18 | Northland: Culham Engineering T T Richard Loader Sparking growth in wider region Culham Engineering has the resources and expertise to undertake many infrastructure projects throughout Northland and beyond. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Reflecting on Northland’s regional development, Rob Kirwan, Managing Director of Whangarei-based Culham Engineering, sees abundant opportunities for local businesses. Quoting Stats NZ, he highlights Northland’s annual population growth over the past decade at 2.4%, nearly double the national average of 1.3%. “I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities coming to Northland, but we need infrastructure that will generate long-term employment — whether it’s roads, wind or solar farms, geothermal projects, further development on our deep-water port, or a drydock,” Rob asserts, stressing that the community’s growth necessitates infrastructural development. “We’re a growing community; our infrastructure must support that growth. The good news is that Northland already has businesses and resources in place, but we need to act quickly. “Infrastructure acts as a catalyst for growth, attracting new businesses to the region and generating more work. For example, investing in wind and solar farms would enable businesses to benefit from affordable power. Energy costs pose a significant challenge for businesses trying to remain competitive.” Culham Engineering is part of the Northland Corporate Group (NCG), a consortium of large Northland-based businesses sharing a vision of fostering the region’s economic prosperity. This organisation was formed because, as key employers, these businesses believe Northland can contribute more to New Zealand’s economy. “We’re rich in resources, but our potential is hampered by geography and limited connectivity to the rest of the country. Our subpar road and transport infrastructure is central to this issue,” Rob says. To address this, the NCG commissioned the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) to prepare a comprehensive business case to present to the government. The report, released in April, outlined how investing in the Northland Expressway — from Warkworth to Whangārei and beyond — could stimulate significant economic growth. The NZIER findings revealed that such an investment would increase New Zealand’s GDP by $1.2 billion by 2048. It would save Northland businesses $3.7 billion annually in operating costs and attract up to $40 billion in investment, creating over 6,000 jobs. “The key is the potential for all businesses to prosper; whether it’s real estate, retail, hospitality, or commercial opportunities,” emphasises Rob. Culham Engineering has the resources and expertise to undertake many infrastructure projects throughout Northland and the rest of New Zealand. The company can also collaborate with local trades and subcontractors. Rob shares a recent success story: Culham Engineering led three significant shipping projects, partnering with local subcontractors. “One of those vessels was a 57-metre by 16-metre self-propelled sand dredge with twin motors for the Atlas Group. We had eight local subcontractors involved in various aspects of the project — hydraulics, electrical work, insulation, and interior fit-outs. “These same subcontractors also contributed to two smaller vessels. The quality of the work was second to none, and as a result, we’ve received numerous inquiries. Many of these subcontractors have had to diversify due to a lack of demand in recent years, leaving their specialised skills underutilised.” Rob sees these marine projects as concrete evidence of the valuable skills, capabilities, and experience available within Northland, just waiting for the right opportunities to surface. “I’m not political, but we need to find a way to get the right people around the table. We need to ensure that large-scale projects are undertaken within New Zealand without first looking offshore. Northland has a lot of the resources to deliver them.” The success of businesses like Culham Engineering and their ability to collaborate with local subcontractors showcases Northland’s readiness for larger infrastructural endeavours. However, unlocking the region’s full potential will require targeted investments, particularly in transport and energy infrastructure. With the right support, Northland could not only meet the demands of its growing population but also open new economic pathways, making a greater contribution to the country’s overall prosperity. • STEEL • STAINLESS • ENGINEERING STEELS • PLATE PROCESSING • COIL PROCESSING • ALUMINIUM VULCAN IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CULHAM ENGINEERING 110 PORT ROAD, WHANGAREI 09 438 5826 WWW.VULCAN.CO
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