Business North October 2021

76 | Expertise to the fore in complex projects from page 74 The new Te Ora Hou facility is a credit to all involved. DEVELOPMENT Griffiths & Associates “It wasn’t easy as there were many hurdles to overcome but we were determined to see this project completed to rebuild and reconnect the iwi members with the place where their whare once stood ensuring a sense of belong- ing and a foundation for future generations.” Griffiths & Associates also entered two other projects in the awards. Its work on the Tauraroa Area School gymnasium was entered in the contracts under $3m category. Griffiths & Associates guided the project since its inception in 2016 including negoti- ation of the school’s 10 Year Property Plan with the Ministry of Education through a comprehensive business case, work- ing with the school on establishing the scope of the project, managing a complex design and construction tender process and overseeing the construction of the facility. The company worked closely with main contractor Guyco Construction (2019) Ltd. Griffiths & Associates project manager Darren Tantau says that over the duration of the project there were a number of formal variations many of which involved numerous iterations and innumerable communications between the client and contractor. “Our team always addressed any issues that arose with clear and consistent communica- tion supported by accurate information and good judgement,” he says. Darren says that the successful comple- tion of the project, which opened at the begin- ning of the 2021 school year, demonstrates Griffiths & Associates capabilities to deliver on time in spite of various constraints including budgetary and logistical challenges such as the 2020 Covid lockdowns and building size restrictions. “We are proud to have completed a building that meets the multiple needs of the school in a high quality facility that will serve the school community for generations to come.” Another significant project Griffiths & Asso- ciates has completed, the Te Ora Hou facility, was entered in the competition’s interdiscipli- nary collaboration section. The Trust had outgrown its existing fa- cilities, which were not fit for purpose and approached Griffiths & Associates seeking purpose-built facilities to run programmes and a safe place for young people to be sup- ported and thrive. The proposed development included ex- tensive roading access and carparking, a com- munity centre/office building and conference facility, a gym including a multipurpose sports court and kitchen, playing fields, storage shed, landscaping, and an outdoor basketball arena. The project team was procured separately by the client through word of mouth in the local market. Griffiths & Associates project manager Marc Forrester says that while the project team, which comprised Griffiths & Associates, Hillcon Group, Base Group Consulting and Robinson Asphalts Ltd, had worked with each other in isolation on other projects, this was the first time they had all worked together to achieve the same goal. Upfront work was largely pro-bono to help assist the client secure funding, he says. “Funding was the biggest challenge and while the client was responsible for gaining funding the team assisted where possible with the clients funding bids,” explains Marc. “The lack of certainty around funding meant a staged approach to the build was required, with sign-off to proceed to the next stage given when surety was received. The project team all worked together to value engineer the buildings to save the client over $1.5m on a quote by a previous contrac- tor. The project budget was $4m, but early estimates showed the development likely to cost $6m. Due to the team’s collaborative approach and using innovative and smart building methodologies, we eventually completed the project on budget.” Ben says all three projects entered in the awards demonstrate the capabilities of Grif- fiths & Associates to take projects from con- cept to completion through adding value and minimising risk and by being the custodian of cost, quality and timing for its clients. www.apexroof.co.nz Longrun & Metrotile Residential & Commercial New Builds & Re-roofs Colorsteel Fascia Continuous Spouting Specialised Longrun Wall Cladding info@apexroof.co.nz 09 438 2496 QUALITY. SERVICE. EXCELLENCE. Proud to work alongside Griffiths & Associates Fire Alarm Design and Installation Fire Equipment Sales & Service Evacuation Schemes Trial Evacuations Fire Safety Consultants Sprinkler Design and Installation IQP Inspections Building Warrant of Fitness FIREPROTECTION.NET.NZ – 09 430 0498 Glenn Ruddell 027 433 1049 admin@nzriverwood.com Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT...