Volume 23 | Issue 2 | April 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz team businessnorth Talented Team A tight teamhas helped Auckland’s Macreadie Builders get through some tough times. PAGE 112
2 | Contents businessnorth 12| Twin tanks Culham Engineering has not long completed a remarkable project that spanned almost two years... 20| Meeting a need Taonga Developments is creating flexible living solutions for Māori with its range of transportable homes. 92| Tour celebration Hamilton’s Urban Homes is celebrating 20 Years in business with a unique home tour raising money for charity. 20 92 12 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 North 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 North. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cut off 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 North are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Business North welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Business North accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz Stronghold Group ������������������������������������ 03 Royal Wolf - Auckland ������������������������������ 04 Watersmart ����������������������������������������������� 05 Phoenix Metalman Recycling ����������������� 06 Meridian Energy ��������������������������������������� 08 Tauranga City Council ������������������������������ 10 Culham Engineering �������������������������������� 12 Bay Radiology ������������������������������������������� 16 Taylor Coleman ���������������������������������������� 17 Vibe Group ������������������������������������������������ 18 Taonga Developments ���������������������������� 20 Bunnings Warehouse Waipapa �������������� 22 BDX Group ������������������������������������������������ 24 Northland Vegetation Control ���������������� 25 Mangawhai Engineering and Marine ����� 26 Active Refrigeration - Northland ������������ 28 Workshop e ���������������������������������������������� 30 Comvita Wellness Lab ����������������������������� 31 Sunchaser ������������������������������������������������� 32 Fonterra - Hautapu ���������������������������������� 34 Olam Food Ingredients ��������������������������� 37 Bathurst Resources ��������������������������������� 38 Coresteel BOP ������������������������������������������ 40 HEB Construction BOP ���������������������������� 42 Cambridge Steel Fabricators and Engineers �������������������������������������������������� 43 SRS Group ������������������������������������������������� 44 Abron Group ��������������������������������������������� 46 MADE Group ��������������������������������������������� 48 Winton Group & Kalmar Construction �� 50 Winton Group & Mike Greer Homes ����� 53 Kotare Properties ������������������������������������� 54 Chedworth Properties: ���������������������������� 56 Kaitiaki Property ��������������������������������������� 58 Ultimate Group Builders ������������������������� 59 Glasgow Contractors ������������������������������� 60 MHS Drainage & Roading Contractors �� 62 Dutton Stormwater ���������������������������������� 64 Entec Services Ltd ������������������������������������ 65 Green Acres ���������������������������������������������� 66 Total Roof & Property Maintenance ������ 68 Hammer Time Contracting ��������������������� 69 Steadfast Scaffolding ������������������������������� 70 King Country Vets ������������������������������������ 71 Purekraft Boats ���������������������������������������� 72 Q-West Boat Builders ������������������������������ 73 Smuggler Marine �������������������������������������� 74 PAUA Architects ��������������������������������������� 75 Daniel Marshall Architects ���������������������� 76 Cube Architecture ������������������������������������ 76 ArchConTech �������������������������������������������� 78 Sketch Architecture ���������������������������������� 79 DW Homes ������������������������������������������������ 80 Fowler Homes - Auckland South ������������ 82 Nixon Home ���������������������������������������������� 84 David Reid Homes - Auckland Central ��� 86 Vause Construction ��������������������������������� 88 Fraemohs Homes - Bay of Plenty ����������� 88 Urban Homes ������������������������������������������� 90 Shawn Williamson Building Ltd �������������� 93 Ashwood Construction ���������������������������� 94 Bay Homes NZ ������������������������������������������ 95 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 XCEL Builders �������������������������������������������� 96 Black Rocks Construction ������������������������ 97 The House Company ������������������������������ 98 Landmark Homes - North Shore ���������� 100 Versatile Homes - Cambridge ��������������� 101 Kane Build Group ����������������������������������� 102 McIndoe Construction ��������������������������� 103 Kiwibuilt Construction Ltd �������������������� 104 JK Builds �������������������������������������������������� 105 Transbuild ����������������������������������������������� 106 Totalspan East Waikato ������������������������� 108 Laurenson Building �������������������������������� 110 Lewis Build ���������������������������������������������� 111 Macreadie Builders �������������������������������� 112 BuildtechNZ �������������������������������������������� 113 Hunt Building Ltd ����������������������������������� 114 Faulkner Construction Ltd �������������������� 114 King Construction ���������������������������������� 116 Best Nest Building Company ���������������� 116 D.E.C Construction ��������������������������������� 118 Steadfast Construction �������������������������� 119 Blackstone Project Management ��������� 120 Macro Construction ������������������������������� 121 Euro Pools ����������������������������������������������� 122 Endoscopy on Clarence ������������������������� 123 Hauraki Bulk ������������������������������������������� 124 Propertyscouts ��������������������������������������� 124 Lodge City Rentals ��������������������������������� 125 Northridge Golf Resort �������������������������� 126 Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park ������ 127 Projectus ������������������������������������������������� 128 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, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright RESEARCH & MARKETING James Anderson, Sam Dart, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, 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 “The Marae Infrastructure team provides invaluable opportunities for companies like ours to contribute to and enhance the supplier diversity chain.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Stronghold Group T T Bernadette Cooney Driving Māori, Pasifika successes Stronghold Group has a strong team of around 60 workers. Driven by a profound sense of social responsibility and a commitment to uplifting Māori and Pasifika communities, Stronghold Group of Auckland stands at the forefront of promoting supplier diversity across Aotearoa. The construction company is certified and registered as a Māori and Pacific-owned business within Amotai – an initiative by the Auckland Council aimed at unlocking procurement opportunities for businesses from these communities. Established in 2020 by Quincy and Karalee Tangiau, Stronghold Group has quickly risen to prominence in Auckland’s business landscape. As a +IMPAC prequalified organisation, the company specialises in providing endto-end construction management solutions, catering to the commercial, residential and maintenance construction sectors. Quincy’s dedication to nurturing relationships within the construction sector has been pivotal to the company’s success. Known for supplying skilled workers to numerous projects across Auckland, Quincy has solidified Stronghold Group’s reputation as a trusted partner for major construction companies in the region. Their commitment to Kaupapa Māori and successful project deliveries earned them a coveted spot on the supplier panel of the Auckland Council Marae Infrastructure Programme. Karalee Tangiau, the managing director, expresses pride in participating in projects that resonate with their values. “We’re thrilled to be part of the Marae Infrastructure Programme,” Karalee says. With three completed contracts within the programme, they credit the Marae Infrastructure team at Auckland Council as a crucial stepping stone in their company’s growth and development. “The Marae Infrastructure team provides invaluable opportunities for companies like ours to contribute to and enhance the supplier diversity chain.” Currently, Stronghold Group is on the verge of commencing the demolition and construction of the Wharekai/Wharekauta at Te Puea Memorial Marae. “This project marks our largest undertaking to date,” Karalee shares, “and we feel deeply privileged to be part of the marae whanau journey.” Karalee with Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara ancestry and multicultural roots from Scotland and Ireland, and Quincy, with origins spanning the Cook Islands, Nuie and Papua New Guinea, take immense pride in infusing their cultural heritage throughout their business operations. Quincy’s journey in construction, spanning nearly three decades, began with a Pasifika scholarship building course at Unitec at the age of 17, leading to trade qualification by 21. Mentored by supportive figures like Mike Aitkens and the late Kaumatua Bob Hawke, alongside his wife Aroha, Quincy acknowledges their profound influence on his early career in building. Karalee, leveraging her expertise in Māori community development and education, attributes her strong work ethic and passion for improving educational outcomes for Māori to early mentors Tui Ahloo, Yvonne O’Brien and Jilly Tyler. Surrounding themselves with individuals of integrity and kindness remains a fundamental value for Quincy and Karalee. “People and family are paramount to us, with a team of approximately 60, 80% of whom are Maori and Pasifika, we acknowledge our team are our heartbeat.” As they strategically manage the company’s growth, their commitment to developing their workforce remains steadfast, ultimately contributing to the broader prosperity of their communities and fulfilling the vision of supplier diversity and wider outcomes. The staff of Nulook Windows 2000 bring an extensive knowledge and depth of experience to any project, providing customers with a great back-up service in all aspects of window and door manufacture, supply & installation across the Auckland area. www.nulook.co.nz | 09 275 1575 | simon@win2000.co.nz Our team is comprised of highly trained electricians in all types and sizes of Residential, Retail, Commercial and Civil projects. We have extensive experience in all electrical works including, ICT, Alarms, Automation and Design. RESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL RETAIL SERVICES MAINTENANCE & SERVICING HEALTH & SAFETY www.bmeltd.co.nz 0800 USE BME info@bmeltd.co.nz Johnston Associates has enjoyed a long-term relationship with Quincy, Karalee and the Team at Stronghold Group, working with them as the business has evolved over the last 12 years. They are a much respected and loyal client, and we admire their Team focus and positivity, alongside the development they bring to the community. We congratulate Stronghold on their continued business growth, continued success and commend their commitment to excellence – which truly makes them an industry leader. C`Xd 8Çkl $ GXike\i# Af_ejkfe 8jjfZ`Xk\j% Email: lXÇkl@aXZXl%Zf%ez# DfY`c\ ')( -)' ((-% Dedicated to bui lding futures As Accountants and Advisors, we are proud to be part of Stronghold Group’s business journey. Visit www. johnstonassociates.co.nz or call 09 361 6701. BUS I N E SS ADV I SORY, ACCOU NT I NG & TAXAT I ON Auckland | Tamahere | Gisborne | Blenheim | Nelson | Richmond
4 | Royal Wolf at the head of the pack Through partnerships with community organizations and initiatives such as Save the Kiwi and Kai Ika, Royal Wolf demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Auckland Business Awards: Royal Wolf - Auckland T T Karen Phelps REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Being crowned the ‘Employer of the Year’ for the South & East region in the 2023 Auckland Business Awards was an accolade that recognised Royal Wolf’s outstanding achievements in recruitment, retention, employee development and overall workplace satisfaction. New Zealand District Manager Graham Allison says the company is continuing to build on this area including recently introducing an annual wellness day for employees. “This gives every employee an additional day of leave each year to spend on fostering their wellness,” says Graham. “This might mean using the day for an annual medical check up, a mental health day, or simply a day of relaxation through health and beauty treatments,” he says. Royal Wolf, an industry leader in the hire, sale, and modification of shipping containers, boasts a rich history spanning 27 years in New Zealand. With three branches in Auckland and a total of 14 customer service centres across the country, the company has established itself as a cornerstone in various industries, from infrastructure and construction to retail and agri-business. At the heart of Royal Wolf’s success lies its people-centric approach. Graham emphasises the company’s mission to recruit and retain the best talent. “It’s all about our customers, and having the right employees to work with them is key,” he says. The company’s robust recruitment and retention strategies include regular employee engagement surveys and tailored development programs. These initiatives have not only fostered a highly engaged workforce but have also facilitated internal promotions and career growth opportunities. One such success story is Graham himself, who joined Royal Wolf in 2010 as a sales executive and has since risen through the ranks to become New Zealand Manager. He says his journey exemplifies Royal Wolf’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a platform for career advancement. In addition to investing in employee development, Royal Wolf prioritizes the well being of its workforce. The company’s Safety First and Passion for People pillars underscore its dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment. Regular safety huddles, mental health initiatives and employee assistance programs reflect the company’s holistic approach to employee welfare. Furthermore, Royal Wolf’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through the establishment of employee resource groups and initiatives to promote gender equality and support the LGBTIQ+ community. The company’s exemplary practices extend beyond its internal operations to its broader impact on society and the environment. Through partnerships with community organizations and initiatives such as Save the Kiwi and Kai Ika, Royal Wolf demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Moreover, Royal Wolf’s innovative products, such as the Site Hub, underscore its dedication to sustainability and addressing evolving customer needs. As Royal Wolf continues to push the boundaries of shipping container design and sustainability, its recognition as the ‘Employer of the Year’ serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to its employees, customers, and the wider community, says Graham. “With a strong foundation built on values of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, Royal Wolf is poised for continued success in shaping the future of container solutions in New Zealand and beyond.” “It’s all about our customers, and having the right employees to work with them is key.” INSUTECH The Insulated Panel People Proudly Supporting Royal Wolf - Auckland Offices | Sleepouts | Lunchrooms | Storage Units Self Contained Units | Coolrooms | Freezer Rooms | Laboratory Fit Outs www.insutech.co.nz info@insutech.co.nz 021 223 3608 ANY LIFT, ANYWHERE, ANY TIME We offer a diverse fleet ranging from 2T to 450T universalcranes.co.nz WAIKATO Ph: 07 849 3846 Address: 86 Sunshine Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton Email: enquiries@universalcranes.co.nz AUCKLAND Ph: 09 277 2227 Address: 12 Langley Rd, Wiri, Auckland Email: enquiries@universalcranes.co.nz 0800 PAINT IT (724 684) - orders@propaints.co.nz | protectivepaints.co.nz At Protective Paints, we go above and beyond for our customers, while supplying quality products at great prices. All made right here in NZ for NZ conditions. P A I N T S
| 5 T T Richard Loader People key to progressive company Watersmart is at the forefront of water conservation and resilience innovation. Auckland Business Awards: Watersmart REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT For 25 years the Auckland Business Awards have celebrated innovation and creativity in the business sector, and last year Watersmart were named Finalist in the Employer of the Year category. The previous year it was Emerging Business of the Year Finalist. Founded by Andrew Olsen seven years ago, Watersmart is at the forefront of water conservation and resilience innovation, operating as a b2b business, primarily working with developers, group home building companies, architects and engineers throughout New Zealand. Watersmart’s General Manager Philip Kingston says the award nomination and being named Finalist was an acknowledgement of everybody’s effort within the team. “We have a great company and a great team who all believe passionately in what we do and I think that is reflected in the business’s growth and success over the last seven years. The only way we can be successful is with great people working together to achieve the same ultimate objective. Being named Finalist, gives us the opportunity to celebrate our success across the team.” Last year a cross section of Watersmart’s team members attended the prestigious awards gala evening and Philip says it was interesting to note the team’s level of disappointment that it was not able to bring home the Employer of the Year award. “As the GM, I thought that was a fantastic reflection of the passion the team have for the work we do and their belief that Watersmart is truly a great employer. “Our mission is to optimise the water footprint on this earth; that is our reason for being. We like to say that we realise the true value of water, and we have a lot of passionate people working in the diverse areas of our business who are in a space that actually makes a real difference.” Evolving from Stormwater Systems and rebranding as Watersmart to better reflect a broader end-to-end focus in stormwater management; flood control; water recycling; rainwater harvesting; water treatment and water management systems, the team has grown from one to now in the mid-forties. “We’ve actually tripled over the last three years. We now have different facets to the business including traditional sales, marketing and consultant type roles with people who have an in-depth technical knowledge around the solutions we offer. There are operational delivery roles including plumbing, and there are procurement, supply chain and warehousing functions. There’s a team who work with our clients to help design the solutions we offer and within that team we do a lot of sustainability modelling and assessments. We have an aftercare team servicing our systems, and we have a plumbing maintenance team. We also provide water sustainability audits to understand what the use of water is and its wastage, and have a technical solution called FlowGen enabling us to measure water usage and provide automated alerts where there are issues.” Career development is something that Watersmart is looking to put more structure around, but Philip says there are several examples where people have already progressed in the business. “PJ started out assembling pumps and he’s now the installation Team Leader for our Aquacomb® product. He’s super talented and is also doing his plumbing apprenticeship with us. Another one of our people, Jack, started working in the warehouse on a casual basis and he’s now in our administration team.” Proud to be associated with Watersmart Proline Plastics specialises in the development and manufacture of innovative polymer products via injection and rotational moulding. www.proline.co.nz +64 9 276 1670 sales@proline.co.nz We specialize and pride ourselves in design solutions that challenge existing thinking. Please contact us to discuss your project requirements – we are always happy to help.
6 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Phoenix Metalman Recycling T T Kim Newth Battery recycling off to a flying start Phoenix Metalman Recycling has launched a nationwide end-to-end battery recycling solution led by Product Stewardship Manager, Jasmine Faulkner (below) who was a Sustainability Superstar finalist at last year’s Sustainable Business Network Awards. Over the past decade, Phoenix Metalman Recycling has grown rapidly to become Aotearoa NZ’s largest privately held metal recycler. The 100% NZ owned, ESGled business is further extending its impact this year with a nationwide end-to-end battery recycling solution. Leading this exciting initiative for Phoenix, in the role of Product Stewardship Manager, is Jasmine Faulkner, who was a Sustainability Superstar finalist at last year’s Sustainable Business Network Awards. Phoenix plans to install hundreds of collection points in towns and cities to make it easy for Kiwis to recycle batteries of all types. The scheme is off to a flying start, following the recent acquisition of E-Cycle’s battery division in February 2024. E-Cycle was previously a chief collection partner for Phoenix. “We are now servicing over 100 battery collection sites - both council and retail sites - across New Zealand,” says Jasmine. “Currently, we’re working on another 289 additional proposed locations. We want these collection points to be as convenient as possible in places where people shop frequently, for example, rather than just at council transfer stations.” As well as taking batteries for recycling, the collection points will be set up to accept vapes, both disposable and non-disposable. “Most E-Waste contains batteries, so these two go hand in hand with the end-of-life solutions we are offering for batteries.” Jasmine has over 12 years’ experience in the metal recycling sector and a background in exports and trading. Through this she became involved with the recycling of lead acid batteries and, in 2018, began investigating solutions for other kinds of waste batteries. “As New Zealand’s largest exporter of used lead acid batteries, we were frequently presented with other types of batteries too. With no available recyclable outlet, it was clear something needed to be done. With full support from the company, I tasked myself with finding an environmentally sound solution for these other batteries.” The goal has been to provide a practical and effective recycling solution that also delivers on fire safety, as incorrect disposal of batteries can lead to fire. This is a huge risk for both waste and metal recycling industries. Corroding batteries also pose an environmental risk. Phoenix has been working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to ensure their collection units are in line with best practice on fire safety, with UN dangerous goods-rated fire-resistant liners used for most of their mixed battery collections. Phoenix has a well-equipped fleet to manage the collection service and employs more than 50 full-time staff who are trained and endorsed to transport dangerous goods. Phoenix work with an offshore recycling partner that shreds and processes the batteries to recover valuable metals so these materials can be used again. To date, more than 250,000kg of assorted batteries - ranging from alkaline, nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium to lithium batteries of various types – have been recycled. In the pipeline for Phoenix in 2024 is another exciting new initiative, also relating to the circular economy and this time involving end of life solar panels. Phoenix is independently Toitu Envirocare Net Carbon Zero certified and is the first and only New Zealand metal recycler to hold this certification. Now in their third voluntary carbon reporting year, Jasmine says the data shows their recycling operation is “close to 10 times climate positive for the environment”. Accolades for Phoenix in 2023 include winning the Leveraging Investment for International Growth Award at the New Zealand International Business Awards and being named National Fastest Growing Exporter at the Deloitte Fast 50 Awards. Through social partnerships like The Kai Ika Project - Cans for Kai programme in conjunction with LegaSea, Phoenix is actively advancing sustainable pathways in support of a circular economy. The Cans for Kai project not only serves as a fundraising initiative but also champions the value of recycling.
| 7 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Phoenix Metalman Recycling Phoenix has a well-equipped fleet to manage the collection service and employs more than 50 full-time staff who are trained and endorsed to transport dangerous goods. Relief Transport is a proud transport partner of Phoenix Metalman Recycling Diverse range of trucks & capabilities backed by a team of experienced drivers Relief Transport has a fleet of over 30 dedicated trucks to help businesses small through large move their freight throughout Auckland and the North Island. Palletised Freight • Container Freight• Bulk Haulage / Tippers • Storage Solutions Sales Enquiries: Andrew Smith | 0273 648 045 | andrew@relieftransport.co.nz relieftransport.co.nz We handle the transportation of all machinery New Zealand Wide. 0800 8299753 | transport@hanes.co.nz | www.hanes.co.nz Transport Services
8 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Meridian Energy: Ruakaka Energy Park T T Richard Loader Ruakaka Energy Park taking shape The first stage of the energy park, the BESS, will cover an area the size of two rugby fields and provide additional reserve power and resilience to the national grid, accelerate the growth of renewable generation and support the transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. Meridian Energy’s Ruakākā Energy Park, is a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), currently under construction, and a 120MW solar farm, located at Ruakākā, near Whangārei. The first stage of the energy park, the BESS, will cover an area the size of two rugby fields and provide additional reserve power and resilience to the national grid, accelerate the growth of renewable generation and support the transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. When completed it will be New Zealand’s first large-scale grid BESS, providing Meridian with a versatile North Island asset. This BESS will be made up of eighty 20ft containerised battery storage units, and twenty Power Conversion System units (PCS), which include inverters and transformers that increase the voltage of the electricity from the battery units. The site will contain a switching station building, an office and storage building, firewater tank/s, small transformers and other electrical equipment, carparking, unloading and storage areas, security fencing and an 8m landscaping area around the road boundaries of the site. The BESS is being delivered in three stages: Stage 1 – Earthworks and drainage, which was completed in August 2023; Stage 2 – Battery support infrastructure – currently under construction; Stage 3 – Battery installation and commissioning, to be completed at the end of 2024. Project Director Alan de Lima says the BESS offers Meridian Energy with multiple new revenue streams, providing the ability to load shift between price periods and to participate in the North Island reserve electricity market. “As intermittent renewable generation increases in this country, the Ruakākā BESS will help manage supply fluctuations through a low carbon footprint, reducing this country’s reliance on fossil fuels.” Global battery specialist Saft are providing integrated battery supply, installation, commissioning and operational services for the BESS. Meridian Energy is managing a multi contract delivery approach, with project completion expected in the second half of 2024. Alan says the project will have a positive impact on the region in terms of resilience and improving security of supply, as well as local economic benefits throughout the construction period and the introduction of a Community Fund upon completion. “We’d like to acknowledge local hapū Patuharakeke, who with Meridian are developing a relationship agreement to work together with the hope this project enables collective opportunities, including employment and “As intermittent renewable generation increases in this country, the Ruakākā BESS will help manage supply fluctuations through a low carbon footprint, reducing this country’s reliance on fossil fuels.” training, assessment of future projects as well as advancing renewable energy initiatives in their rohe (territory).” Meridian Energy’s bold vision for Ruakākā includes a grid-scale solar farm planned to further speed up New Zealand’s transition to a productive low carbon economy. The shared infrastructure provided by the BESS will significantly improve the economics of the future solar farm. Resource consent applications for the solar farm were lodged 2023, and are currently being considered by Councils. No project of this scale and complexity comes without its challenges and Alan acknowledges that a key challenge in this project was mastering the steep learning curve. “This is the first BESS of this scale in New Zealand, which requires working through technology issues during both the design and construction phases, that have not been previously experienced. “Challenges are opportunities, and as always we work our way through these things to achieve a successful outcome.” Alan adds that this was Meridian Energy’s first project north of Auckland, and completely new territory in which to establish a base and build positive relationships with local contractors within the Northland community, as well as other members of the wider community. “We’ve now established very good relationships with local contractors who share our excitement for the project and who are very keen to be involved. They know it will be a showcase project, not just for Meridian Energy, but also the Northland region and themselves. “For me, building those positive relationships with local hapū Patuharakeke, contractors and wider community is what has underpinned the success of this project to date. As well as the solar project we are looking at dozens of other opportunities in Northland, and right across the country, and we will be able to leverage off those relationships going forward.”
| 9 A complete lifecycle solution • Full system responsibility from design to implementation • Project and interface management in one hand • Unique safety concept, UL/IEC certified • Guaranteed system performance Business_North.indd 1 16/2/2024 10:42:23 am The power grid needs exibility and capacity. The need to balance the variations of demand and supply increases with the growing penetration of variable, non-dispatchable renewables. In addition, sources like wind and solar put some challenges to electricity grids, both in terms of operational management and grid stability. Meanwhile, power systems also require su cient capacity at peak demand to guarantee electricity supply. The need for capacity reserves is heightened due to the unpredictable nature of renewables. Traditionally, exibility and capacity reserves are provided by fast-reacting resources like combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT). Battery Energy Storaage Systems (BESS) o er a greener replacement to fossil-fuel based resources. While their role was mainly focused on ancillary services in early development, the latest state-of-the-art BESS are designed to stack multiple functions over di erent time constants, helping to balance supply and demand, tomanage grid capacity and stability and to ensure security of supply. As we all work towards Net Zero, they play a critical role in capturing and valuing precious zero-carbon electricity which otherwise risks being curtailed – at an economic and environmental cost. Increasing digitalization Modern BESS are also getting digitalized, enabling real-time system management. This improves e ciency while reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Cloud data management interfaces provide remote monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) and control over all operational parameters of their system. With Saft’s I-Sight system, the digital platform monitors performance in real-time to ensure the BESS delivers on contract speci c KPI’s. The platform will alert of any deviations, enabling immediate response. It is also now possible to resolve most issues at a distance, thanks to remote diagnostic and recon guration tools. Scaling up faster As larger systems (over 100 MW) are getting common, su cient space becomes a challenge. BESS energy capacity per container has increased, facilitating a smaller system footprint. For example, Saft’s new containers, Intensium Shift, have increased from 2.3 MWh to 3 MWh. This is provided by greater energy per module and an enhanced system design. Advancements in control One challenge that comes from larger and longer duration systems is to avoid multiplying power conversion systems (PCS) which required the conversion of DC energy in multiple containers into AC. Saft developed the Cube control system that accurately manages up to eight containers in parallel. This enables the design system architectures based on the largest, cost-optimized PCS systems available on the market. The enhanced energy density of the container building blocks, combined with advanced controls and a space-saving plug-and-play installation, is game-changing. All in all, this means the industry can now deliver utility-scale BESS for up to eight hours of energy shifting, all while halving the oorspace and installation time. The tide is now turning. As we integrate more and more renewables, BESS are not only e cient alternatives to fossil-based exibilities, but also crucial enablers to capture, store and deploy that energy when needed. Otherwise, we risk wasting energy – an ever precious resource in today’s world. The global energy challenge makes a strong case for battery energy storage
10 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tauranga City Council - Te Manawataki o Te Papa T T Karen Phelps Transforming the heart of Tauranga Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the city’s civic precinct, will have a library and community hub, civic whare (public meeting space) and museum and exhibition gallery. “Te Manawataki o Te Papa’s emergence as a centre of economic activity presents exciting opportunities for Tauranga and the surrounding areas.” The heart of Tauranga city is transforming and at the centre of all the changes is Te Manawataki o Te Papa – the heartbeat of Te Papa. After decades of indecision regarding the city centre, Tauranga City Council is working with city partners and the community to create a very special place for the community. “I was brought up in Tauranga and the opportunity to be part of something that is going to benefit our communities in the future is what drives me,” says General Manager City Development and Partnerships Gareth Wallis. The ‘heart’ of this concept is Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the city’s civic precinct, where a library and community hub, civic whare (public meeting space) and museum and exhibition gallery will take shape over the next five years. Upgrades to Baycourt and Tauranga Art Gallery, along with associated landscape and waterfront improvements, will also add to a greatly enhanced environment. These long-awaited community facilities will see $306 million invested and with more than $1 billion in private and public sector investment also committed over the next eight years, the city centre will undergo an economic, cultural and social renaissance, bringing far-reaching benefits for generations to come, says Gareth. Bolstered by a $21 million grant towards Te Manawataki o Te Papa from TECT, and $12.1 million in central Government Better-Off funding, the project has solid support to reach completion goals, he says. “Te Manawataki o Te Papa’s emergence as a centre of economic activity presents exciting opportunities for Tauranga and the surrounding areas. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can unlock the full potential of our region and create a prosperous future for all,” says Gareth. Te Manawataki o Te Papa is projected to add an estimated 10,000 new jobs to the Tauranga region by 2041 and contribute approximately $2.7 billion to Tauranga’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2041. Te Manawataki o Te Papa’s economic growth is anticipated to drive a 71% increase in retail spending in the Tauranga region by 2041. While a lot of the team’s work is future-focussed, significant attention is also focused on the here and now, says Gareth. Work is complete on the upgrade of Tunks Reserve and Elizabeth Street East in the city centre, and upgrades are already underway on several other significant community amenity projects in the city centre including the redevelopment of Masonic Park, which will link the civic precinct to the waterfront. “Because we have many projects going on simultaneously, there has been a lot of disruption in the city centre for our community. We’ve tried to minimise the disruption as much as possible but we acknowledge that this transition has not been easy. We meet regularly with local business owners and retailers to listen and, where we can, implement any ideas that could help to reduce any shortterm disruption to their operations.” Construction on the library and community hub has begun and will be followed by the new museum in May. “I’m excited about the benefits and opportunities that Te Manawataki o Te Papa will bring to our community in the future. “Once completed, it will be a place where everyone belongs and be a significant driver for economic growth. The future looks bright for our home and I’m excited.” 07 575 6080 31 Te Maire Street, Mount Maunganui www.jensensteel.co.nz
| 11 Red Stag and the Rise of Sustainable Mid-Rise Wood Construc�on The Sustainable Advantage of Red Stag Carbon Sequestra�on and Climate Impact Innova�ve Engineering with Red Stag Cost-Effec�veness and Efficiency Red Stag, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, has become a key supplier for mid-rise wood construction projects. Red Stag specialises in providing engineered wood products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT), all of which play a crucial role in constructing environmentally responsible buildings. Website: www.redstag.co.nz Email: info@redstag.co.nz Tel: +64 9 253 9349 | 0800 733 784 Rotorua: Waipa State Mill Rd, Whakarewarewa Auckland: 9 Bostock Place, East Tamaki Hamilton: 53 Ingram Road, Rukuhia RedStagGuides Exceeding Expectations In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, mid-rise wood structures are emerging as a sustainable and innovative solution. With a focus on eco-friendly materials, builders are increasingly turning to Engineered Wood Products (EWP) to create structures that not only stand tall but also leave a smaller environmental footprint. One key player at the forefront of this movement is Red Stag, a leading supplier of high-quality engineered wood products, contributing signi cantly to the growth of mid-rise wood construction. Red Stag’s commitment to quality extends beyond sustainability to encompass innovate engineering solutions. Red Stag’s products, particularly CLT, o er architects and builders the exibility to design cutting-edge structures. The versatility of CLT combined with GLT allows for open and spacious interiors, providing a canvas for creative architectural designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Regulatory Compliance and Red Stag As mid-rise wood construction gains traction, regulatory support is vital. Red Stag’s commitment to quality and compliance aligns seamlessly with evolving building legislation. Red Stag’s products adhere to the highest industry standards, supported with extensive third-party testing and auditing and a comprehensive internal Quality Assurance programme. This has earned the trust of regulatory authorities in facilitating the widespread acceptance of mid-rise wood construction. Get in touch with the team by sending an enquiry to ewp@redstag.co.nz, alternatively you can call them on +64 9 253 9349. Tauranga City Council Building, 90 Devonport Road, Tauranga (Red Stag & LT McGuinness) One of the key advantages of partnering with Red Stag is its vertical integration, from forestry and milling through to CLT, GLT and LVL manufacturing. Red Stag’s design team will incorporate all engineered wood products and xings into a digital model, where Red Stag’s manufacturing sites in Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland will produce construction ready solutions. Red Stag’s prefabricated solutions, signi cantly reduce labour costs, transportation movements, site noise and waste, foundation requirements, and construction timelines. This e ciency is particularly crucial in the context of mid-rise construction, where speed and coste ectiveness are paramount considerations. The use of Red Stag’s engineered wood products in mid-rise construction contributes to carbon sequestration. Wood, a renewable resource, absorbs and stores carbon during its growth. By incorporating Red Stag’s materials, builders not only bene t from superior strength and durability, but also actively participate in the reduction of the overall carbon footprint associated with construction.
12 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Culham Engineering T T Richard Loader Culham delivers on tank farm project The two massive tanks were constructed in Whangarei site, then transported by barge to the Port of Tauranga T T to page 14 In December of 2023, Whangarei based Culham Engineering completed a remarkable project that spanned almost two years and reflected the company’s reputation for delivering innovative and high value engineering solutions over the 66 years it has been operating throughout New Zealand. The project involved the fabrication of two very large tanks designed to hold bulk low sulphur fuel oil, each tank measuring 25 metres in diameter, 21 metres tall overall, and weighing approximately 225 tonnes (300 tonnes on trailer). The client was Stolthaven Terminals, who operate bulk tank facilities in New Zealand and Australia, storing liquids like petrol and hydrocarbons, and who required the tanks for its tank farm at the Port of Tauranga. Culham Engineering had previously built tanks for Stolthaven Terminals at the Port in Auckland and Tauranga and had an established working relationship. Special Projects Advisor for Culham Engineering, Dave Cunningham, says the company had been selected to undertake the project because of its innovative thinking and ability to fabricate the two massive tanks at its Whangarei site, then transport them along the coast to the Port of Tauranga. “Being based on the harbour with berthing facilities means we can undertake large fabrication projects and ship to sites close to water. & install Proud to work with Culham Engineering on this exciting project
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