| 33 T T Kim Newth A key role in the region The National Association of Women in Construction Excellence Awards were held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in August. Downer Canterbury CONTRACTING As New Zealand’s largest provider of integrated services, Downer has been enabling communities to thrive for more than a century. In Canterbury, the skilled and capable Downer team is a trusted partner in the transport, infrastructure, facilities and utilities/ three waters sectors. As a leading contractor for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency in the region, Downer’s transport and infrastructure team hold large maintenance contracts for state highway networks from Timaru to Kaikōura, as well as regions further south. “We also have strong working relationships with KiwiRail and with territorial authorities including the Christchurch City Council and the Selwyn District Council, along with Ngāi Tahu and many local subcontractors and suppliers,” says Craig McKenzie, Downer Regional Director Canterbury. “As well, we run a business providing seal, asphalt and line marking services.” Downer has been helping to shape New Zealand and Australia for more than a century by addressing infrastructure needs and enabling economic growth. In Canterbury, Downer has made their mark on some of Christchurch’s leading residential subdivisions, such as Wigram Skies. Their expertise in infrastructure management and construction services, as well as their reputation for being easy to work with, ensures they remain a sought-after partner for big roading and infrastructure projects. “Along with our Waka Kotahi contracts, we are involved in private commercial work. For example, we are currently upgrading a busy intersection in Papanui for Foodstuffs to enable safe traffic movements in and out of a new PAK’nSAVE supermarket that’s going in there.” With construction sector headwinds and spiraling costs of materials over recent months, Craig observes that the infrastructure pipeline has also become somewhat “lumpy”. Thankfully, the Waka Kotahi state highway contracts are providing their team with a consistent workflow. “Construction-wise, we’re looking pretty busy now until February or March 2024 and have a strong pipeline of work beyond that.” Raising the standard of New Zealand’s state highway network is a core issue across the country and Craig notes that Waka Kotahi is well aware of the need for more investment. “Wherever you sit on the political spectrum, I think everyone is looking at investing more in our state highways. They are the arteries of the country. “We’ve got to be able to move freight and people around. If you can’t do that efficiently and safely, then everything else will fail. If the milk tanker can’t get through, then the milk can’t get to market. “Our tourism sector relies on people having a comfortable experience on our roads and not bumping into potholes or networks that are shut. The state of emergencies often experienced can be somewhat mitigated by stormwater infrastructure to enable networks which can handle a deluge when it comes.” In August, Downer was proud to win several awards at the National Association of Women in Construction Excellence Awards, held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Craig says there is a real focus across civil construction now on retaining women in the industry and supporting them to progress. “We’ve now got a large number of wāhine in the field, as well as in leadership roles. It’s really good to see and needs to continue and grow to further boost diversity.” Downer Canterbury has good ongoing opportunities for people keen to enter civil construction, from operators to project managers. “You don’t necessarily need a history in civil infrastructure to get involved, particularly if you have a good skillset, experience and relate well to other people - it’s a fulfilling industry to be in.” Giving back to the community is a priority for Downer, which runs an annual programme of community giving called DownerDonate. One of the recipients this year was Camp Quality NZ Christchurch. Downer also donated to Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury in July. Matt: 027 212 3843 Office: 027 590 5579 187 South Eyre Rd, Kaiapoi PO Box 76203 Christchurch office@pidgeoncontracting.co.nz www.pidgeoncontracting.co.nz Asphalt Laying Kerb & Channel Subdivisions Footpaths Driveways Carparks Minor Earthworks Excavation Siteworks FLOOD PROTECTION BARRIERS FLOOD RESPONSE SERVICE CIVIL WORKS WATER CONTROL Kaiapoi Mill, 35 Ranfurly St, Kaiapoi | 0800 FLOODING | hydroresponse.com We Provide concrete kerbs, channels and footpaths for: Road reconstructions • Subdivisions • Maintenance works • Driveways • Residential gardens Phone: 027 433 0531 | Office: 03 344 1597 Email: info@kerbandchannel.net.nz | PO Box 16-591, Hornby, Christchurch 8441 www.kerbandchannel.net.nz Proud to support Downer Group - Christchurch
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