78 | Demolition work full of surprises Askin Demolition T T Kelly Deeks Whitestone Contracting Teammembers do company proud T T Hugh de Lacy CONTRACTING As Christchurch continues to reshape itself well over a decade on from the earthquakes, Askin Demolition is helping clear the way, literally, for the city’s next generation of homes and developments. Askin Demolition is making a name for itself as a reliable, straight-talking demolition contractor, specialising in clearing sites for multi-unit residential builds. Around 70% of projects now involve removing damaged or outdated homes to make way for townhouses and infill housing. It’s not all about demolition for development – sometimes it’s about fresh starts. “There are still people fighting with their insurance companies 15 years later,” says managing director Adam Askin. “By the time they get to us, they’re often relieved and excited. For them, demolition means progress. It’s the beginning of the end in the best way.” With no flashy branding or slick online presence, in fact, no online presence at all, Askin Demolition relies solely on word-of-mouth, a testament to its reputation for straight-up service and quality work. Demolition might seem straightforward, but it’s anything but. The process is tightly regulated, safety-critical, and full of surprises, some of which are more surprising than others. Askin Demolition works hand-in-hand with asbestos consultant Environmental Services to test and safely remove hazardous materials before any structure comes down. “Asbestos is the big one,” Adam says. “Most older houses have it somewhere, so we’ve got a really good system in place with our partners to manage that before anything starts.” In seven years, Georgia Campbell has gone from being “just a truck-driver labourer” for Oamaru-based Whitestone Contracting to becoming a site foreperson – and the winner of this year’s Women in Contracting Award at the Civil Contractors New Zealand’s Otago branch Hynds Construction Awards event held in Queenstown. Georgia’s award acknowledges her leadership and technical skills in what has always been a male-dominated industry, with Whitestone Contracting’s Waitaki Civil Division manager – and Georgia’s boss – Callan Brash citing “her skill, knowledge and positive work ethic”. “I’m proud to have Georgia as part of our team, and I’ve no doubt that she has a bright and successful future ahead of her,” Callan says. “Her leadership continues to lift the standards, not just for herself but for the entire team.” Georgia expressed her appreciation to Whitestone Contracting for the support the company has given her in her chosen career. She said it was “cool to be nominated”, and added that she saw winning the award as being “for the women in contracting and to show that females can be in this industry and do well”. The company had been particularly supportive of her in the studies she had to do for the foreperson qualifications she gained a year ago. And to make the Queenstown event a great night for Whitestone Contracting, its Central Otago project manager, Jonty Comins, was named as a finalist in the Young Contractor of the Year Award, “a testament to his professionalism, strong project delivery and growth as a young leader in the civil construction space,” the judges said. Whitestone Contracting is a major player in the civil infrastructure, maintenance and construction, surfacing, landscaping and vegetation-control supply market, with its “I’m proud to have Georgia as part of our team, and I’ve no doubt that she has a bright and successful future ahead of her.” Once the green light is given, Askin Demolition swings into action. Tight site? No problem. Askin Demolition will roll in with a truck and a nine-metre skip if need be. The team members have refined their demolition method to the point where they can have a site cleared and track-rolled by Friday, ready for site works to start on Monday. And it’s not just about tearing things down. the company recovers and re-sells windows, doors, and architectural features from the homes they demolish, many of which find a second life, thanks to their Trade Me salvage yard. “There’s some seriously good gear coming out of these houses. Beautiful feature doors and windows, some even double-glazed. It’s too good to waste.” Every house brings its own set of quirks. From unexpected squatters to the discovery of forgotten family ashes on the mantelpiece, no two jobs are ever the same. And don’t get Adam started on hoarder homes. “We once hauled out 2.5 tonnes of rotten National Geographic magazines. Cost me $800 just to dump them.” Adam says the trickiest houses to bring down are often the newest. “Old villas are solid as, and they hold together until the last minute. “But modern homes built from light-gauge timber will quickly fall to pieces. You’ve got to be really careful.” Askin Demolition is looking to grow modestly over the next 12 months, with a small team including a truck driver and a labourer. Adam is still on the tools and enjoying every minute. “There’s always a challenge. Every job keeps us on our toes.” field of operation extending beyond its North Otago base to take in the lower South Island, and with a staff of around 120, a comprehensive inventory of plant, and bases in Fairlie, Twizel, Cromwell, Queenstown, Alexandra and Dunedin. The company has grown steadily over its 33 years, through acquisitions, securing longterm contracts in key strategic areas, and organic growth within the business. It’s been involved in a raft of successful projects recently, including the NZTA Kakanui River Flood mitigation project, a $3 million project completed last year – ahead of time, under budget, to a high standard, and incident-free. Other successful projects range from various three waters reticulation upgrades, extensive landscaping at Hanleys Farm near Queenstown, including the construction of a $1.2m playground, various surfacing works across the lower South Island – chip seal and asphalt paving – along with being head contractor on a significant local authority road-maintenance contract. “None of these contracts could be completed without the company investing in its people to give them the skills and confidence to deliver them well,” Callan says. “Georgia and Jonty are a testament to the commitment Whitestone Contracting has to developing its people. “Whitestone Contracting offers a one-stopshop for its customers, as well as strong project- management capability that ensure all our projects are delivered successfully.” Canterbury-based concrete specialists Groundwork will create your new driveway, patio or pathway. 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