Volume 24 | Issue 2 | April 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Doing the mahi’ Offering a myriad of service expertise, Whangarei’s All Truck Repairs is a true “one-stop-shop for all things truck”.... T T Page 86 businessnorth
2 | Contents businessnorth 17| Winning work The Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust has been recognised for its outstanding environmental efforts. 78| Switched on Hamilton’s Industrial Switchboards products are driving some of New Zealand’s largest and most critical facilities. !28 | Horse heaven Breckon Farms’ brand-new equine facilities are of a truly premium standard that’s up with the best in the world. 78 128 17 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 Xtreme Zero Waste �������������������������������������������������03 NIWA ��������������������������������������������������������������������������04 Ministry of Primary Industries ����������������������������07 Foster Construction Group ����������������������������������08 Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust �����������������������������������10 Revolve Environmental Solutions �����������������������13 Ngāti Rēhia ���������������������������������������������������������������14 Scope �������������������������������������������������������������������������16 Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust �������������������������������������17 NZTA - CLL ����������������������������������������������������������������18 Safetrak Northland ������������������������������������������������21 Whangarei District Council �����������������������������������22 Virgin Concrete ��������������������������������������������������������24 Aquaholics ����������������������������������������������������������������26 Stratum Consultants - Tauranga �������������������������28 Archishade ���������������������������������������������������������������29 Alpha Waterproofing & Roofing ��������������������������30 Awnings & Covers ���������������������������������������������������31 Facilitate Group �������������������������������������������������������32 Leigh Fish ������������������������������������������������������������������33 Marra Construction �����������������������������������������������34 Precision Ready Mix Concrete �����������������������������36 Waipa Civil ����������������������������������������������������������������38 Manulife Forest Management �����������������������������42 All Good Petfood ����������������������������������������������������44 Rotorua ITM �������������������������������������������������������������45 Bridgeman Concrete ����������������������������������������������46 Concrete Logistics ��������������������������������������������������47 A.G.A Construction ������������������������������������������������48 Alvarium ��������������������������������������������������������������������49 Jargonel Properties ������������������������������������������������50 Tourism Holdings ����������������������������������������������������53 SAM Property ����������������������������������������������������������54 Chedworth Properties ������������������������������������������56 G.J. Gardner Homes Manukau ��������������������������58 Diack Homes ������������������������������������������������������������62 David Reid Homes Auckland Central �����������������63 Flowerday Homes ���������������������������������������������������64 Golden Homes Bay of Plenty �������������������������������68 Ockham Residential �����������������������������������������������70 AMR Developments �����������������������������������������������71 TK Lake Gardens �����������������������������������������������������72 The Oakland Group ������������������������������������������������73 Kotare Properties ���������������������������������������������������74 Signature Homes Waikato ������������������������������������75 Total Door Systems ������������������������������������������������76 Edgesmith/FenceLab ���������������������������������������������77 Industrial Switchboards ����������������������������������������78 Aurora Process Solutions �������������������������������������80 ITSS Engineering �����������������������������������������������������81 Camco �����������������������������������������������������������������������82 Tranzliquid Logistics �����������������������������������������������84 All Truck Repairs ������������������������������������������������������86 Jazz Home Haulage ������������������������������������������������87 Hambly Haulage �����������������������������������������������������88 Ze Build ���������������������������������������������������������������������89 DRN Excavations �����������������������������������������������������90 DCN Drilling ��������������������������������������������������������������91 Apex Civil ������������������������������������������������������������������92 BMC Cranes �������������������������������������������������������������93 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 Christine Defelice, Randall Johnston Journalists Anne Boswell, Bernadette Cooney, 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 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, Michelle Phelan, Josie Villa OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz Simply Fire �����������������������������������������������������������������93 QJB Roofing ���������������������������������������������������������������94 James Lux Development ����������������������������������������95 Tree King ��������������������������������������������������������������������96 VSL Landscapes �������������������������������������������������������97 BVA Studio �����������������������������������������������������������������98 OTO Group Architecture ����������������������������������������99 A Studio Architects ����������������������������������������������� 100 Sang Architects ����������������������������������������������������� 102 Ink Architecture ���������������������������������������������������� 104 Insignia Design & Architecture �������������������������� 105 Lambeth Architectural ���������������������������������������� 106 A Knight Design & Build �������������������������������������� 107 Landmark Homes North Shore ����������������������� 108 G.J. Gardner Homes Tauranga South ���������������110 Coast NZ Construction �����������������������������������������112 McMahon Builders ������������������������������������������������113 Advance Build ���������������������������������������������������������114 Twin Solutions ��������������������������������������������������������118 Feature Build ����������������������������������������������������������119 Bookabuild ��������������������������������������������������������������120 Coresteel Bay of Plenty ����������������������������������������121 Navigation Homes - Counties Franklin ������������ 122 Golden Homes - Auckland and Northland ������125 Reid Builders �����������������������������������������������������������126 Structured Builders �����������������������������������������������127 Breckon Farms �������������������������������������������������������128 Ōtūmoetai College ������������������������������������������������131 Dodson Group ��������������������������������������������������������132
| 3 “Zero waste is both our past and our future. We’ve worked hard to achieve our current diversion rates, and now we’re focused on closing the final gap. By working collectively, we can achieve the last 20 to 25%.” Xtreme Zero Waste Leading the way to zero waste Founded by local families enthusiastic about sustainability, Xtreme Zero Waste has grown into an integral part of the Whāingaroa community. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Xtreme Zero Waste, Raglan’s community-driven recycling service and resource-recovery centre, is this year celebrating 25 years of sustainable waste minimisation and management solutions. Since it started in 2000, this trailblazing charitable trust has worked tirelessly towards its goal of a zero-waste future, diverting an impressive 75% to 80% of the region’s waste from landfill. Founded by local families enthusiastic about sustainability, Xtreme Zero Waste has grown into an integral part of the Whāingaroa community. Partnering with the Waikato Regional and District Councils, the Ministry for the Environment, Wel Networks, and Trust Waikato, and other philanthropic organisations, the initiative has thrived. Xtreme Zero Waste runs a kerbside collection service four days a week, covering Raglan and surrounding rural areas on contract to the district council. Through its extensive kerbside waste and recycling services, foodscrap collections, garden- waste processing, business collections and waste audits, the organisation has set a national benchmark for waste minimisation. Two co-founders of Xtreme Zero Waste will mark their own quarter of a century of service: Rick Thorpe, who is currently supporting Auckland Council to establish a network of resource recovery centres throughout the city, and Liz Stanway, who has been part of the Xtreme team for 25 years, championing the organics yard and setting up the dedicated food- scrap service and composting initiative. “Zero waste is both our past and our future,” says, Xtreme Zero Waste spokesperson Jemma Hovelmeier. “We’ve worked hard to achieve our current diversion rates, and now we’re focused on closing the final gap. By working collectively, we can achieve the last 20 to 25%.” The organisation also manages New Zealand’s first dedicated food-scrap collection service, a model that has since inspired other cities like Tauranga and Auckland. “Food-scrap collection is a very sustainable service, and it’s great if you don’t have the space nor the time to have your own compost heap – just put them out for collection and we’ll take care of the composting.” At the heart of the food scraps operation is Xtreme Zero Waste’s Organics Yard, home to a 30-metre horizontal composting unit. Here, the food scraps are combined with shredded green waste to produce nutrient-rich compost over 12 weeks. “We’ve created a closed-loop system that turns organic waste into valuable compost for local gardens and farms,” Jemma says. Xtreme Zero Waste’s business collection hub provides tailored landfill and recycling solutions for local enterprises. This includes comprehensive waste audits to find waste sources and implement T T Bernadette Cooney waste-reduction strategies. Kaahu’s Nest is the craftily curated reuse shop at Xtreme Zero Waste’s 186 Te Hutewai Road Resource Recovery Centre. Here you will find all manner of pre-loved treasures to reuse or re-purpose – from fabric to furniture, housewares to wood and metal. Kaahu’s Nest is also the hub for compost sales by the bag, or bulk scoop for trailers. With a dedicated team of 35 staff members, including drivers, collectors, mechanics, and educators, Xtreme Zero Waste looks forward to the next 25 years of making a meaningful contribution to the sustainability sector. Please call us or make an enquiry at: www.pinkbins.co.nz ProudlysupportingXtremeZeroWaste ALL MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES Proudly Supporting Xtreme Zero Waste 07 825 0528 directtechltd@gmail.com 10D Nau Mai Road
4 | NIWA: Kingfish Aquaculture Facility T T Karen Phelps Kingfish farm showing huge promise T T to page 6 “Bringing the project on land has a number of benefits – we can control the water coming into the farm, and we can also capture most of the nutrients going out and use settling ponds to treat it.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT NIWA and Northland Regional Council’s land-based kingfish farm in Ruakaka is setting the stage for a new chapter in New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, with the potential to create significant employment opportunities and establish a new high-value export market. “It’s very exciting and we are already getting a lot of domestic and international investment interest,” says NIWA RAS manager Amanda Cleary. The state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility, which was officially opened in August last year, is a collaboration between NIWA and Northland Regional Council, and marks the culmination of over two decades of research and development at the site. The project has already achieved commercial production status, currently yielding around 230 tonnes of premium kingfish annually, with capacity to reach 600 tonnes. “There are challenges with any new system, which we have been refining. We also don’t want to flood the market. To keep a good price on the fish we need to create value and a brand,” explains Amanda. The facility features eight 350,000-litre tanks, each four metres deep, utilising advanced filtration and UV treatment systems to maintain optimal growing conditions. Amanda says the controlled environment of the RAS facility offers significant advantages over traditional sea-based farming methods. “Bringing the project on land has a number of benefits – we can control the water coming into the farm, and we can also capture most of the nutrients going out and use settling ponds to treat it. Around 95-99% of water is being re-circulated through the system. Side projects are already underway to research potential uses for the waste products.” Several key industry partners have contributed to the facility’s success. McKay completed the electrical fit-out, and Alta Consulting managed the project’s construction. GD Plumbing is delivering plumbing services for alterations after the original handover, and Air Liquide NZ provides and manages the liquid oxygen systems essential for maintaining optimal conditions in the tanks. NIWA’s research shows that kingfish can grow from a 1mm egg to a 3kg market-sized fish in less than 12 months. The species, known as haku in te reo Māori, has proven particularly well-suited to landbased farming, with excellent flesh quality making it ideal for premium products such as sashimi. At Alta, our job is to help deliver better project outcomes. We do this by applying independent construction expertise in the areas of constructability, cost and commercial and project delivery. hello@altacon.co.nz www.altacon.co.nz 021 198 8980 Alta is proud to have project managed the design, consenting and construction of the NIWA RAS project.
| 5 NIWA: Kingfish Aquaculture Facility The state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility, which was officially opened in August last year, is a collaboration between NIWA and Northland Regional Council, and marks the culmination of over two decades of research and development at the site. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT McKay's diverse capabilities and innovative approach position it well to play an important role in shaping the country's electrical future. As one of New Zealand's largest privately owned electrical engineering and construction companies it is working across multiple sectors with its innovative approach to electrotechnology and renewable energy solutions. "Our commitment to innovation extends far beyond our technology and services - it's a mindset that drives us to continuously improve and push the boundaries of what's possible," says Andrew Lancaster, Executive General Manager Strategy and Innovation at McKay. Established in Northland in 1936, McKay has evolved from humble beginnings in Dargaville to become a significant player in the electrical industry, serving diverse sectors from marine and renewables to construction and infrastructure. Andrew says the company's vertically integrated capabilities set it apart in the market, offering comprehensive solutions from initial design through to ongoing maintenance. This end-to-end service model enables it to maintain strict quality control while delivering innovative solutions across various industries. Its team of experts are committed to providing exceptional service, using the latest electrotechnology to ensure that McKay meet and exceed client expectations. “At McKay we are dedicated to excellence and equipped with extensive local resources to deliver complex electrical solutions for any project. We work closely with our clients to achieve the perfect balance of technology, innovation, cost, schedule and risk, ensuring successful outcomes for every unique project challenge.” He says McKay's dedication to renewable energy is part of its focus on innovation. In 2019, it launched McKay Renewables, a dedicated division focusing on wind and solar power to support New Zealand's sustainable future. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its own operations, with its Whangarei head office achieving a 60 percent solar offset through rooftop arrays and its use of electric and hybrid vehicles across its fleet. He says the fact that McKay has achieved AS/NZS ISO 14001 standard acknowledges the robust environmental management systems in place throughout the company. McKay's engineering capabilities are also an important aspect of its ability to deliver innovative solutions with its in-house team of electrical engineers collaborating with clients and other engineering contractors to develop conceptual electrical and control system designs. Andrew says this collaborative approach ensures seamless integration of electrical systems with other project elements. Its work in the area of automation also reflects a focus on future-forward thinking. The company's automation expertise spans various industrial platforms, including SCADA programming and PLC systems, while its maintenance division provides 24/7 support and asset management solutions with real-time data reporting. “Our engineers are well-versed in the latest technologies and methodologies, allowing us to deliver innovative and efficient automation solutions that optimise our clients’ operations,” explains Andrew. “At McKay we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation and we are confident that our continued emphasis on this core capability will continue to set us apart from the competition. Our commitment is not just to meet the current needs of our customers, but to anticipate their future needs as well. We are passionate about creating products and solutions that not only solve problems but also shape the future of our industry.” Innovative Electrical Solutions for Every Project
6 | Kingfish farm shows promise The kingfish species, known as haku in te reo Māori, has proven particularly well-suited to land-based farming, with excellent flesh quality making it ideal for premium products such as sashimi. T T from page 4 NIWA: Kingfish Aquaculture Facility REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Distribution channels are already well-established, with Sanford handling domestic sales while Leigh Fish manages exports to the United States and Canada. Amanda says the success of these early forays into the market has validated the commercial potential of the operation. She says NIWA’s research indicates that the global market for premium seafood products continues to grow, with particular demand in the high-value segment. The success of the prototype facility could pave the way for a full-scale 3000-tonne operation within five years, potentially creating around 75 new jobs for the region. “The end goal is to produce an industry for New Zealand that creates jobs and another high-value species. This facility will also serve as a proof-of-concept for potential investors, including iwi groups.” She says the project also demonstrates the viability of land-based aquaculture for other species, opening up possibilities for diversification within the industry. This could be particularly significant for regions like Northland, where economic development opportunities have historically been limited. “The facility’s success builds on New Zealand’s natural advantages, including abundant and genetically diverse wild stocks that have supported an advanced broodstock programme,” Amanda says. “This gives NIWA and New Zealand a distinct edge in the global market, as other countries scramble to expand their production capabilities. “With the global demand for sustainable, high-quality seafood continuing to rise, the Ruakaka facility positions New Zealand at the forefront of land-based aquaculture innovation.” Air Liquide: Breathing New Life into Land-Based Aquaculture Behind many successful ish farming operations stands Air Liquide, one of the world's leading industrial gas suppliers whose oxygen technology is revolutionising the aquaculture industry. Operating in over 60 countries, Air Liquide New Zealand brings more than three decades of specialist experience to the sector through its Air Liquide Technology Center (ALTEC), where technical specialists provide tailored advice and process innovations. “We don't just sell gas,” explains Air Liquide application specialist Alex Young. “We collaborate closely with the industry and our East Asia Paci ic cluster ish farm expert, Tianyan Chen who is located in Japan, to provide customised solutions that address speci ic customer needs.” A prime example of this collaborative approach is Air Liquide's work with NIWA and Northland Regional Council on the pioneering land-based king ish farm in Ruakaka. This project showcases how pure oxygen technology supports sustainable aquaculture in New Zealand, with Air Liquide's expertise proving invaluable in designing oxygen delivery systems tailored to king ish cultivation. At the heart of Air Liquide's o ering are advanced oxygen dissolution systems that outperform conventional aeration methods. Its high-e iciency devices include the BICONETM and CS Nozzle systems, alongside electricity-free solutions such as POROXAL and MESOXAL. These technologies maintain optimal dissolved oxygen concentrations at 120 140% saturation. For modern recirculating aquaculture systems like the Ruakaka facility, Air Liquide's technology extends beyond ish respiration, with oxygen also producing ozone for water sterilisation. The company o ers supply options from cylinders to on-site oxygen generators and has embraced digitalisation through monitoring applications that track oxygen levels and enable remote management. While oxygen typically accounts for just 1 10% of total operational costs, Alex says its impact on productivity is substantial. "Some customers have reported a 1.5-fold increase in production capacity. Pure oxygen allows for higher ish density while requiring less water, creating more sustainable operations." The bene its extend to ish health and growth rates, with stable oxygen levels optimising metabolism. Some farmers report 20 30% increases in feed intake and improved feed conversion rates, directly reducing production costs that can exceed NZ$2,000 per tonne of ish. Pure oxygen also prevents nitrogen supersaturation, which can cause gas disease, and provides a safety bu er during power outages. Air Liquide's systems are designed with energy e iciency in mind, consuming less electricity than conventional methods. As land-based aquaculture expands in New Zealand and globally, Air Liquide's experience, innovation and successful projects like the Ruakaka king ish farm position the company as a vital partner in creating sustainable ish farming operations that help meet the world's growing demand for protein.
| 7 T T Karen Phelps New facility a boost for primary industry The PEQ facility will double the country’s capacity to import new plant varieties. Ministry of Primary Industries and Leighs Construction “It’s incredibly important for the growth of our primary production sector. To be able to bring in new plant varieties is the lifeblood for developing new crops and products, so the PEQ facility is a huge boost for the industry.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) new Level 3B Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility has reached operational readiness, with the first plants due to arrive in March. Located at the Mount Albert Research Centre, the PEQ facility will double the country’s capacity to import new plant varieties. As the only current Level 3B PEQ provider in New Zealand, MPI’s new facility has enormous potential benefits for the country’s horticulture industry, says Dr Fleur Francois, Biosecurity New Zealand’s director of diagnostics, readiness and surveillance. “It’s incredibly important for the growth of our primary production sector. To be able to bring in new plant varieties is the lifeblood for developing new crops and products, so the PEQ facility is a huge boost for the industry,” she says. Built by head contractor Leighs Construction, with key project partner Apex Environmental, the PEQ facility features 12, Level 3B PEQ greenhouse units, designed to the highest containment standards. The additional greenhouse units will provide much-needed space to meet the increasing demand for plant germplasm imports requiring quarantine. The facility boasts advanced environmental controls to create optimal growing conditions for various plants, and an on-site effluent disposal system to treat liquid waste, ensuring biosecurity risks are contained. “Many people may not understand why such rigorous quarantine protocols are necessary. It’s because there are a whole lot of pests and diseases we don’t have in New Zealand that would be devastating if they arrived. And they don’t always show obvious symptoms or signs on the plant material. “We need to grow the plants for months and test them over that time with molecular diagnostic testing at defined times.” Dr Francois says Leighs Construction has been integral to the project, providing buildability input from the early stages of development, ensuring practical construction solutions were incorporated into the design. She says demand for importing new plant material has increased dramatically over the past decade, and that this trend is expected to continue, due to innovation in New Zealand’s plant-based industries, changing consumer preferences, and the need for improved pest and disease resistance. “We’ve had a lot of interest in the new facility, and booking space from a whole range of different industries.” Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) Tiakitanga Pūtaiao Aotearoa, a business unit within the Ministry for Primary Industries, has led the project. The facility is part of its wider effort to protect New Zealand’s primary industries from biosecurity risks, and ensuring it continues to be a safe and secure trading partner. The PEQ facility will sit alongside the new plant health and environment laboratory, which will be a reference laboratory providing diagnostic testing for all plant health, pests and diseases that New Zealand could face. “We are constantly running surveillance, so this facility will be where we test plant material from within New Zealand.” The process may become more streamlined in future, as she says MPI is consulting on changes that could drastically reduce the time plants must spend in quarantine. Apex Water is proud to have worked with Leighs Construction and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in the design, construction and commissioning of the wastewater treatment plant to support the new Interim Post-Entry Quarantine (IPEQ) facility in Auckland. Early contractor involvement by Apex Water allowed a collaborative approach be taken to delivery of this critical part of the overall project, which required all wastewater to be sterilised through heat treatment to ensure no biosecurity risk to New Zealand as a result of discharge to the Council sewer. This represented a unique and highly-speci ic wastewater treatment requirement. The solution designed and installed by Apex Water included a sump to receive all wastewater lows from the IPEQ facility, a wastewater holding tank providing three days of emergency storage, and a pasteuriser unit complete with discharge heat exchanger. The pasteuriser ensures all wastewater is heated to a minimum of 95°C for a minimum of 30 seconds, as per MPI speci ications, before it is cooled via a heat exchanger to under 40°C and discharged to sewer under a trade waste discharge permit. The entire process is highly automated, including reprocessing of wastewater should speci ications not be met. The Apex Water project delivery team, including design engineers and project managers, gained immense satisfaction through successfully completing this challenging project with its unique requirements. Drawing on our experience in the design and construction of water and wastewater treatment plants for municipal and industrial clients, design and placement of the wastewater sump required careful consideration to ensure all wastewater lows from the facility were captured and contained. It was critically important to ensure data was logged to demonstrate compliance with the sterilisation requirements and transmitted to the site’s Building Management System. Procedures for the completion of maintenance on the treatment plant were developed to ensure the capture of all untreated wastewater from system components for processing. Ensuring the system could be cleaned in place was important to ensure ongoing performance and longevity. Now the project has been completed and the system is operational, Apex is looking forward to maintaining a positive relationship with MPI through ongoing operational and maintenance support for the treatment plant.
8 | Foster Construction Group T T Karen Phelps Fosters delivers on complex project Key objectives for the Staiger family were to create a one-team environment and efficient traffic flow through the site. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The recently completed Ray Staiger Limited premises, a 4500sqm development on Hounsell Road in Hamilton, is another example of Foster Construction’s proven capability to transform a complex challenge into a successful outcome. In this case, Fosters delivered the base build and bespoke fit-out design under budget. Fosters’ site manager Mark Bell attributes the success of the project to the collaborative spirit of the project team, along with the high level of trust placed in Fosters by the Staiger family. “This was more than just a typical commercial project; the Staiger family were personally invested in it. Everyone working on this project bought into the Staigers’ vision and committed to achieving the ideal result,” Mark says. With significant business growth over 30 years, the construction materials supplier required a purpose-built facility to accommodate immediate needs and future growth. Key objectives were to create a one-team environment and efficient traffic flow through the site. Being engaged in an early contractor involvement (ECI) arrangement was one of the keys to success, with Fosters’ experience in value engineering helping to mitigate a lot of the risk and cost on the project. “An example of this was engaging an interior architect to fit out the office block, so we could use the original base build budget to complete those works, but with a higher spec design,” explains Mark. “We did this by value engineering substantial materials to achieve the same result at a better price.” Technical advisor for Ray Staiger, Justine Staiger, says working with Fosters was a highly positive experience. “We had the best people on our job, nothing was ever a problem,” she says. “We appreciated that our input was always encouraged, while they weren’t afraid to advise on what wouldn’t work.” Site establishment began in October 2023, and Fosters guaranteed and met a July 2024 completion date. The resulting 800sqm, two-storey building features large offices, a flexible boardroom, open-plan kitchen spaces on both floors, a gym and a showroom. A sizeable packing area sits alongside the extensive 1200sqm warehouse. Traffic flow is practically managed with a one-way system through the site. “The Ray Staiger project highlights the diverse range of commercial and industrial construction solutions we can deliver, while meeting both client vision and budget,” says Mark. For the Staiger family, the project was so successful they immediately commissioned Fosters to refurbish their old premises. “Efficiency, professionalism, clarity, thinking outside of the square. That’s what Fosters bring,” says company director Christine Staiger. “Our build journey was sensational, and we are absolutely happy with the end result.” The Foster Group – encompassing Foster Construction, Foster Engineering, Foster Maintain and Foster Develop – celebrated 50 years in business in 2023. With offices in Hamilton and Tauranga and a team of 200 people, Fosters regularly delivers ECI, design-and-build, and tender projects throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . t f . . / i ti 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. t i f r ; r it i r i i - r r ll i t r , r fili t ir . businessnorth We design, build & install DESIGN, SUPPLY + INSTALL Passive Fire Protection Office Tauranga 3/16 Curly McCleod Way, Mount Managanui Fire Alarm Systems / Passive Fire Protection Fire Alarm Testing / Service Proud to be associated with Ray Staiger Ltd
| 9 Foster Construction Group The 800sqm, two-storey building features large offices, a flexible boardroom, open-plan kitchen spaces on both floors, a gym and a showroom. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHONE 07 846 7166 e: hamilton@cantecservices.co.nz • www.cantecservices.co.nz COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL / RESIDENTIAL PAINTING SPECIALIST COATINGS • WATERPROOFING • MEMBRANE ROOFING • TANKING • JOINTING • INJECTION GROUTING LICENSED APPLICATORS FOR: ALLNEX - VIKING ROOFSPEC - EQUUS - JAYDEX - ALTEX - SIKA - NURALITE - ZONE We are a NZ Certified Steel Fabricator so rest easy in the knowledge that we manufacture structural steelwork according to international best practice Proudlysupporting FosterConstructionGroup info@steelfab.co.nz | 07 827 4223
10 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust � Kim Newth Reservoir set to turbocharge growth Funding sources for the Otawere scheme include the Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council, with cornerstone government loan funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. T T to page 12 Under construction this year, south-west of Kerikeri, is Northland’s newest water storage reservoir – Otawere. The $47 million project, which is due to be completed this August, is poised to turbocharge high-value orchard growth near Kerikeri, the region’s horticultural hub. A 2019 report identified a need for water storage development in Northland, not only to serve as a catalyst for regional growth, but also to provide resilience for municipal water supplies. Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust was set up in 2020 to help meet this need. The trust’s first project was Matawii Reservoir, north-east of Kaikohe. Providing water to the shareholders of the newly formed Kaikohe Water Company, the water scheme was officially opened in May 2023. “Matawii is the smallest of our three water storage reservoirs: it can hold 750,000 cubic metres, with the ability to irrigate up to 250 hectares of horticultural land,” says Ben Craw, relationship manager, Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust. “Late last year we completed our second reservoir in Kaipara, Te Waihekeora Reservoir, and that’s 3,300,000 cubic metres. It already has some new avocado developments around it. Otawere will be even larger at 4,000,000 cubic metres of water storage with the ability to irrigate upwards of 1300 hectares.” Funding sources for this latest scheme include the Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council, with cornerstone government loan funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. “The mechanism for paying back that loan contribution is achieved by selling shares in the scheme,” Ben says. Being on the doorstep of Kerikeri, the new Otawere Reservoir has exciting potential. Up until now, this fertile land around Waimate North and Okaihau has not been suitable for high-value crops like kiwifruit, because it lacked a reliable water supply. That is now set to change. KleenScreenTM manufactures self-cleaning intake screens to protect pumps and systems fromorganic and inorganic debris. The KleenScreenTM range is designed to performbetter, last longer and also be simple tomaintain. We have standardmodels and variations to cater for all installations. The KleenScreenTM range continues to be the only type of rotating self-cleaning intake screen that is produced in stainless steel as standard. KleenScreenTM has enabled us to become the preferred self-cleaning screen supplier to the NewZealand pumpingmarket and nowdue to the quality of our systems, our products are in demand internationally. Available fromyour local pumping equipment supplier nationwide DAMAManufacturing Ltd, Whangarei +64 27 493 3183 | info@kleenscreen.com | www.kleenscreen.com Proud to have assisted with securing the consents for Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust Northland based for 25 Years Landscape Design Landscape and visual assessment Simon Cocker Registered Landscape Architect PO Box 222, Whangarei 0140 P 09 430 3793 M 027 4788812 E simon@scla.nz W www.scla.nz Lance Magee 021 998 503 Mark Magee 021 277 5479 Office 07 826 3044 office@proearth.co.nz Proudly supporting Te Tai Tokerau Water
| 11 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust The $47 million Otawere project, which is due to be completed this August, is poised to turbocharge high-value orchard growth near Kerikeri, the region’s horticultural hub.
12 | Reservoir a boost for region Otawere Reservoir already has an existing orchardist shareholder, Marsden Farm, which is developing up to 100 hectares of land next to the reservoir for horticulture. T T from page 10 Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Otawere Reservoir already has an existing orchardist shareholder, Marsden Farm, which is developing up to 100 hectares of land next to the reservoir for horticulture. The scheme will start supplying water from summer 2025/26. As each reservoir is completed, ownership transfers to a water company, with shareholders gaining an annual water allocation that can benefit the region in various ways. One of the shareholders in Kaikohe Water Company, Far North Holdings, is using its allocation to support a berry fruit venture at Ngāwhā Innovation and Enterprise Park, near Kaikohe. Far North District Council, also a shareholder, plans to treat water from the reservoir to provide potable drinking water in times of low water flow. In undertaking the latest works, the trust has been very careful in respect to its environmental and ecological impact. For example, eels (tuna), lizards and skinks from the development area have been relocated, and there is close monitoring for bats and kiwi where clearing is occurring. “Upon completion of the reservoir, significant areas will also be planted in native bush,” says Ben. Otawere Reservoir is being built by civil construction specialists MAP Projects Limited and local contractors Progressive Earthmoving Limited, with MAP Projects bringing the high-end expertise needed to ensure exacting safety standards are met. Around a million cubic metres of soil is being moved for the project, which involves construction of two massive dam embankments and a spillway. Ben says the project is running a few months ahead of schedule, thanks to good weather and a strong team effort. Some 40 people are currently working on site, six days a week. “Along with the immediate spin-offs for employment, there will be long-term economic benefits from land-use change in terms of increased GDP and increased employment,” says Ben, noting that horticultural enterprises generate a lot of jobs, and high-value crops like kiwifruit also generate a lot of income compared to traditional farming. Land-use conversion, from farming to orcharding, also has the potential to generate significant work for the region. Bay Irrigation is proud to have been instrumental in designing and implementing pumping infrastructure for multiple reservoirs developed by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust. “They came to us as we had completed smaller projects in Northland and they felt con ident in our ability to undertake these installs,” says Ashley Hampton, who co-owns Bay Irrigation alongside Paul Singer and David Crawford. Bay Irrigation worked on the recently built 3.3 million cubic metre Te Waihekeora Reservoir on the northern Pouto Peninsula, which holds enough water to support approximately 1,100 hectares of new horticultural development. For this project, Bay Irrigation designed pump stations to harvest water from run-o drains around the Te Kopuru area south of Dargaville and pump it to the storage facility. The system also manages water low from the reservoir to end users, including growers and farmers, at speci ied rates—all fully automated. “We had to design a pump Quality and adaptability station and headworks to meet the low and pressure requirements and divert water to where they wanted it,” explains Ashley. The irm has also been involved with the Trust’s Matawii Reservoir near Kaikohe, which can store 750,000 cubic metres of water and has the capacity to supply up to 1,700 hectares of new horticultural land. For this project, Bay Irrigation designed a system to pump water to promote high-value cropping, boost employment and supply water to the Kaikohe township. Currently the company is advising on another Trust project at North Waimate, where the Otawere Reservoir is under construction. Its involvement centres on pipeline sizing into and out of the dam. Ashley says company's selection for these signi icant projects re lects its reputation for quality and adaptability. While the Trust might typically engage larger contractors for such work, Bay Irrigation o ered both expertise and value. “When we installed the irst pump station, one of the 0800 65 55 45 www.bayirrigation.co.nz 15 Barnes Place, Hastings Trust's advisors, experienced in this type of construction, commented that our workmanship (which is our normal standard) was comparable with tier one contractors,” says Ashley. The company's in-house design capabilities including CAD work, allowed it to adapt quickly when requirements changed. “We could adjust things quickly to come up with new quotes and plans as things changed. The timeframe we completed the work also met expectations despite working through winter.” A New Zealand owned and operated company with more than 30 years in the industry Bay Irrigation's origins date back to the late 1980s, with Ashley joining in 1994. Paul has also been in irrigation since the early 80s while David joined after working in the industry and managing dairy farms. Bay Irrigation’s services include advice, design, installation, maintenance and support. “Put simply our customers irrigate thousands of hectares every season knowing that we are right there with them.”
waterfordpress.co.nzRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=