72 | INTERIORS Tonic Interior Systems T T Richard Loader National honours for Southland firm Tony and Leeanne de Vries at the AWCI NZ Awards of Excellence. Tony was also recognised by his peers for over 3 decades in the Interior Construction Industry. After nearly a decade building high-quality commercial interiors across Southland, Invercargill-based Tonic Interior Systems has been recognised nationally at the AWCI NZ Awards of Excellence. The firm took home the Commercial Project Award ($100K–$500K) for its outstanding workmanship on the SBS Bank Head Office fitout. The annual awards celebrate excellence in interior construction, recognising projects that demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship, and teamwork. Tonic director Tony de Vries says the win - the first time they had entered the awards - was a milestone achievement for the firm. “We’re proud to represent Southland on the national stage. Our people work incredibly hard, and it’s great to see their efforts recognised among the best in the country,” says Tony. A locally-owned and operated company, Tony says Tonic Interior Systems takes pride in delivering projects that reflect both the company’s craftsmanship and its strong community roots. “This award means a lot to our whole team — from the apprentices to the senior installers. It’s recognition of the pride, precision, and purpose we bring to every job.” The SBS project involved a full interior fitout of Level 2 of the building and the western half of Level 4. Work included new floor coverings, ceilings and services, electrical, plumbing, sprinklers, and HVAC, along with external window and door replacements on Level 4 West. The refurbishment includes modern openplan offices, breakout areas, reception and entrance zones, kitchens, storage, and circulation spaces. Tonic delivered the full interior wall and ceiling package, installing CRS steel stud walls and bulkheads with Tracklock bracing, Mammoth acoustic insulation with Baffleblock, and CRS rapid beams with Rondo Keylock and Donn suspended ceiling systems. To deliver critical acoustic performance, ceilings featuring Asona Polyfon Mesh and Sinfonia panels were installed. In total, 2,100sqm of Mammoth insulation and 1,700sqm of ceilings were installed with precision for acoustic comfort and visual consistency across both levels. The project required close coordination with Amalgamated Builders as main contractor and multiple trades over a 12-month programme. Close collaboration with suppliers CRS, Asona, Mammoth, and Tracklock ensured timely material delivery and high standards throughout. Tony says the success of the project — and every project the firm delivers — comes down to relationships and collaboration. “We’re fortunate to work alongside exceptional main contractors, architects, engineers, and suppliers who share our commitment to quality and collaboration. Those partnerships make all the difference in achieving results we can all be proud of.” “This project showcases the value of strong collaboration, sustainable product selection, and quality workmanship in delivering outstanding commercial fitouts.” In further success at the awards, two other major Southland projects — the Invercargill Central CBD redevelopment and the Distinction Hotel Invercargill — were named finalists in the Commercial Project Over $1 Million category, competing against some of New Zealand’s largest commercial interiors projects from Christchurch and further north. The Invercargill Central redevelopment was a once-in-a-generation project, Tony says. Services Include: • Seismic Assessments & Retrofit Strengthening Solutions • NZBC Based - Fire Engineering Solutions • Civil • Structural 173 Spey St, Invercargill P: 03 218 7936 M: 027 403 3773 E: darryl@kensingtonconsulting.co.nz “It was a complete demolition and rebuild of an entire city block into a vibrant retail, hospitality, and commercial hub. Tonic’s scope included framing, bulkheads, and specialty acoustic ceilings across more than 20 tenancies, balancing functionality and visual impact.” The Distinction Hotel project transformed the former Menzies government building into a 150-room, 4.5-star hotel, including studios, suites, restaurant and bar, valet parking, and private dining. Tonic installed 4.5km of steel stud walls across guest rooms, corridors, and service areas, plus suspended ceiling systems, seismic bracing, and feature bulkheads. “To have three Southland projects recognised on the national stage was pretty special. It shows what our region can produce when you’ve got great clients, building contractors, strong trade relationships, and a skilled team,” manager Leeanne de Vries says. Tony was also recognised by his peers for over 3 decades in the Interior Construction Industry. Tonic Interior Systems was founded in 2015 and has become Southland’s go-to specialist for suspended ceilings, wall systems, and acoustic solutions in commercial spaces that include schools and hospitals to offices and retail developments. Services span the full project lifecycle from design input and specification through to supply, installation, and seismic compliance. The company partners with the region’s leading builders, architects, and engineers. With a team of 12 to 15 staff, supported by experienced temporary tradespeople, the company prides itself on quality workmanship, reliability, and collaboration. The company also invests in apprenticeships in interior construction, helping foster the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
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