Business Central September 2021

20 | DEVELOPMENT McMillan and Lockwood Brilliant outcome for complex project T T Sue Russell The construction of the new Gisborne Airport was a complex but satisfying propject for McMillan and Lockwood. M ajor New Zealand construction com- pany McMillan & Lockwood carries a proud history that stretches back over 140 years. The name McMillan & Lockwood has been around since 1967 and by the late 1970’s the company had established branches in several key centres. Today, McMillan & Lockwood operates out of three regions; Auckland, Bay of Plenty/Waikato and Wellington. Keith Nightingale is General Manager for BoP/Waikato and Auckland areas and is based in Tauranga. The area under his watch extends to is north to Bombay and to the southern end of Lake Taupo. It’s an area experiencing huge growth in the larger construction sector the company tends to concentrate on. “I’m most concerned these days on ensuring we have the systems in place to deliver pro- jects successfully,” Keith says. “We have a team that keeps a close eye on procurement and scheduling to ensure that once a project is underway, it proceeds smoothly,” Keith says. McMillan & Lockwood has completed a ma- jor project at Gisborne Airport, involving the replacement of the original terminal. As principle contractor, the project schedul- ing had to be carefully programmed to allow for minimal disruption while passengers came and went on a daily basis. “It was a challenge sequencing the work, however we are very nimble in how we adapt to site restrictions and soon had the work schedule going well.” Keith says it as a “very satisfying” project to be involved in, ith it’s visually stunning timber elements, integrated into the build. “The primary frame is laminated timber, there are rammed earth walls and a visually striking entrance way for those arriving to walk through made of corten steel that will naturally rust-off.” There was a strong element of engagement in the planning phases of the project with Ngai Tāwhiri, who hold mana whenua over the area and funding for it came from three sources. The Provincial Development Unit grant of $5.5m secured the project with the balance of funding given by Eastland Group, the airport’s operators and Trust Tairāwhiti. For visitors entering the terminal, a 42m ta- huhu, or ridgepole commands immediate at- tention. The intricately carved structure spans much of the roof inside and really defines the building as uniquely Tairāwhiti. Along with this, a key focus driving the materials and technologies used was to create an innovative and sustainable building. Solar panels and harvesting of rainwater are two ways resources have been captured in an environmentally sensitive way. A re-vamped check-in space along with a new baggage belt, dedicated cargo and oversized bag drop off area have created an environment where airport traffic is processed efficiently. Dismantling the old building had its chal- lenges to as a significant amount of asbestos had to be safely removed from site. And, most unexpectedly during diggings for the new foundation, two ancient waka were unearthed, causing an immediate putting down of tools while local Iwi were engaged regarding what should become of them. “Their attitude was, as the wakas had been buried, they should be blessed and reburied and that’s what happened.” Keith says in this post-Covid lockdown time, demand for materials and supply of expe- rienced labour are stretching the ability of construction companies to operate well. He doesn’t understand why the supply chain has been so impacted. “Post-Covid the sector is almost broken in my opinion,” says Keith. “The whole knock-on effect of the supply chain. “We’re being told delivery of materials is being pushed out further and further, putting real stresses into pricing jobs. “We’re expected to hold tender prices for 90 days and this is critically difficult to sustain.” Traditionally, like many large-scale construc- tion businesses, McMillan & Lockwood has relied quite heavily on engaging labour from overseas; a resource no longer available to the sector. The company has a couple of other projects in Gisborne underway as well as a new Eco Gas Biofuel plant in Reperoa. “The primary frame is laminated timber, there are rammed earth walls and a visually striking entrance way for those arriving to walk through made of corten steel that will naturally rust-off.”