Business North June 2024

Volume 23 | Issue 3 | June 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz EHC OrchardManagement is thriving in Te Puke - the heart of NewZealand’s booming Kiwifruit industry.  Page 34 businessnorth

2 | Contents businessnorth 08| Connecting communities McConnell Dowell has received industry accolades for its work on the stunning Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge 58| Luxury living Luxury living is at the heart of Cambridge’s Sun Estate development being delivered by AHS Group. 124| Going the extra mile Waikato Real Estate has garnered trust and accolades, handling a portfolio of over 1300 rental properties. 58 124 08 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 South 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 South. 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 South are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. Business South welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. Business South accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Miraka ��03 Apollo Foods ��04 Tektus ��06 McConnell Dowell ��08 Whangarei District Council ��10 NZTA - Whangarei ��12 Stellar Projects ��18 Northland Forestry Nursery ��20 Habitat for Humanity Far North ��21 Habitat for Humanity Waikato ��22 Quest NZ ��24 Southpark Corporation ��26 Richard Cashmore - 2 Devonport Road ��29 Ingham Driven ��30 Kiwi Timber Supplies ��32 EHC Orchard Management ��34 Hume Pack-N-Cool ��38 Riverlock ��40 Jeff Roderick ��42 NIG Nutritionals ��43 Kāpehu Civil Innovation ��44 Aquaholics ��46 Gideon Contractors ��47 Harkin Roofing ��48 RICH Landscapes ��49 Limitless Plumbing ��50 Phoenix Metalman Recycling ��51 Solid Civil Solutions ��52 OMAET Contracting ��53 George Grant Engineering ��54 Page Macrae Engineering ��55 Harper Haulage ��56 Central Diesel Services ��56 AHS Group ��58 Conmara Estate ��62 Davies Homes ��63 Sheeran Associate ��64 ICONIQ Group ��66 Riverside Studios ��69 Ross Holdings ��70 Inspired Property ��71 Landmark Homes - North Shore ��72 Golden Homes - Bay of Plenty ��73 Generation Homes - Northland ��74 Navigation Homes - Waikato ��76 Navigation Homes - Far North ��79 Versatile Homes - Thames ��80 Versatile Homes & Buildings - Hamilton ��82 Jackson Builders ��83 Advantage Designer Homes ��84 Platinum Homes - Auckland South ��86 Platinum Homes - Tauranga ��87 Pitch Black Construction ��89 Mitchell Construction ��90 Buchanan Construction ��92 Craft Homes ��93 Refresh Renovations Auckland ��94 Homes by Nest ��96 Warkworth Construction ��96 Going Architectural ��98 Mason Street Architectural Drafting �� 100 TAWA Architecture & Design �� 101 JMAC Architecture �� 102 Felicity Brenchley Architects �� 103 Distinction Pools �� 104 Mayfair Pools - Waikato �� 105 Summerset Group Holdings �� 106 Omokoroa Country Club �� 110 Oceania Healthcare �� 112 Qestral Corporation �� 114 Bumblebees & Buttercups �� 118 He Korowai Trust �� 120 Ōmokoroa Property Management �� 121 Tandem Property Management �� 122 Rentlink Property Management �� 123 Waikato Real Estate �� 123 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 Paul Mein, Randall Johnston Journalists Alexia Anderson, 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 “We want to make sure we’re leading the way - on the farm, in our processing environment, with our fleet, our energy consumption, water consumption and how we treat our people and our community.” Karl Gradon T T to page 4 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Miraka: New Zealand International Business Awards 2023 T T Kim Newth Kaitiakitanga drives bold approach New Zealand’s first Māori-owned dairy company, Miraka, has much to celebrate this year, as they continue to grow their global reputation as a leading sustainable dairy processor. Miraka has been a leader in dairy from day one, since launching in 2010 as the first dairy processor in the world to use renewable geothermal energy. Their plant at Mokai - 30km north-west of Taupo and employing 150 people - has one of the world’s lowest manufacturing carbon emissions footprints. A highlight for Miraka last year was being named as a finalist for Excellence in Sustainability at the New Zealand International Business Awards. Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon says it was fantastic to achieve this acknowledgement of Miraka’s commitment to sustainability, from both an economic and environmental perspective, reflecting the company’s deeply held kaitiakitanga values. “We are a relatively small operator but you don’t have to be the biggest in the world to prove that you can sustainably dairy. “We want to make sure we’re leading the way - on the farm, in our processing environment, with our fleet, our energy consumption, water consumption and how we treat our people and our community. “Fundamentally, we take a long term view and think in 100-year timeframes so we can leave our assets in a better state for the next generation.” “We’re doing things that are bold and courageous. No one else globally is converting their tanker fleet to hydrogen in the dairy sector, or is running the dryer process – one of the most energy intensive in the food industry – from geothermal other than Miraka and Waiū Dairy in Kawera . “We’re continuing to raise the bar and show leadership, both in New Zealand and globally.” Autumn has been an exciting season for both Miraka and their transport partner CTL, with the company’s first tanker currently being converted to dual fuel in Christchurch. “Our fleet has been running on diesel and now we’re adding hydrogen to reduce our transport emissions. “This is the first time that hydrogen has been introduced to a fleet like this that I’m aware of – it’s world leading.” The hydrogen is being produced by one of Miraka’s shareholders, Tūaropaki Trust, with the green hydrogen plant also powered by local geothermal energy. Miraka is committed to the next 100 years of farming, supporting their 100 farm suppliers with Te Ara Miraka, a world-class farming excellence programme. Rather than penalising farmers for failures, the emphasis is on rewarding improvement. “We were the first to develop a programme that incentivises farmers by benefiting them in the pocket for doing the right thing on the farm from treating their staff well to making sure they have the right plans and the right environmental standards in place.” One of Miraka’s shareholders and biggest suppliers – Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani Incorporation – has recently been named as a finalist for the 2024 Ahuwhenua Trophy that celebrates excellence in Māori farming. “They are hugely passionate about farming excellence. We are very proud of them and wish them well on the night.” Miraka Milk Assurance Manager, Tyla Johnson, supports farmers to produce the best milk quality. Do you need help with your HEALTH & SAFETY? • Ensure you understand the key responsibilities under the current Health & Safety legislation • Provide support and systems to ensure you achieve a safe and compliant workplace Our goal at RuralSafe Ltd is to: 517 Palmer Mill Road, Taupo, Waikato 3384 New Zealand 0800 577 233 contact@ruralsafe.co.nz

4 | “There are not many female CEOs in New Zealand and I have had women tell me they love working for a female CEO.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Apollo Foods - The Apple Press Sally says one key thing she has learned having built the business from scratch is that a lot of people say they want to work for a startup but in reality find it quite challenging. “Every day there are big decisions to be made. It’s not for the faint hearted. But you can also make decisions really fast compared to an established corporate business and have the ability to try new ideas. It’s cool to be able to offer people that opportunity.” Sally says she aims to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. “One of my strength’s is being intuitive in terms of the emotional intelligence side of things. “I foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and take the time to know each team member by name and recognise their unique contributions to the business. Inspiring leader enjoying the journey Apollo Foods co-founder and CEO Sally Gallagher’s strong leadership skills have seen her become a role model to many in the organisation. This saw her win the inaugural Newstalk ZB Inspiring Women in Export Award at the 2023 Hawke’s Bay Export Awards. She was also a finalist for the Inspiring Women Leaders Award at the New Zealand International Business Awards 2023. “There are not many female CEOs in New Zealand and I have had women tell me they love working for a female CEO,” says Sally. “I feel like I’m just doing my job, as a leader not as a female leader particularly. We do have quite a number of senior women on our management team and in our business, not by design, but they were the right people for the jobs.” Born in Hawkes Bay, Apollo Foods is a technology led FMCG beverage company that adds value to New Zealand primary raw materials through creation of premium beverages with brands The Apple Press (which utilises fruit deemed too ‘ugly’ for the regular market) and Boring Oat Milk. Sally says the business has been export led from its inception. Producing over 300 million litres of milk per year, Miraka is a global exporter selling into a range of markets including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji and Guatemala. Environmentally conscious consumers are driving up demand for what they produce. Feeding into Miraka’s sustainability story is that their products are Toitū carbonreduce certified. Karl observes that all of their dairy farm suppliers have been independently assessed, along with their plant. Miraka has also recently gained B Corporation Certification, aligning them with a global movement of world-leading enterprises. For Miraka, it provides independent verification that they are meeting high environmental and social standards. “We took our approach to tikanga, our Miraka - leading the way Miraka is converting its tanker fleet to hydrogen. T T Karen Phelps Māori values and applied a western construct to that by formalising what we already do. “It has opened doors for us as an organisation because it proves that we’re doing the right thing for our people, community and environment.” In January, Miraka facilitated a hui, hosted by NZTE, between nine Māori-owned businesses to discuss the formation of a Māori B Corporation group. This is now gaining momentum and strengthening relationships for all involved. Meanwhile, Miraka is currently looking for more farmer suppliers, (details at www. miraka.co.nz). Miraka pays a combination of loyalty and premium payments of up to 20 cents per kg MS to reward farmers under their farming excellence programme. “If you value kaitiakitanga and farming excellence, then we’d love to hear from you.” T T from page 3 Miraka: 07 377 6380 | www.bfa.co.nz smart people smart business smart outcomes We are proud to work alongside the team at Miraka as Business Advisors and Accountants Monitor and control your critical on-farm infrastructure from anywhere. Agricultural Solutions halosystems.co.nz MPI Registered: KAM1989 Call the team today | North Island 06 879 7255 | South Island 03 573 8232 KAM Transport specialises in the Transportation and Cold Storage. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength in what the client wants to service its business. Our skilled team of professional drivers and modern fleet of vehicles will ensure your products are safely delivered on time and within the strictest food safety guidelines. With over 30 years experience in logistics, you’re in safe hands!

| 5 Sally Gallagher won the inaugural Newstalk ZB Inspiring Women in Export Award at the 2023 Hawke’s Bay Export Awards. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Apollo Foods - The Apple Press “All ideas are valued and heard, no matter how large scale or ambitious. “I am open to the strategies and approaches of others, always available to my team and provide plenty of guidance and support along the way.” She is passionate about sharing knowledge with her team and using her real life experience from her background working in corporate and other start-ups in food and beverage in both the US and New Zealand including extensive business and market development experience paired with a wealth of food technology and nutrition. “I am a ‘doer’ so a lot of the stuff I talk about I’ve actually done rather than watch others do it. “I’m also an open transparent person, a straight talker. “What you see is what you get. I think people like that. When it comes to recruitment, promoting from within is Sally’s priority. Team members are encouraged to broaden their skill set by moving into different areas of the business as well as stepping up to more senior roles. “It’s about growing our people to be the best they can be,” she says. She says Apollo Foods continues to grow with The Apple Press launching a range of smoothies late last year. “They are doing really well and we are just about to launch a new spirulina smoothie. Apollo Foods is also about to kick off recruitment in China due to growth. “We already deal direct with retailers there but we’re wanting someone on the ground to build our footprint in China more broadly.” Proud to beworking with Apollo Foods on its journey for a better tomorrow. www.cedenco.co.nz Apollo Foods Proudly supplying quality corrugated packaging to Packaging Central +64 6 367 6800 casectrl@ojifs.com ojifs.com

6 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tektus T T Karen Phelps Māori worldview at company’s core Jack Turner and Emily Afoa - a focus on tāngata – people. Tektus strives to reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership throughout it’s business operations, says one of the company’s directors Emily Afoa. Emily (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto) joined Tektus in 2018 bringing environmental and engineering experience gained through roles in tertiary institutions, local government, and consultancy firms. She joins company founder Jack Turner, who formed Tektus in early 2015 and has qualifications and experience over 15 years across engineering, environmental and planning disciplines and through roles in construction, local government and consultancy firms. The pair met in engineering school and aim to form a distinct multi-disciplinary consultancy practice with strong values and a focus on tāngata – people. Emily says a Māori worldview informs the work the company does. “While our expertise and core skills are technically focused it’s our ability to understand the relationship tangata whenua have with whenua (land) and wai (water) that strengthens the outcomes we can produce,” she says. A good example is the company’s work on a development in Paeroa where Tektus provided stormwater management expertise. “There was a piece of network that needed upgrading. It was in poor condition and had insufficient capacity to convey stream flows. Rather than replacing with a new pipe, we looked at daylighting that pipe network and turning it back into a stream corridor. “This approach was supported through our iwi engagement. There is resilience to the risk of increased flow re climate change but it also speaks to the connectivity of our water systems and the intrinsic value they hold. “Through one lens we obtained a cost-effective solution that mitigates flooding impacts while through another lens we are enhancing the mauri (life force) of that stream, connecting the flow of water and restoring ecological systems.” The growing Tektus team benefits from Te Toi-o-ngā-rangi, the company’s Te Ao Māori capability programme. “It’s the building block for our team to practise our professions in a way that demonstrates respect for te reo and tikanga, for Te Ao Māori,” says Emily. “It’s the building block for our team to practise our professions in a way that demonstrates respect for te reo and tikanga, for Te Ao Māori.” “It’s our commitment as a business to grow our team’s knowledge and a foundation for us to grow as a company. We have weekly sessions connecting with various topics such as Te Tiriti and Te Mana o te Wai, enabling time to wānanga as a team about what was learned, where the challenges are and how we can apply the knowledge in a culturally appropriate way etc.” Tektus is a member of Amotai, which works with government, corporate and iwi organisations to unlock procurement opportunities and enable meaningful connections with Māori and Pasifika businesses. It has helped connect Tektus with suppliers such as Native Digital and, through another Amotai member, Quad Consulting. Tektus offers a range of professional services, and its collaborative nature enables the team to work effectively with other like-minded specialists to deliver the highest quality outcomes, says Emily. The company’s expertise spans civil, environmental, and land development engineering, stormwater modelling, flood assessments, nature-based design and more. In addition to engineering services, Tektus specialises in environmental assessment and compliance and resource management planning with a core focus on water systems. “Tektus is not just a consultancy firm; it is a philosophy that embraces collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to understanding the needs of people and the environment,” Emily says. “With core values as our guiding light, Tektus continues to shape a sustainable future for generations to come creating better outcomes for us all.” Tektus offers a range of professional services, and its collaborative nature enables the team to work effectively with other specialists to deliver the highest quality outcomes.

| 7 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tektus The growing Tektus team benefits from Te Toi-o-ngā-rangi, the company’s Te Ao Māori capability programme. SCALING UP Scale up your business: quadconsulting.co.nz Taking the pain out of your IT Enjoy peace of mind & fixed monthly costs for your IT with our simple, easy to understand plans Let’s Talk! 0508 4 NATIVE info@nativedigital.co.nz

8 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT McConnell Dowell: Ngā Hau Mangere Bridge T T Richard Loader Distinctive bridge connects communities Ngā Hau Māngere makes an iconic landmark across the water. Elegant, complex and with a distinctive central arch curving outwards from one side, Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge is designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and recreational fishing, and reconnects the communities of Onehunga and Māngere. Spanning 260 metres across the Manukau Harbour, Ngā Hau Māngere replaces the much-loved old Māngere Bridge which was closed in 2018 for safety reasons after serving the community for over a century. Ngā Hau Māngere’s wide deck varies between eight and twelve metres, allowing walkers and cyclists to safely travel between Māngere and Onehunga, while providing places for the community to sit and enjoy the surrounding harbour and landscape. Two dedicated bays, complete with stainless steel rod holders, support fishing and other recreational activities. The crown jewel of the bridge is a dramatic 60-metre steel-tied central arch, that sits on a central steel deck, and curves away from the (now removed) old bridge. Strong collaboration with local iwi / mana whenua resulted in key architectural features including pre-cast concrete panels on the side of the bridge that display a ‘puhoro’ pattern (representing a waka moving through water), and handrailing that transitions from light blue to turquoise to dark blue to beige and then to a pink, reflecting colours of the kahawai fish. Two pre-cast concrete Pou eight metres tall are currently being constructed at either end of the bridge, and the treasured historical legacy is maintained by artefacts from the old bridge included in a heritage garden on the Onehunga side. Lit up at night, Ngā Hau Māngere makes an iconic landmark across the water. Funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), and designed by international design consultants Aurecon, McConnell Dowell were awarded the contract to build the new bridge including the design and coordination of all temporary works (to facilitate the construction of the new bridge) and demolition of the old bridge. Construction of the new bridge commenced in September 2019, with completion achieved in August 2022. David Pattinson, McConnel Dowell’s Project Manager who had responsibility for Ngā Hau Māngere at its completion, says it was the most complex structure he had ever been involved in over his forty-year career. “It was a most rewarding project to have been involved in. The temporary works that had to be undertaken to build the bridge were absolute next level, but none of that is seen in the finished bridge.” Bored concrete piles on the harbour bed formed the foundations that the new bridge was built upon. On top of that there was a huge concrete pile cap supporting the piers, explains David. “Prior to any construction work commencing, a temporary steel trestle, with wooden deck, was constructed. It was located ten metres away and parallel with the new bridge and provided access for cranes and materials to each of the new piers, and for demolition of the old bridge. “For each individual pier, a steel sheet cofferdam was driven into the harbour bed, sea water pumped out the from inside, providing access to a dry seabed to construct the foundations. The cranes sitting on the temporary trestle structure were located directly under high voltage power lines and so any steel sheet or pile that was driven into the seabed had to be installed in two halves and welded together to avoid contact with the power lines. “Furthermore, for removal of much of the temporary works, we had to put flotation buoys on them, drop them into the harbour below, then tow them out to the side whereupon they were lifted out with the crane. So, there were some incredible temporary works carried out.” Since its completion, Ngā Hau Māngere, and key project partners including McConnell Dowell, Aurecon, Bossley Architects and NZTA have been recognised at many national and international industry awards. In 2023, McConnell Dowell won Category D (projects between Warkworth and Pokeno valued between $20 million and $50 million) in the Auckland regional CCNZ Hynds Construction awards and went on to be voted Supreme winner by industry peers. “This was industry peers voting for you, so it was fantastic,” says David. “ Everybody just leapt out of their seats, it was such a wonderful achievement by everybody involved in the project, and testimony to the incredible effort put in by the team.” Invercargill l Christchurch l Nelson l Manukau l Hamilton l Hawkes Bay l North Shore 0800 365 4322 www.advancedpersonnel.co.nz Proud to support McConnell Dowell Connecting the best people with the right business. ALRITE STEEL & SERVICES NZ LTD YOUR NEW ZEALAND STEEL DISTRIBUTOR Alrite Steel are passionate about supplying high quality, cost effective and compliant steel products throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. 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| 9 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT McConnell Dowell: Ngā Hau Mangere Bridge Bored concrete piles on the harbour bed formed the foundations that the new bridge was built upon. On top of that there was a huge concrete pile cap supporting the piers. P - 06 752 2011 | E - enquiries@eisl.co.nz 1249 Egmont Road, New Plymouth, Taranaki https://egmontindustrial.co.nz LARGE STOCKIST OF NEW & SURPLUS STEEL INCLUDING: • Pipe 21mm - 2350mm OD • Black and Galvanised Grating • Black and Galvanised Mesh • Plate, beams and steel sections • Steel and Plastic culvert pipe • Ex Steelpipes concrete lined pipe In house cut to length service. Delivery nationwide.

10 | Whangarei District Council: Te Kamo Shared Path T T Richard Loader Pathway project nearing completion In total the pathway spans 6 kilometres, and follows the path of the rail line. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Te Kamo Shared Path is part of Whangarei’s walking and cycling network that aims to expand and improve its cycling networks, improve the walkability of its neighbourhoods, support safer travel to school and provide low-emissions travel options. Running from almost the centre of Whangārei city to Te Kamo village, construction of the pathway commenced in 2016, and has been progressively built over five stages, with a sixth stage now in design. Currently in progress, the fifth stage commenced in November last year and extends the existing pathway by about one kilometre from Fisher Terrace at the bottom end of Te Kamo, and into Te Kamo village. In total the pathway spans 6 kilometres, and follows the path of the rail line providing a gentle climb and easy walking / cycling pathway. An additional project run in parallel with the shared pathway project, and separately funded, connects the path to Te Kamo Village and Kamo High School with road markings, kerbing, footpath widening and new lighting, and includes raised pedestrian crossings into the village. Funded by both NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), (53%), and Whangārei District rates (47%) $3.75 million has been budgeted for the fifth stage, while $1.9 million, fully funded from central government, has been budgeted for the Te Kamo village works. Nick Marshall, Team leader for Road Safety and Traffic Engineering for Northland Transportation Alliance (NTA), and Whangarei District Council’s project sponsor for the Te Kamo Shared Pathway, acknowledges that the project offers a number of social, safety and commercial benefits. “The pathway follows the quickest, easiest and most direct route to schools within the Te Kamo area and suburbs between Kamo and the City Centre. The kids used to walk on the railway line to get to school, which obviously placed them at considerable risk. “We have photos of 100 primary school kids literally walking down the railway line on a blind corner, with the imminent arrival of a goods train. So the development of this pathway was partly about providing safe and easy passage for the kids going to the schools in close proximity. There are three high schools, two intermediates and about six primary schools, drawing about 6000 pupils — a huge percentage of Whangārei Districts 100,000 population.” Another key driver for extending the shared pathway was to provide easier access for people entering Whangārei City each day to work, shop and play. “With Whangārei’s hour-glass geographic shape, there are not many road corridors that run north-south, and all of them are quite constrained in terms of the ability to build more traffic capacity. “Providing a walking/cycling path enables people to choose an alternative option for how they travel into the city. So we’re trying to pick up some of the commuters that live in Te Kamo and Tikipunga, which are our two biggest suburban catchments. Congestion relief is one of the social benefits of the shared pathway, but the biggest benefits are a combination of physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for the kids. There’s a mental well-being derived from riding or walking.” The installation of two 25-metre re-purposed bridges, crossing a small wetland area and the main shaft to the old Kamo coal mines formed a major part of the project’s fifth stage. Whangārei based BDX Group was engaged by Whangarei District Council to fully refurbish the two historic rail bridges and install them alongside SH1 north of Whangārei. “The bridges were originally constructed in 1903, and in use in Taumaranui until the early 2000s,” says Nick. “The works involve repairing damaged sections, installing a new deck, designing and fabricating a compliant handrail system, protective coatings and installation. “The bridges were lifted into place in two sections using a 400 tonne mobile crane in a single night.” Civil works for the project are being undertaken by Ventia, which has been successful in tendering for all five stages of the projects and has also undertaken a number of well-known infrastructure projects around the Whangārei district. Construction, subdivision work & roading maintenance. 0508 VENTIA (836 842) www.ventia.com BDX DELIVER INTEGRATED ENGINEERING, MAINTENANCE AND CONTRACTING SOLUTIONS FOR NORTHLAND. BDX GROUP ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT WHANGAREI DISTRICT COUNCIL WITH SPECIALIST ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION SERVICES ENGINEERING | CIVIL CONTRACTING | MAINTENANCE | MECHANICS KEEN TO WORK WITH BDX FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT? +64 9 430 2126 | info@bdx.nz

| 11 Whangarei District Council: Te Kamo Shared Path Te Kamo Shared Path is part of Whangārei’s walking and cycling network. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT In 2022 Currie Electrical was acquired by the CSL Group from the Currie family (established in 1971) by Dave Currie. Currie Electrical continues to have a strong local presence and is now managed by Brett McNamara who has long term ties with the Northland Region and alongside a team of experienced qualified tradesmen focused on customer satisfaction. This great business is enhanced by the ownership of CSL who has ISO accreditation. Currie Electrical provide a full electrical service – domestic, industrial, commercial as well as providing a comprehensive maintenance service to some of Northlands’ leading businesses. Currie Electrical also provide experience and expertise in all fields of lighting installations, new subdivisions, sports field lighting and design service. Our team has the knowledge, experience and expertise to provide the right solution to meet your requirements using quality products combined with quality workmanship. 09 438 9779 admin@currieelectrical.co.nz www.currieelectrical.co.nz Contact Brett and the team at Currie Electrical today! RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL

12 | NZTA - Whangarei: SH1 Mangamuka Gorge T T Richard Loader Gorge repairwork making progress Mangamuka Gorge is a key connector for the Far North to Northland and to the rest of New Zealand. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The completion of major repairs on slip damaged roading in Mangamuka Gorge in the Far North will reconnect communities and provide an economic and social lifeline for the region, says Mark Ware, NZTA Project Director for Northland Recovery. “The State Highway 1 (SH1) corridor through Mangamuka Gorge has been closed since the storm event of August 2022. This corridor is a key connector for the Far North to Northland and to the rest of New Zealand. “It allows the community to reconnect back to health services, education, commercial and retail, whānau and friends. Journey time is really important, as well as reliability around connection, because that brings economic benefits to the region.” Mangamuka Gorge is nestled within the Maungataniwha Ranges, with SH1 running 15 kilometres through the gorge. The township of Kaitaia is a short distance away to the north, providing key health and education services along with retail to the local communities on either side of the gorge. The project is about repairing damage resulting from significant rain events over the last couple of years, enabling normal life to return to the area. In July of 2020, during a one in five-hundred-year rain event, the gorge suffered a series of road slips causing the closure of SH1 for eleven months while repairs were carried out, and the road reopened. Then in August 2022 another significant storm event three times the size of the 2020 event resulted in 15 significant slips, which again initiated closure of the road, with traffic diverted to SH10, increasing the length of the journey. “We started our geotechnical investigations to understand the extent of the damage from that point and in December 2022 we obtained $100 million from the National Land Transport Fund to commence repairs through that corridor,” says Mark. “Detailed geotechnical work, planning and design commenced in January 2023, with main contractors appointed in February, and the project really kicked off. “Unfortunately, there was another significant weather event in April 2023, where we ended up with a substantial number of additional slips, giving us a total of 35 significant slips to repair, of which 15 were deemed critical, requiring a more complex engineering solution.” T T to page 14 “It allows the community to reconnect back to health services, education, commercial and retail, whānau and friends. Journey time is really important, as well as reliability around connection, because that brings economic benefits to the region.” In addition to repairing the damage caused by the slips, and undertaking major reinforcing work, the project also involves drainage repairs and upgrades through the gorge which will help alleviate some of the risk around further slips. “At the end of the day, the water is the problem. The ground conditions are such that that it is constantly wet and more water just adds to the problem.” While NZTA is the governing body responsible for repairs to the corridor, Stellar Projects was appointed to oversee and manage the Contractor in conjunction with WSP, one of New Zealand’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy firms, who was appointed as design lead. Stellar Projects and WSP were also involved in the original August 2020 slips and have amassed significant experience in the Northland area. “Lead contractor CLL Solutions also did all the original repair work on the gorge that have held up well and were undamaged, requiring no additional work to be undertaken in these areas,’” Mark explains. “They bring a lot of experience in complex piling work, which is what we require for these repairs. This project has something like 1380 piles that need to be drilled up to 32 metres deep, with many of them 1080mm wide.” Proud to be Hiab and Transport Contractors on the Mangamuka Project � HIAB HIRE � CONTAINER SALES AND RENTAL � GENERAL CARTAGE Get a no obligation quote hello@DEHiabhaulage.co.nz dehiabhaulage.co.nz 021 777 808

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