Volume 24 | Issue 4 | July 2025 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Setting the pace Innovative systems developed by automation leader OMRON are lifting efficiency in New Zealand’s industrial and manufacturing industries. T T Page 04 businessnorth
2 | Contents businessnorth 06| Recreation ready The new Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland is transforming campus life. 78| AUT excellence Architectural leader Jasmax has been recognised for its stunning work on the new AUT Tukutuku project. 118| Inspiring transformation Albany Primary School’s new two-storey teaching block is a positive development for the school and its wider community. 78 118 06 #businessnorth #yourstory Circuit Logistics �������������������������������������������������03 OMRON ��������������������������������������������������������������04 University of Auckland �������������������������������������06 Hiringa Energy ���������������������������������������������������10 Fonterra - Hautapu �������������������������������������������12 Petromac ������������������������������������������������������������13 Terra Group �������������������������������������������������������14 Mitchell Construction ���������������������������������������15 Northland Transportation Alliance �����������������16 Northpine �����������������������������������������������������������17 Apex Roof n Clad �����������������������������������������������18 Mako Civil Contracting �������������������������������������19 Construction Advantage ����������������������������������20 Naylor Love ��������������������������������������������������������22 JP Project Management ������������������������������������23 Summerset Group Holdings ����������������������������24 Real Living ���������������������������������������������������������26 Argosy Property ������������������������������������������������29 BOX Living ����������������������������������������������������������30 Iconic Construction �������������������������������������������32 Ockham Residential ������������������������������������������34 He Ahi Partnership ��������������������������������������������36 Peka Industrial Park ������������������������������������������38 Spedding Industrial �������������������������������������������40 Honore Developments �������������������������������������42 TOBA Projects ����������������������������������������������������43 Parkview Estate �������������������������������������������������44 Kingston Group �������������������������������������������������45 Sanderson Group ����������������������������������������������46 Subdivide Simplified �����������������������������������������47 Counties Aluminium �����������������������������������������48 Wight Aluminium ����������������������������������������������49 Absolute Stainless ���������������������������������������������50 Wm Ross Engineering ���������������������������������������51 PFS Engineering ������������������������������������������������52 Allied Industrial Engineering ����������������������������53 Porter Group �����������������������������������������������������54 Norx Group ��������������������������������������������������������57 Gibson O’Connor Construction �����������������������58 Qualico Construction ����������������������������������������59 Gulf Contracting ������������������������������������������������60 Hautapu Hire �����������������������������������������������������62 City Contractors ������������������������������������������������63 Wilton Contracting ��������������������������������������������64 Dutton Stormwater �������������������������������������������65 Drains Unlimited �����������������������������������������������66 OnRoad Transport ��������������������������������������������68 Knight and Dickey ���������������������������������������������69 Northern Automotive Truck and Tractor �������70 Montage Kitchens & Joinery ����������������������������71 Counties Kitchens �������������������������������������������72 PB Kitchens ��������������������������������������������������������74 Lovich Floors ������������������������������������������������������76 Tika Interiors ������������������������������������������������������77 Jasmax ����������������������������������������������������������������78 Dorrington Atcheson Architects ����������������������80 Ashton Mitchell Architects �������������������������������81 Studio Brick Architects �������������������������������������82 PAUA Architects ������������������������������������������������84 Leuschke Group Architects ������������������������������84 Cate Creemers ���������������������������������������������������86 Hurley Architects �����������������������������������������������87 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 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Lammas Overdyck Architects ��������������������������88 Julian Guthrie Architecture ������������������������������89 The Architecture People �����������������������������������90 General Architectural Design Ltd ��������������������91 New Vision Architecture �����������������������������������92 NARA Group ������������������������������������������������������93 Aedifice Property Group ����������������������������������94 Macreadie Builders �������������������������������������������95 Jennian Homes Franklin �����������������������������������96 Generation Homes - Taupo �����������������������������98 Paragon Developments ����������������������������������101 David Reid Homes North Shore ��������������������102 Becker Construction ���������������������������������������104 Versatile Homes Hamilton �����������������������������106 Windsor Construction ������������������������������������108 Blackwood Homes ������������������������������������������109 Platinum Homes Tauranga ����������������������������110 Platinum Homes Northland ���������������������������111 Pask Construction �������������������������������������������112 Paterson Construction �����������������������������������113 Eye for Detail ���������������������������������������������������114 Carlson Builders ����������������������������������������������116 Norwest Build ��������������������������������������������������117 Watts & Hughes Construction �����������������������118 Hobsonville Point Primary School ����������������120 Takapuna Grammar School ���������������������������121 Kaitaia College �������������������������������������������������122 Abbeyfield NZ ��������������������������������������������������123 Otorohonga Kiwihouse ����������������������������������124
| 3 “We’ve just opened Circuit Australia. I’ve got someone in Sydney, and things happening in Brisbane.” T T Bernadette Cooney Expansion follows global success Circuit Logistics CEO Tanja Zurbruegg and company wine specialist Michael Hearn at the 2024 Marlborough Wine Show, where Circuit presented the “Champion Awatere & South Marlborough Region” award, won by Yealands Estate. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Circuit Logistics Pukekohe-based Circuit Logistics has rapidly established itself as a leader in the global ISO tank and liquid logistics sector in its near five years of operation, prompting it to launch the company in Australia. It’s a significant milestone for the small but growing team specialising in global bulk liquids for food, chemical and gases logistics, says CEO Tanja Zurbruegg. “We’ve just opened Circuit Australia. I’ve got someone in Sydney, and things happening in Brisbane,” she says. “I’ve had customers in Asia tell us, ‘We really need someone like you in Australia’,” she says. “So one day it just hit me that I could do the same thing we do here and duplicate it in Australia.” Setting up in Australia was a complex, yearlong process, but it reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the growing global demand for high-quality service in ISO tank container logistics. With headquarters in Pukekohe, a wine office in Blenheim, and now a presence in Australia, Circuit Logistics can provide a wide range of ISO tanks across three core divisions: food-grade liquids (such as edible oils and wines), chemicals (including hazardous materials), and gases (like CO2 and argon). ISO tanks are securely housed within robust, 20ft steel frames and consist of spacious stainless steel pressure vessels. Notably, Circuit Logistics managed critical CO2 imports during supply crises in both New Zealand and Australia for Coca-Cola, Fonterra and many more companies, in recent times. At one stage they were importing most of the CO2 into New Zealand from overseas says Tanja, who brings decades of global logistics experience to her role. In addition, her Swiss heritage drives her passion for continual improvement on productivity and efficiencies. The company was also pivotal in the recovery of fuel from the wreck of the sunken Navy vessel HMNZA Manawanui off the coast of Samoa, supplying the ISO tanks for clean-up operations. The company also supports industries ranging from building materials and cleaning solvents to wine and fish oil exports, working with clients like Sealord and various agricultural producers. “We work with a number of large companies who require liquid logistics, and I would say most of the ISO chemical tanks imported are for the building sector – so supplies for paint industry, chipboard manufacturers, paper mills and solvents for the cleaning industry,” Tanja says. Circuit Logistics is recognised as an industry leader in bulk food-grade liquid transportation, particularly for their Flexitank solutions for bulk liquids and food-grade products. A lot of wines get shipped in Flexitanks, which is a flexible plastic bag shipped within a normal shipping container and can include innovative features, like heat pads and oxygen layers. However, they are not particularly environmentally sustainable as a single-use product, so Circuit Logistics is looking at innovative ways to encourage greater use of reusable ISO Tanks for shipping food-grade products. As the company continues to innovate and expand, Tanja credits her team for the company’s achievements. “If it wasn’t for the amazing staff I have, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” Veer Transport is Auckland’s leading provider of transport container logistics and storage of goods. We manage freight services throughout the greater Auckland area, North island, and Christchurch. • Container Transport • Container Storage • Container Devanning • Cross-Dock Warehousing Moving with you every mile. AUCKLAND: dispatch@veertransport.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH: sidispatch@veertransport.co.nz 09 299 9851/ 022 672 8530 KAM TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS CATERING TO ALL YOUR CONTAINER, TRANSPORTATION, CHILLED MOVEMENTS & 3PL WAREHOUSING NEEDS. DEPOTS IN AUCKLAND, HASTINGS, WELLINGTON, & BLENHEIM. INFO@KAM.NET.NZ VISIT KAM.NET.NZ
4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OMRON T T Virginia Wright Automation experts setting the pace OMRON provides solutions across various manufacturing, logistics, horticulture and healthcare industries. “Sistema, in Auckland, has on-site over 100 robots, and using OMRON technology and robots, they’ve grown the team from 100 people in the early ’90s to now, where they have over 400 staff on-site.” With over 90 years of experience behind it, global electronics company, OMRON, is a leader in industrial automation, robotics and healthcare products that are used worldwide, and throughout New Zealand and Australia. The company provides solutions across various manufacturing, logistics, horticulture and healthcare industries. Invariably, their solutions aim “to improve lives and contribute to a better society”, just like one of their earliest creations, the digital blood-pressure monitor now used worldwide. Closer to home, the airbridges connecting airports to aircraft, which are widely used at airports throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific, are controlled by OMRON’s hardware and technology. This is the result of a 35-year relationship with J&D McLennan in Upper Hutt, Wellington. The collaboration is typical of the work they might do with any one of their 2000 customers in New Zealand, whether big or small. Lyndon Fowler has been with OMRON for 15 years, progressing from graduate engineer to country manager. “We’re known as an innovative company, in the TOP100 globally, but if it’s not our core focus, we sell the technology off. An example would be the facial recognition algorithms now found on some smart phones, which OMRON created years ago,” Lyndon says. “We also designed the first ATM, which was released in Japan in the 1970s. None of which is our core business these days,” he explains. Many of their sensing and technology solutions are less easily recognisable, depending on how old you are, but you don’t have to understand them to see what a difference they can make to New Zealand’s industrial and manufacturing industries’ efficiency, which is seen as lagging behind the world. Far from taking jobs from humans, which is the commonly held fear around automated systems and robots, they are just as likely to result in a company’s expansion as their figures improve along with their efficiency, and health and safety. One of OMRON New Zealand’s biggest success stories illustrates the point, explains Lyndon. “Sistema, in Auckland, has on-site over 100 robots, and using OMRON technology and robots, they’ve grown the team from 100 people in the early ’90s to now, where they have over 400 staff on-site. It’s about efficiency. Workers used to work manually with the injection moulders that use molten plastic to form the plastic containers. Robots can now do that work 24 hours a day, with no complaints, and no risk to the health and safety of workers, just like the robots that can assemble the blue clips on to the side of the containers with no risk of RSI in the workers’ thumbs.” Lyndon thinks New Zealand is still in the early stages of improving efficiency, health, and safety through automation and robotics, but it’s increasingly the top priority of most machine manufacturers. Gathering data is an essential part of the shift, along with using automated or semi-automated machines and robots for the core function. OMRON’s SYSMAC technology is not only used to program the controller, robot, and/ or camera to perform a function, whether it’s moving 20kg boxes from a conveyor belt to a pallet, or carrying out preventative maintenance. It also now offers solutions aimed at bridging the gap between OT, operational technology, in other words, “the machine”, and IT, in layman’s terms, your laptop. As the old adage goes, knowledge is power, and OMRON SYSMAC technology now allows seamless control of the data, along with the machine generating it. The knowledge gathered will enable companies to gauge how efficiently things are running (or not) and so take steps to improve them if needed. REMOTELY MONITOR AND CONTROL: • Your Orchard • Packingline • Coolstore No stress, you have control. RICADO is proudly associated with Omron 0800 RICADO 07 575 4601 info@ricado.co.nz www.ricado.co.nz
| 5 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OMRON OMRON is a leader in industrial automation, robotics and healthcare products that are used worldwide, and throughout New Zealand and Australia. Experience efficient production with our New Zealand-made innovative industrial automation equipment At Controlworx, we love machines. Whether designing new or upgrading existing machinery solutions, we strive to enhance efficiency in industry. Our products are engineered to meet the demands of modern production with cutting-edge technology, intuitive operation and easy maintenance. ControlWorx is ready to collaborate with you to develop products and deliver custom automation solutions. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your unique production challenges and develop a tailored solution that addresses them effectively. We have experience across a range of services from automation design to machinery manufacturing and installation. Contact Us 0800 134 878 rob@controlworx.co.nz controlworx.co.nz Proudly Supporting OMRON
6 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT University of Auckland & Hawkins Construction: Hiwa Recreation Centre T T Karen Phelps Transforming life on Uni campus Above ground, the rooftop offers panoramic views of Auckland city, and features multi-sport turf, an outdoor running track and social areas that employ biophilic design principles to connect users with nature. T T to page 8 The new Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland is a world-class sports facility that is transforming the on-campus student and staff experience, becoming a “central hub” for the entire university community, says the University of Auckland’s chief property officer Simon Neale. The feedback from staff and students is overwhelmingly positive, with 85%-plus satisfaction ratings,” says Simon. “Hiwa attracted over 360,000 visitors in its first months of opening and is bustling with members and membership enquiries.” The total cost for Hiwa was $320 million, with the project delivering a building spanning 26,000sqm across eight levels. Named after Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the youngest star in the Matariki cluster symbolising aspiration and growth, Simon says the centre embodies the university’s recognition that world-class tertiary institutions are defined not only by academic facilities, but increasingly by the quality of campus life they offer. He says the centre serves as a tangible, physical expression of the university’s commitment to student wellbeing, central to a broader strategy aimed at fostering a connected and engaged campus community. The facility’s design deliberately encourages what Simon calls “stickiness” – informal socialising, group activity and unstructured time that supports stronger student engagement. “Sport and recreation are a big part of university life, with direct correlations to academic performance and mental health,” Simon explains. It’s also an important part of student and staff recruitment, retention and achievement.” The facility boasts an impressive array of world-class amenities. The Southern hemisphere’s first glass sports floor features integrated LED markings and spectator bleachers, allowing court lines to appear only for the sport being played. In the aquatic hall, an eight-lane, 33-metre pool sits alongside a dive well with springboards, spa pool and sauna. Above ground, the rooftop offers panoramic views of Auckland city, and features multi-sport turf, an outdoor running track and social areas that employ biophilic design principles to connect users with nature. Additional facilities include two expansive sports halls, bouldering wall, squash courts, multiple fitness studios and quiet zones with chill-out areas. The facility is designed to be inclusive, Simon explains, offering inviting social, leisure and outreach areas, such as a café, therapy rooms, nap pods, soft seating, and casual workspaces, which serve as welcoming entry points into the larger athletic spaces. These features encourage participation from students that might not typically identify with traditional sports culture. The facility also brings premier sporting opportunities into the CBD, with the ability to host events like international badminton, where such venues are limited, says Simon. The centre currently supports over 273 high-performance student athletes, and provides pathways for students at all levels through employment and leadership opportunities in sport. Although it was built on a constrained 3600sqm-site footprint, the design team delivered a programme three to four times larger than the available area through highly efficient vertical design. Simon says the building’s complexity required bespoke, one-of-a-kind solutions never before undertaken in New Zealand. Key design innovations include elevating the performance sports courts, and locating the pool below ground to free the ground plane for active, engaging public uses. Natare Limited • PO Box 231 Tai Tapu 7645 Christchurch P: +64 3 358 8500 • conrad@natare.nz Natare Corporation • www.natare.com Natare® is proud to have supplied the stainless steel pools on the University of Auckland Hiwa Recreation Centre. Natare® designs and manufactures the highest quality stainless steel pools, filtration, spas and pool equipment for competition, fitness, leisure and aquatic use. 20+ years experience providing Virtual 3D services modelling for the construction and infrastructure sectors At M&E CAD Design, we offer comprehensive 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) services to streamline your projects, large or small. Our team specialises in coordinating and detailing all building services, including mechanical duct & pipework systems, plumbing and drainage, electrical systems, fire sprinklers, and even specialised services like medical gases and pneumatic systems. 3D BIM Drafting Coordination Ph: 021 026 13845 mecaddesign.co.nz
E X P E R I E N C E O U R S T R E N G T H P R O U D S T E E L C O N S T R U C T O R S F O R T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F A U C K L A N D w w w . d h s t e e l . c o . n z | P H . 0 9 8 3 9 7 2 5 0 The structural steel component of the University of Auckland Hiwa Recreational Centre posed “once in a lifetime” industry challenges, says Richard Hine, D&H Steel Construction general manager. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) saw D&H Steel come up with innovative engineering solutions that pushed the boundaries of construction technology fabricating and installing 6000 tonnes of structural steel and 85,000 bolts. Comprising eight levels on a 3,600sqm footprint, the project includes an underground swimming pool, sports halls, elevated running track, tness studios, rooftop outdoor plaza and turf eld. At the heart of the complex lies a structural diagrid system wrapping around the building, naturally taking seismic and lateral loads. The diagrid elements, equivalent to the weight of 23 cars - or 23 tonnes - each, required carefully planned temporary works to hold them in position for on-site welding. “Many people in the construction industry were ringing us to express their amazement at this part of the project as it was so unique,” says Richard. Above the sports hall, long-span deep truss structures ranging from 35 to 40 metres created large open spaces without internal supporting structures. These massive trusses, measuring 5-6 metres deep and weighing 35-40 tonnes each, required delivery in smaller sections for pre-assembly on site. Due to their weight some had to be tandem lifted with two cranes into position. Perhaps most challenging was the underground swimming pool's roof structure, featuring unique long-span box sections shaped to support an architectural outdoor seating area above. The 29-metre members required constant pro le changes, with each piece bespoke and geometrically different. “It took a lot of coordination with the architect and engineer to come up with a steel model and drawings for our factory to achieve the outcome,” explains Richard. “The coordination involved close collaboration with main contractor Hawkins, alongside Beca and Warren & Mahoney throughout the design development phase.” D&H Steel's involvement began nearly a decade ago when the university identi ed bene ts in bringing key subcontractors into an ECI process. This approach allowed one to two years of collaborative work with consultants to develop optimal design solutions for the unusual and complex structural steel connections. The project's foundation requirements were another challenging aspect, with hold-down bolts measuring 64mm diameter and extending four metres into concrete foundations, re ecting the massive loads the structure needed to accommodate. Construction during COVID-19 presented additional challenges, with shutdowns and logistical dif culties affecting the entire construction industry. Despite these obstacles, D&H Steel successfully delivered the complex project, demonstrating its capabilities under adverse conditions. The project's excellence earned recognition at the Steel Construction New Zealand Awards 2024 where it won its category for projects over $3 million. "It shows the value that D&H Steel can add in an ECI contract. Not only through bringing best value to the client in terms of steel fabrication but also adding a lot of value around programme and constructability ensuring the project is de-risked and goes to plan," says Richard. "It shows we can fabricate the toughest of jobs." STEEL COMPONENTS TRULY UNIQUE
8 | Rec Centre delivers for Auck Uni Facilities include two expansive sports halls, bouldering wall, squash courts, multiple fitness studios and quiet zones with chill-out areas. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT University of Auckland & Hawkins Construction: Hiwa Recreation Centre T T from page 6 Exposed steel diagrid columns serve as both structural and architectural features, visually anchoring the building while expressing its distinctive identity. “As well as creating a world-class high-spec amenity, the building expresses an indigenous cultural narrative that reflects mana whenua and our distinctive sense of place in Aotearoa,” says Simon. He says the two-phase, main contractor procurement strategy was set up to ensure the contractor with the most relevant experience and skills was selected. Non-price attributes were given a high weighting, and the skills required to deliver such a demanding and one-of-a-kind project were a fundamental requirement for the selected contractor. The seven-year development faced significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and resource availability problems. However, Simon says the collaborative approach between the university, consultant team, main contractor Hawkins, and subcontractors was highly successful. “The complexity and uniqueness of the project demanded a high degree of collaboration and coordination,” he explains. “The team culture was cohesive throughout the project. Issues were addressed without blame, and all parties focused on delivering the best-possible outcome. This spirit of partnership extended across consultants, engineers and subcontractors.” Currently ranked 65th in the influential QS world university rankings, Simon says the university now possesses the world-class recreation facilities that leading institutions typically offer. As of May, the centre has 12,189 full-time equivalent memberships with over 95% of users, students. The university is committed to providing a high-quality experience to all our communities,” says Simon. “Hiwa lifts the university’s infrastructure to the level required as New Zealand’s top-ranking tertiary centre, and has enhanced the city’s appeal as an education destination. “The wider community benefit hugely, and that brings greater life and growth into the heart of New Zealand’s biggest city.” Teamwork and Innovation Contrax has successfully delivered its most complex project to date with a partnership approach. The Auckland based landscaping company added considerable value to the Hiwa Recreation Centre project at Auckland University through teamwork and innovative solutions. Contrax delivered all the hard and soft landscaping components including podium concrete, precast seating, precast walls and gardens, stairs, handrails, paving and an intricate curved stairwell with all work completed in-house. Contrax general manager Todd Vincent says the company faced multiple technical challenges including the custom channel drainage on the podium. "We provided feedback and worked with engineer, architect and builder to ind a better solution that was cost e ective to get this component of the project across the line," explains Todd. Achieving the required concrete inish for the podium proved equally demanding. "It's a very large nearly lat area so getting it to a high level of inish without any ponding was an exceptionally di icult task and our team did this incredibly well," says Todd. The placement of precast mound seating on top of the podium required further innovation. "We came up with a di erent way of building this that sped the programme up and allowed for a high level of inish," Todd explains. Central to overcoming these challenges was Contrax's partnership approach with head contractor Hawkins and the client. "A key part of the whole job was the relationship between Contrax, Hawkins and the client to work for the ultimate good of the project," says Todd. "Everyone worked together as a team and this led to one of the best job outcomes we've ever delivered." Contrax, which has built a strong reputation over more than 20 years prides itself on its skilled workforce and quality management processes. It serves clients across Auckland, delivering everything from public spaces and streetscapes to specialty projects including skateparks and rooftop gardens. The irm's agile structure allows it to reallocate people and resources quickly to meet client needs. Todd says the successful completion of the Hiwa Recreation Centre project reinforces Contrax's position as a leader in complex landscaping construction, demonstrating how collaborative partnerships and skilled craftsmanship can overcome even the most challenging technical obstacles. "The project demonstrates our ability to deliver complete solutions, our industry leading landscaping knowledge and ability to be a one stop shop. Hiwa is an exceptional project and we're very, very proud of it." At Contrax we pride ourselves on being a little different from your average contractor. We work in a partnership model with head contractors, clients and landscape architects to deliver their vision through a seamless construction process. 7d Orbit Dr, Rosedale, Auckland Phone: (09) 426 2062 Email: admin@contrax.co.nz Proud to work with University of Auckland & Hawkins
| 9 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT University of Auckland & Hawkins Construction: Hiwa Recreation Centre SophisticatedModelling Total Ground Engineering's advanced modelling capabilities and collaborative approach have helped enable the safe excavation of the University of Auckland's new Hiwa Recreation Centre project. "It was a challenging basement excavation with multiple levels, some parts quite deep, with buildings, services and roads all around that had to be protected," explains Total Ground Engineering director Neil Jacka. "We had to collaborate closely with Hawkins, who gave us a plan of how they wanted to go about the excavation." The project required comprehensive temporary retaining solutions to protect surrounding infrastructure to enable safe excavation work. The team designed various support systems including timber and steel retaining walls, concrete piles, soil nails and ground anchors, tailoring each solution to the speci ic requirements. "Depending on constraints, such as access and room to move, we spoke with the contractor and devised solutions that also itted their plan," says Neil. The successful delivery showcased Total Ground Engineering's investment in cutting-edge technology, particularly its use of advanced three-dimensional inite element modelling to simulate excavation behaviour and predict ground deformation patterns. "It's probably the most advanced tool a geotechnical engineer can use," explains Neil. "This sophisticated modelling capability enables us to provide clients with more accurate predictions of ground behaviour, resulting in safer, more e icient project delivery while avoiding over-engineering that can in late costs unnecessarily." The Hiwa Recreation Centre project represents part of an ongoing relationship between Total Ground Engineering and Hawkins, with the irms having collaborated on multiple projects over several years. "This project shows we have good expertise in temporary works and our ability to collaborate with the client to deliver the desired end result," says Neil. Total Ground Engineering positions itself as specialists in complex ground engineering challenges, combining extensive industry experience with cutting-edge modelling technologies. The consultancy's multidisciplinary approach draws on civil, structural and geotechnical engineering expertise to deliver integrated solutions for challenging projects. The company's services span foundation design for commercial and industrial structures, telecommunication towers, renewable energy and infrastructure development. It also specialises in deep basement excavations, ground anchoring systems, and slope stabilisation works. Operating from its Auckland headquarters, the consultancy serves clients globally across multiple sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, telecommunications and commercial development. Neil says the emphasis on early project engagement allows for more innovative solutions and its advanced modelling capabilities help clarify risks and optimise designs. Our multidisciplinary team of geotechnical, civil and structural engineers specialise in engineering design and advice on risk related to ground. • Assessment of Ground Conditions • Design - Commercial Foundations - Industrial Foundations - Tower Foundations - Deep Basements - Retention • Ground Anchoring • Temporary Works • Slope Stabilisation • Construction Supervision Services Sectors Contact Us to discuss your next project. Energy Infrastructure Telecommunications Commercial & Industrial hello@tge.co.nz www.tge.co.nz Experts in Ground Engineering Solutions
10 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hiringa Energy: Tauranga Hydrogen Facility T T Nicki Woodlock A greener way to drive trucks Refuelling stations are designed to make hydrogen as affordable as possible, with hydrogen being made on-site, meaning the fuel doesn’t need to be transported. “Refuelling stations are designed specifically for trucks and other heavy transport vehicles, allowing businesses to replace high-emission diesel vehicles with a cleaner hydrogen alternative.” Driven by the concept of hiringa, a Māori word meaning inspiration, determination, energy, perseverance and vitality, Tauranga company Hiringa Energy uses renewable electricity and water to make, move, store, and sell green hydrogen to displace fossil fuels in heavy transport and industrial processes. The privately held company is passionate about addressing climate change by decarbonising some of the world’s largest carbon contributors, such as heavy transport and industrial processes by providing the much greener alternative fuel hydrogen. Hiringa is unlocking the power of green hydrogen for its customers and partners to decarbonise, by building and operating hydrogen refuelling stations across New Zealand to provide an accessible, reliable, safe, and commercially sustainable green hydrogen supply chain. Hiringa Energy hydrogen refuelling stations combine water and electricity in a process called electrolysis, producing hydrogen with oxygen as the only by-product. It is considered ‘green hydrogen’, because the energy used to make the hydrogen is renewable and there are no greenhouse gas emissions. “Refuelling stations are designed specifically for trucks and other heavy transport vehicles, allowing businesses to replace high-emission diesel vehicles with a cleaner hydrogen alternative. without impacting their operations,” the company says. The heavy transport sector is responsible for 25% of New Zealand’s transport emissions, even though it only makes up 4% of vehicles on the road. Hydrogen is a like-for-like replacement for high-emitting diesel. It is also used to power buses, trucks, boats, and cars. Team NZ even used a hydrogen chase boat at the America’s Cup. There are two types of hydrogen trucks available in New Zealand: fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which run on 100% hydrogen with no fossil fuel emissions, and dual fuel vehicles, which inject hydrogen into an existing diesel engine. Dual fuel vehicles reduce emissions by 30-50% and can be retrofitted into the engine of a diesel truck. One of the main suppliers of hydrogen trucks in New Zealand is Hiringa’s partner TR Group. There are three Hiringa Energy refuelling stations in operation around New Zealand – Wiri, South Auckland, Te Rapa, Hamilton, and Milson, Palmerston North. A fourth station at Tauriko, Tauranga, currently under construction, is expected to open later this year. Stations are designed to make hydrogen as affordable as possible, with hydrogen being made on-site, meaning the fuel doesn’t need to be transported. The impressively engineered stations also allow for fast refuelling of trucks back-to-back. Refuelling takes as little as 15-20 minutes – comparable to diesel, allowing trucks to get back on the road quickly. The modular stations are built to scale as the industry grows. They can fuel 10-15 trucks per day, and this can be expanded to up to 60 trucks as demand grows. The new Tauriko, Tauranga station will provide concentrated coverage of hydrogen across the transport golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, where 42% of New Zealand’s total road freight happens. When complete, Hiringa’s network of hydrogen stations will cover 95% of North Island freight routes. A key benefit the Tauriko hydrogen station gives the transport industry is the ability to tap into the benefits of emission-free transport from the central North Island through to the Port of Tauranga – making hydrogen more viable than ever. This helps transport providers and their customers meet the growing global need for an emission-free supply chain. Other Hiringa Energy projects currently in play are the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project, which involves the construction and operation of a renewable ammonia. and a green hydrogen production facility near Moree in northern New South Wales; the Kapuni Green Hydrogen and Ammonia project harnessing the natural wind resources in Taranaki – with the construction of four new wind turbines; and the Harakeke Project, which will produce commercial quantities of low-carbon methanol fuel to decarbonise New Zealand’s emissions-intensive marine transport sector. Plus, there are multiple other projects under development, including liquid fuels for the aviation sector and hydrogen for remote power generation. Hiringa Energy has ambitious plans to expand its hydrogen refuelling network, with more than 24 stations planned across New Zealand by around 2030. 0800 289 787 btw.nz SURVEYING ENGINEERING PLANNING ENVIRONMENT Creating a better future with smart solutions delivered safely & responsibly. PROUD PARTNER ON HIRINGA ENERGY PROJECTS
| 11 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hiringa Energy: Tauranga Hydrogen Facility The new Tauriko, Tauranga station will provide concentrated coverage of hydrogen across the transport golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. CONNELL CONTRACTORS CONTINUING TO HELP POWER NEW ZEALAND WITH GREENER ENERGY For a vastly experienced contractor in the power sector visit connellcontractors.co.nz Building the hydrogen network Connell Contractors has already played a pivotal role in one of New Zealand's first high-capacity green hydrogen refuelling stations at Palmerston North. It is also proud to be delivering the civil works contract for the Tauriko Hydrogen Refuelling Station, a collaborative initiative between Waitomo Group and Hiringa Energy to establish a comprehensive hydrogen refuelling network across New Zealand. The network is designed to support the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy transport and aims to be one of the first refuelling networks for heavy transport vehicles anywhere in the world. "These are incredibly important projects for New Zealand and we are extremely proud to be part of these renewable contracts," says Lester Foxall, CEO of Connell Contractors. Connell Contractors' scope of work includes the installation of 60 metres of deep drainage using 675mm diameter concrete pipes to ensure effective stormwater management and the pouring of 120 cubic metres of concrete to form the foundation slab for the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. It is also constructing various concrete foundations to support the electrical yard area, ensuring a stable and secure base for essential electrical equipment. The technical complexity of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure has seen the project require specialist equipment sourced from Europe. Lester says the project aligns perfectly with Connell Contractors' evolution since 2015, when he joined the company and brought expertise from the energy sector. This shift focused on securing contracts for major transmission, distribution and renewable energy clients procuring civil infrastructure projects typically for substation upgrades at locations across New Zealand. "Since 2021 Connell Contractors has increasingly focused on renewable energy projects including wind and solar farms as well as geothermal projects," explains Lester. The hydrogen refuelling station project represents the latest chapter in this focus on sustainable energy infrastructure." The Hamilton based company initially specialised in Three Waters work for local councils and residential development projects and has since grown into a multi-disciplinary civil construction company with over 80 staff operating across New Zealand. Operating from bases in Hamilton, Auckland, New Plymouth and Taupō, the company has maintained its family-owned character and culture offering clients a personal service. It remains grounded in core values of honesty, integrity and commitment, with a reputation for being easy to deal with. Lester credits the whole team as a key factor in the company’s success responsible for delivering good quality outcomes such as the Palmerston North and Tauriko hydrogen refuelling station projects, along with close client, subcontractor and supplier relationships: "Our ability to maintain a highly skilled, high energy core team, has allowed us to perform at a consistently high level. We have forged really good key relationships which allow us to enjoy repeat business. That's because we do what we say we're going to do."
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