100 | Marae project special The Parihaka Marae renovation involved demolishing the back half of the building and constructing it new from the ground up. Wano Building BUILDING Fresh from achieving a well-deserved regional bronze award for their debut entry in last year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition, Wano Building in New Plymouth is now engaged in a meaningful project that holds a special place in their hearts – an alteration and renovation at Parihaka Marae. “We whakapapa back to there, so it’s a nice and gratifying job for us to be on,” says Wano Building owner Wiremu Wano. The marae project commenced in August last year and is anticipated to reach completion in June or July this year. “The marae was getting a bit run down, the wharenui had an earlier renovation but the wharekai was needing an upgrade.” Wano Building secured a spot on the shortlist, submitted a competitive bid and successfully won the tender. “Essentially, the project involves demolishing the entire back half of the building and constructing it new from the ground up.” The upcoming wharekai is set to boast a spacious commercial kitchen and revamped interior spaces designed for enhanced functionality. “It will feature a concrete floor, timber-framed construction with Coloursteel© cladding and a modern design, including a new commercial kitchen capable of catering to large groups of people.” The innovative design for the new wharekai was crafted by Boon Design Consultants of New Plymouth. “Currently, we have the framing up, and we’re in the process of completing the roof framing.” In addition to the marae project, Wiremu and his resolute team of six builders are simultaneously working on light commercial renovations for Tui Ora, a community-based health and social services provider in Taranaki. Wano Building has already successfully completed an office renovation at their Maratahu Street campus in New Plymouth. “Their staff numbers had increased, so we expanded the existing office space to provide them with more room.” On-going renovations are also anticipated at Tui Ora branches in Opunake and Hawera. Looking ahead, Wano Building aims to maintain a primary focus on residential new builds this year, complemented by some light commercial projects. Despite a period of stagnancy in the local new housing market in 2023 due to rising interest rates and increased building costs, these challenges are gradually subsiding, T T Bernadette Cooney “We whakapapa back to there, so it’s a nice and gratifying job for us to be on.” promising a return of vitality to the local construction market. Contributing to the mission of stimulating the local economy through heightened construction activity, Wano Building is actively forging a partnership with Nga Waka Whiria, a Māori construction consortium aimed at creating opportunities to undertake commercial and residential developments at scale. The consortium is also committed to investing in trades training apprenticeships to support Māori. The consortium aims to work with local iwi and other stakeholders to discover practical solutions to challenges faced across New Zealand communities. The collaboration is expected to deliver vocational and economic outcomes that make safer communities and build healthy homes. “This collaboration will enable us to unite with other local tradespeople, allowing us to bid for larger projects and contribute to the progression of our rangatahi,” says Wiremu. Call Us 06 765 5336 Email info@savvygas.co.nz www.savvygas.co.nz • HOME HEATING • DRAINAGE • PLUMBING • ROOFING • GAS FITTING Any job, we will get it done on time in budget OUR SERVICES SERVICING NEW PLYMOUTH AND TARANAKI WIDE PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SAVVYGAS The heat is on ! Representing Excellence Master Plumbers 100% LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED AP Plasterers Quality you can trust 027 328 6730 applasterers@gmail.com Proudly supportingWano Building
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