s an easier process to take those learnings over to other products.” Packaging Central ˏȫˏcasectrlȲ+&%"/Ȑ +) Proudly Supplying Quality Corrugated Packaging to Garage Project ojifs.com

8 | Manawatū: Central Economic Development Agency REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Richard Loader Location drives Manawatū freight hub Te Utanganui will be a multi-modal hub, embracing air, rail, road, and inland ports, encompassing Palmerston North Airport and the existing north-eastern industrial zone “Every piece of freight that currently goes on rail through the North Island has to go through here, whether it is going North, South, East or West.” While the concept for a major multi-modal distribution hub in Manawatū’s city of Palmerston North might seem an audacious vision, it is already a reality, and that reality is Te Utanganui. The hub’s name of Te Utanganui was gifted to the project in 2021 by Rangitāne o Manawatū, and refers to the concept of an inland port, of transient goods arriving by sea, sky and land, and then out again. The concept of trade flowing through the Manawatū is certainly not new. Early Māori used the Manawatū River to trade up and down the region, and in the 1930s the grand idea of using Palmerston North as a freight hub for the centre of New Zealand was referred to in city promotional material. While hovering over the decades, it has been in the last ten years that the idea really gained wings, finally taking flight 2019/2020. Te Utanganui will be a multi-modal distribution and warehousing hub, embracing air, rail, road, and inland ports, encompassing Palmerston North Airport and the existing north-eastern industrial zone. Overall, when complete, it will cover somewhere between 500 – 600 hectares. The planned new KiwiRail Regional Freight Hub itself is around 170 hectares. The finished development will be on a par with Hamilton’s Ruakura Superhub and Christchurch’s Rolleston South Island distribution centre in terms of scale, with the three hubs complementing each other. Passionate advocates of Te Utanganui Central New Zealand Distribution Hub is CEDA — Central Economic Development Agency. A Council-controlled organisation, with the Palmerston North City and Manawatū District Councils its shareholders, CEDA’s purpose is to drive and facilitate the creation of economic wealth in Manawatū and beyond. CEDA’s mandate is broad and includes supporting existing businesses, and attracting inward investment and new business to the region that could benefit from Manawatū’s geography. A key area of focus is the distribution and logistics sector with Te Utanganui a key enabler in this work. CEDAs Chief Executive Jerry Shearman says a key driver for Te Utanganui is the region’s central location. “Palmerston North is already inside the network for freight distribution in New Zealand,” says Jerry. “Every piece of freight that currently goes on rail through the North Island has to go through here, whether it is going North, South, East or West. “So, Te Utanagnui is already here with the basic building blocks in place. We have quite large logistics and distribution centres inside Te Utanganui already including Toyota New Zealand, Primary Connect, which is the rebranded Countdown, and we have the airport which is one of only three in the country that is consented for 24/7 air freight. Australian Defence Apparel is already operating out of temporary premises while their new facility is being built within Te Utanganui, so, we’re now working on finding more designated space for additional large-scale warehousing.” Significant private and public investment is already committed to the region, with eight billion dollars worth of transport infrastructure either inside or supporting Te Utanganui underway over the next decade. “The jewel in the crown of course is the planned KiwiRail Regional Freight Hub,” says Jerry. “When added to Waka Kotahi’s Te Ahu a Tūranga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway and Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway, we have the strategic ingredients needed. Once we have the planned regional freight ring road in place, it will reinforce our position as the third node of distribution and logistics in New Zealand.” Taking a front and centre seat, CEDA’s role in Te Utanganui is to provide the conduit and glue to bring the various and many projects together, enable each of the project leads to understand what is going on in each other’s world, so they are not operating as silos in a vacuum. “We have a governance group structure of key players including mana whenua, KiwiRail, the Manawatū District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Waka Kotahi, Napier Port, Centre Port and the Airport. “We have those enabling, ‘what’s coming up conversations’, so each of the groups can support each other to get their projects moving. We also have a significant role in attracting investment into Te Utanganui. Outside of KiwiRail, which has its own team, we are the driver for investment opportunities.” Describing Te Utanganui as a classic economic pillar project, Jerry says the multi-modal hub will take 30 years to complete, with the release of land timed over that period, sliding up and down depending on demand. “One of the projects will be the expansion of the North East Industrial Zone to provide a larger footprint. There’s also the Ruapehu Aeropark, which is Palmerston North Airports’ own expansion of industrial land, and discussions are underway in respect to the potential rebuild of the airport terminal. “Then we have the Palmerston North Integrated Transport Initiative, with the regional freight ring road being the end prize, and a significant number of related roading projects, some of which are already in progress. “The Kawakawa Industrial Precinct in Feilding will see growth as well, because of their better fit for some industries such as wet production and primary related industries. “The Manawatū Inland Port at Longburn will also take wet production, so the region is a well-oiled machine with the various cogs complementing and synergising for the greater good.” Jerry references the feel good movie ‘Field of Dreams’ and actor Kevin Costner’s famous line, ‘if you build it, people will come’, as an analogy for Te Utanganui. He says enquiries are being fielded on a weekly basis from significantly large investment pipelines. “They will bring significant employment to the region. Te Utanganui’s growing infrastructure will be like a lightning rod attracting other businesses to the region. “The population growth of the region is projected to be strong, and we’re doing some broad planning around what the workforce will need over the entire length of the project, and that includes the people building it, and the people to staff it. “We are working with UCOL-Te Pukenga and the National Driver Training Centre to work out what we’re going to need in terms of construction workers and project managers through to people with forklift licenses and distribution centre skills.”

10 | “Our products end up in other countries that their locomotives operate in, which at present is countries such as Australia, Finland, Turkey, Egypt and even Mongolia.” CEDA: Noske Rail REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Rosa Watson HVAC on track in global rail markets The Noske Rail manufacturing facility is a global leader in producing air conditioning units for rail markets. HENSEL'S KF SERIES HENSEL has redefined Cable Junction Boxes to withstand natures elements. The KF Series are IP68 Rated and: • Made of polycarbonate & UV Stabilized • Low toxicity & Halogen free • Screwless entry with maximised internal workspace Choose Hensel for quality you can rely on, enquire at MARDAG. 0800 627 324 | info@mardag.co.nz The Noske Rail manufacturing facility in Palmerston North is continuing to be a global leader in producing air conditioning units for global rail markets. The facility has been in operation for decades, and designs and manufactures bespoke HVAC equipment for rail passenger car and locomotive builders that end up around the world. It was originally established in Palmerston North in 1993 as part of a localisation project for a major navy HVAC project. Given navy projects were few and far between in Australia and New Zealand, in 2002 the company entered the rail market in Australia, that had been dominated by one supplier for many years. “From there the company grew,” says general manager Martin Mallon. Over the following years it would come under new ownership several times, from New Zealand to German and then in 2016 the company was split into two – with one entity solely operating in the rail industry, while the other remained in the navy market. The rail business was sold to an Indian entity in 2016, and then in 2021 was purchased by Australian entity the KYR Group. The company continued to win various orders for passenger car and locomotive projects and since joining the KYR Group, they have secured “significant” export orders and the number of staff in Australia and New Zealand has grown from 32 to 58. “And we are still on a recruitment drive for more people. We can’t get enough people.” One such export contract is for a US-based global locomotive builder. “Our products end up in other countries that their locomotives operate in, which at present is countries such as Australia, Finland, Turkey, Egypt and even Mongolia. “One of the largest orders at present is for HVAC systems for passenger trains that operate in regional Victoria. The initial order for these came to the business in 2002 for 76 HVAC systems and now we have orders for over 430.” These are large air-conditioning units that weigh nearly 1200kg and each one takes around 400 production hours to build, Martin said. “We design and manufacture it here in Palmerston North, importing all the raw materials, we add our build and then we export the equipment and provide through life support to the customer by maintaining and repairing the equipment once in service”. After a certain number of years in operation the equipment then gets overhauled or upgraded with the latest technology available. “The after-market business is a big market. There are thousands or air conditioning units in operation on locomotives and passenger cars around Australia and they’re getting old.” He said the company was pursuing more work locally and previously had to fight hard to win a couple of projects here in New Zealand from offshore companies. Their units were not on the Auckland passenger rail fleet or the Wellington passenger rail fleet, however they did supply units for the TranzScenic tourist trains, and there was a significant new rail project happening in New Zealand that they were working on with an overseas locomotive builder. “Companies like ours should be supported in New Zealand,” says Martin. With a successful business model, they had remained strong through a number of challenging environments. “The success of our business is all about people. Most of our people are long-term employees.” The contribution to the local economy was also significant. A value assessment recently carried out showed annually that it contributed around $3m in salaries and wages and another $1m on local suppliers in the region.

12 | CEDA: Downer Manawatū T T Richard Loader Busy firm enjoying rapid growth Downer has been busy in the Manawatū in the last 18 months with the company experiencing rapid growth in region. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Project Manager Michael Hoggard 06 350 1000 | enquiries@maxtarr.co.nz | www.maxtarr.co.nz · Industrial electrical · Airfield lighting · Traffic Signals · Street lighting · Mechanical engineering · Industrial electronics · HVAC electrical ELECTRICAL • INDUSTRIAL • AUTOMATION WWW.HIGGINSCONCRETE.CO.NZ WWW.HIROCK.CO.NZ HIROCK &HIGGINS CONCRETE PROVIDING CUSTOMER FOCUSSED PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND SOLUTIONS TO THE LOWER NORTH ISLAND The two large projects Downer is working on in the Manawatū demonstrate the company’s ability to successfully deliver large-scale infrastructure projects in the region, working with both local and regional subcontractors as well as the wider Downer team, says Downer’s Manawatu Regional Manager Matt Tipping. The first project, Ferguson Street and Pitt Street Intersection Improvements, is the next stage of the Palmerston North City Council’s city centre transformation. The aim of the project is to help the inner ring road around Ferguson, Pitt, Grey and Princess streets to become the main route for trucks to get around the city centre and to make it easier for motorists to bypass The Square to get around town. It involved improvements to Ferguson Street from Pak‘nSave to the Pitt Street intersection making the inner-ring road safer and more efficient. The project includes changing the intersection at Ferguson-Pitt into a traffic-light controlled intersection, widening the road to four lanes of traffic, traffic lights for pedestrians to get across Ferguson Street at the Pak‘nSave fuel station and a wider footpath by Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School. There will also be minor changes to Linton-Ferguson intersection to prevent right turns across four lanes of traffic. Matt says the main challenge was maintaining two-way traffic on the busy road, and also enabling residential and commercial access to properties along the worksite, which saw the project broken into five stages. Downer expects to finish the project on time by end of June. The second project sees Downer working on the Richardson’s Line and Setters Line upgrade turning a mixed rural area into industrial. This project forms part of the PNCC Northeast Industrial Zone, involving installation of new pressurised water and sewer infrastructure and associated stormwater improvement, road widening and strengthening. Downer started the project in December and will complete it, again on time, by the end of June. Matt says successfully delivering the projects is a result of collaborative working relationships with two major subcontractors, the local Blackley Construction, which delivered the sewer and water infrastructure, and Wellington-based earthworks company John Ray. “Multiple crews work simultaneously and, at any one time, we have at least four different crews on site. This enables steady progress, ” says Matt. He says both projects demonstrate Downer’s ability to pull resources from out of region to complete specialised aspects such as road stabilisation, pavement design and resurfacing works, alongside the company’s collaborative working manner with local contractors and businesses. “For example to deliver the asphalt on Ferguson Street we have brought in specialist in-house surfacing teams from Wellington and Auckland to complete stages of work on the project,” he says. “In saying that, we also bolster our capabilities by engaging with local contractors wherever possible, and our people are local too.” Other projects Downer has recently completed in the region include on-going various minor civil construction projects for Manawatū District Council including footpath upgrades, cycleways and pavement widening and construction.

| 13 CEDA: Downer Manawatū The Ferguson Street and Pitt Street Intersection Improvements is the next stage of the Palmerston North City Council’s city centre transformation. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mike Graham - Waikato/BOP 027 581 9365 Matt Mataki - Manawatu/Whanganui 027 363 9591 Earth Works ∙ Civil Roading ∙ Drainage ∙ Residential 137 Paetawa Road, Peka Peka PO Box 318, Waikanae Phone: 0274 434 442 Email: johnray@johnray.co.nz CIVIL ENGINEERING • PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE • ROADING • EARTHWORKS Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. Page 8 Waikato farmers Dean & Ang Finnerty have expanded their dairy cow operation into a successful goat milking enterprise as well PAGE 10 Turning challenge into opportunity AUTUMN 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Volume 6 | Issue 3 | July 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Making waves Back on track New Zealand hydrofoil maker Armstrong is generating interest around the world with its high performance products. Work on the ambitious NZCIS facility in Upper Hutt is progressing well after Covid disruptions. PAGE 70 PAGE 10 Healthy delivery A new elective surgery facility in Hastings will provide a big boost to the region’s operating capacity. PAGE 52 Volume 6 | Issue 5 | December 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Cheers Boys! YoungWellington irm3Māori Boys is creating a buzz with it’s ground-breakingWai Manuka natural beverage. PAGE 45 Passion and pride New Plymouth’s Energyworks has forged a strong reputation in 50 years of business. PAGE 64 Seaview upgrade CentrePort’s SeaviewWharf facility is set for a major upgrade to bring it up to international standards. PAGE 14 businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . Downer has been busy in the Manawatū in the last 18 months with the company experiencing rapid growth in region. “With key projects in and around the region, and core customers across various Government agencies, local authorities and commercial entities, the level of infrastructure investment in Manawatū shows it’s a strategic area for growth,” says Matt. This has seen Downer upscale its business in the region, investing in its people and plant resources, while also building up strong relationships with key local suppliers and subcontractors. It has resulted in a lot of on-the-job training for staff and job creation in the region. This has included Downer bringing on people who found themselves out of work due to Covid and transitioning them into the civil construction industry with additional training and licensing provided by Downer. “Over the past 18 months we’ve continued to focus on being a great part of the Manawatū community and, as a result of our successful project delivery in the region, we are receiving a high calibre of candidates wanting to join the team. Good attracts great and people are now knocking on Downer’s door.”

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