Business North December / January 2021

20 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Northland - Griffiths Project Management Oruku Landing secures major grant T T Karen Phelps A new shovel-ready project on Whanga - rei’s waterfront will create much needed jobs in the Northland region, and change the face of the region forever, says Griffiths & Associates Ltd (Griffiths) Project Management managing director Ben Tomason. The Oruku Landing project has just received $60m of government funding and will deliver a world-class development centred around a conference and events centre, 4-star hotel, public plaza, apartments and marina. Griffiths Project Management prepared the $1.4m feasibility study within in a tight time frame to help secure the funding. Ben says this involved coordinating a large team of con- sultants to ensure that the project met district planning and RMA requirements, as well as incorporating in-depth involvement into the design from community and hapū. “We used a user-centred design approach (UX), engaging specialist consultants to facilitate this, so that the building would be designed around the needs and aspirations of the local community, hapū and end users. We are very proud that this process has had genuine input and ownership by community and hapū,” says Ben. The result of this embraces a cultural narrative woven into the design including waka poles and textures mimicking harakeke to reflect traditional use of the river and land. The name ‘Oruku’ refers to a prominent pah site located on a ridge above the project. Oruku Landing will be the largest project Griffiths Project Management has ever under - taken. “It is really an opportunity for local compa- nies to showcase their abilities and grow their potential through a piece of much needed infrastructure for the region. When locals are given opportunities and are appropriately supported they can be capable of delivering significant large-scale projects. By doing so we will permanently lift the capability and capaci- ty of local companies for future projects.” Griffiths Project Management was founded nearly two decades ago. Today Ben and Heather Tomason are the directing shareholders after the recent retirement of founding director and share- “Through our feasibility work we’ve been able to help to achieve something rare for Northland – a $60m government grant.” T: 03 366 1777 • E: engineering@pfc.co.nz • W: www.pfc.co.nz Structural • Mechanical • Electrical Fire • Civil • Hydraulic • Acoustic Powell Fenwick is proud to support, and work alongside, Gri iths & Associates. Providing innovative engineering solutions to Northland and beyond for over 60 years. 09 438 3273 of ce@RSEng.co.nz www.RSEng.co.nz 2 Seaview Rd, Whangarei 0110