| 51 “This project, unique for its small, close-knit community setting, demanded special attention to detail, especially when working at high elevations on the church’s steep roof.” T T Kim Newth Award for efforts on new St Mary’s church The new church has now been honoured with a prestigious award, giving the community even more to celebrate Timaru Construction REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Pleasant Point lost its beloved 1889 St Mary’s church, originally built in the late 1800s, to the 2011 earthquakes but parishioners, and the local community, are delighted with the gracious new church that has since been constructed. The new church has now been honoured with a prestigious award, giving the community even more to celebrate. At the 2024 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in May, Timaru Construction won a Gold Award for the new church project. These awards showcase building excellence. Many of the award-winning projects this year highlighted the sector’s resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing challenges such as inflation, material shortages and skilled labour constraints. This project exemplifies that theme of resilience and adaptability, with Timaru Construction having successfully navigated the complexities of building during the Covid-19 pandemic, facing supply-chain challenges that impacted the schedule and costs. “We are thrilled with this award that acknowledges the hard work of our team and subcontractors, as well as the dedication of the Pleasant Point community,” says Graham Cadigan, company director of Timaru Construction. “It has been a real privilege for us to have been the builder on this very special project.” Timaru-based architect Desmond Prisk designed the new church. In their summary notes, the judges observed how the new design of St Mary’s church pays homage to its original form, with the new structure successfully echoing the former through recycled timber and salvaged interior elements. In an earlier interview with Business South, not long after the new church had opened in October 2022, then parish chair Paddy O’Reilly said salvaged elements included three stained-glass windows, the altar, the tabernacle, statues, pews and vestry furniture. A lot of care was taken to remove, save, repair and refurbish the unique stained-glass windows, and members of the community repaired, cleaned and re-stained the pews. As the awards judges observed, the build process was under the constant watch of local parishioners, adding a layer of communal interest to the project’s execution. “This project, unique for its small, close-knit community setting, demanded special attention to detail, especially when working at high elevations on the church’s steep roof,” said the judges in their award comments. “The new church stands as a testament to resilience, community involvement and the ability to overcome logistical and technical challenges in construction.” Michael Gielen, Bishop of Christchurch, who opened the church soon after arriving in the diocese, is not surprised that the Timaru Construction team is being celebrated for the excellence of their project. “As a priest who has served in churches all over the world, most notably in Rome, I have formed a somewhat critical eye for form and beauty in churches,” wrote Bishop Gielen in a note of congratulation to Timaru Construction. “In saying this, from the time I first saw Pleasant Point, I was captivated by the simplicity and elegance of the church. “I have since returned to celebrate a Mass for all the teachers of the region, where I was further able to enjoy the excellent acoustic quality of the building. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also functional as well.” Through the years, Timaru Construction has grown to become a leading construction company, whose track record is respected throughout the South Island. The locally owned, Timaru-based business employs a skilled team of carpenters, apprentices and administration personnel. Graham and fellow co-director Linday Stowell took over ownership of Timaru Construction in 2015, from the original founders Ross Lund and Lindsay Stowell, who started the company in 2006. With the retirement of Lindsay in 2022, experienced site foreman Scott Johnston has stepped up into the role of operations manager. With Timaru Construction’s extensive experience, local ownership and management, the company is well positioned to continue meeting local project requirements in the ever-changing construction market. Proud to be associated with Timaru Construction Ltd Winners at the 2022 NZ Master Painters Awards blacksfasteners.co.nz When a small, close-knit community setting demands special attention to detail, great things can happen. Congratulations to Graham & the team at Timaru Construction on your Gold Award for the 2024 commercial project St Mary’s Church. Blacks Fasteners are proud to be a preferred supplier and a key partner on all projects. AGold Awardwinning building that makes a Pleasant Point
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