MAY 2018
www.culham.co.nz
PLAN PRODUCE DELIVER
SHANE CULHAM
Message from the Chairman As Chairman of the Board of Culham Engineering I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the past 60 years. We have a legacy that continues to this day through the hard work and dedication of my father Dave Culham. He instilled a sense of pride in this company and the work we do here that filtered through to every employee, and we all still feel a responsibility to uphold the high standards set by him. As we continue to evolve the company, our thoughts remain with Dave’s original vision: it’s not about being the biggest – it’s about being the best. One of my proudest moments was watching my father receive his QSM for services to industry, and being present when he was inducted into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame at the Westpac Business Awards. It’s obvious to us that his contributions to this company, to the local economy, to the Northland community, and to numerous sports groups and volunteer organisations have made a large impact on a great many people. Having started my apprenticeship in 1973, and with a brief hiatus in 1981 I have lived and breathed steel all my life. I have seen the highs and the lows, but what gives me immense pride is what we have achieved over this time. Most recently, securing the structural steel contract for the two largest iconic projects in New Zealand, one being the Sky City Convention Centre and the other Commercial Bay, the largest high-rise steel
building ever built in New Zealand. We have invested in the most up-todate, state of the art robotic equipment on our 10-hectare site to ensure that we and our industry can and will remain competitive both now and into the future. Being an industry leader within New Zealand, having highly skilled employees and a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability. Above all, we value our staff, as they are the most important asset of our business. We will continue to train and promote the young people of Northland, having trained upwards of 700 apprentices over the last 60 years, with 12 new apprentices having joined us in 2018. I could have never have imagined we would have a staff in excess of 450 people. What does the future hold for us? With good governance, management and investment in our people, plant, and equipment, we look forward to continuing our journey. Through working smarter and offering our clients better solutions, through thinking outside of the square and innovating, we will continue to push to be the leaders in our industry; planning, producing and delivering world-class engineering projects throughout New Zealand. We thank all of our staff and clients, both past and present, for the part they’ve played in our success over the past 60 years. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are now. Shane Culham Board Chairman
We thank all of our staff and clients, both past and present, for the part they’ve played in our success over the past 60 years. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are now.
PLAN PRODUCE DELIVER 2
Shane Culham, Board Chairman of Culham Engineering
DAVE CULHAM
From car boot to QSM Dave Culham: the heart of Culham Engineering Independent. Strong. Courageous. Determined. There are many words that have been used to describe Dave Culham; but for those who knew him best, words will never suffice to describe the true character of this enterprising, hardworking Northlander. Here was a man who, at 27, began his business from the boot of a car, with nothing to his name other than a blacksmith’s apprenticeship, a will of steel (fittingly) and a determination to succeed.
Dave Culham operating a crane in the Workshop Yard circa 2000
Dave Culham didn’t get lucky. Every step he took was hard-fought-for and fairly won. Dave’s evaluation of the people around him was based on their willingness to muck in and get the job done, to put in an honest effort, and to stick to their word. He had the highest of expectations, because he expected the same from himself. This is what has founded Culham Engineering’s reputation: Dave’s legacy of good old-fashioned hard work and a genuine pride in the value of your word. When asked about Dave, every person
‘Can’t’ was not a word in Dave’s vocabulary. Failure didn’t scare him – in fact, it seemed to motivate him even more.
Dave Culham receiving his Queen Service Medal in 2005 from Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae
who worked with him or who knew him well has a yarn to tell. Dave’s way with words and his sense of humour was legendary: Sharp as a tack, his wit was well known to put people off balance, as son Shane puts it, ‘he had the ability to tell someone to go to hell, and that person looking forward to the trip’. Of course, Dave’s career had its ups and downs – construction is a tough game. The economy would rise and fall, but through it all Dave managed to stay on track. He’d find work for his staff in the worst of times, even if it had to come out of his own pocket. Dave felt such a high level of responsibility towards his employees that at times he would help them with personal circumstances: assisting with mortgage debt, helping to pay for medical bills. Over 5000 staff have passed through Culham Engineering - and all Dave asked for in return was hard work, loyalty, and the right attitude. ‘Can’t’ wasn’t a word in Dave’s vocabulary. Failure didn’t scare him – in fact, it seemed to motivate him even more. Impossible tasks were merely challenges to be overcome: with the right attitude, everything was, and is, possible. This is the heart and soul of Culham Engineering culture: as true today as it was 60 years ago; and all thanks to a man who started a small business from the boot of his car. In December 2011, Dave was formally recognised with a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for his contribution to business/ industry and the community, an honour that brought him and his family immense pride. Not long after this, Dave was presented with an honorary fellowship from NorthTec for services to industry, and inducted into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame for his contribution to Northland business. Dave passed in 2012. It was a loss felt by all who had known him; both in his personal and professional life. He had been such a strong presence, such a powerful personality in business, in the community and in the steel industry. Not everyone who met Dave Culham liked him, but it’s without a doubt that every single person who met Dave respected him.
WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE 3
ERA 1: 1958-1980
Early beginnings and the Culham Engineering family 5 May, 1958. Dave Culham has completed his 5-year blacksmithing apprenticeship with Tapper Engineering, emerging with a passion for steel and a drive to succeed. Dave has then taken out a loan from his father to purchase a welding machine – which he kept in the boot of his car – and, using this welding machine, he went out looking for work under the newly minted company ‘Culham Engineering’. Dave obtained his first contract with AFFCO in Moerewa, and in the start of the 1960’s, he took on his first apprentice Reg Dickeson along with foreman Fred Walker, and the seeds of Culham Engineering were sown. Dave soon recognised the value in having good people by his side, and before too long he added a second apprentice, Donnie Banks, to his team. This was the beginning of a lifelong dedication to hiring and supporting apprentices through his business; instilling in them his unique brand of company culture and solid work ethic. Reg and Donnie were the first of hundreds, and in their time they became an integral part of the Culham’s culture themselves. In those early years, Culham Engineering grew with each project. In this way, Dave managed to edge forward slowly but surely; working within his means and making sure his apprentices always had projects to keep them busy. In these early years, Dave worked out of a shed at Port Road, giving the start-up business a place to call home. For four years, Dave and his team worked from this shed – staying safely within the business budget and keeping a close eye on any work opportunities that could help them grow. This strong respect for sustainable growth has played a large part in Dave’s business successes over the years; while fearless in business, Dave was nothing if not practical.
... in just over 20 years, Dave had grown Culham Engineering in size, scope and ability; and the projects just kept coming in. Circa 1965 fishing boat “Happy V” built at Culham Engineering
Hewlett Street and Port area 1972
Dave with Reg Dickeson 2004. Reg was Dave’s first apprentice in 1961.
Culham Engineering site 1978 showing slipway
1974 - Air New Zealand Hanger - Lifting the truss into place, half way to its final destination
During this time, Culham Engineering continued to work with AFFCO; a relationship which would provide a constant, reliable income for the fledgling company and throughout the next 15 years. In 1962, Culham Engineering were contracted to help build the original Marsden Point Oil Refinery. With competitive contracts being secured during the next few years, Dave made the decision to move into a new premises, resettling into a more suitable location across the road.
In 1967 Gay Crockett was employed to help in the office; she was to become not only Culham Engineering’s company secretary, but also Dave’s constant companion and – in 1975 – his wife. Dave took on more staff to match his increasing workload, and before too long he had saved enough to purchase the land he needed at Hewlett Street. In 1971, Dave purchased the land that would remain Culham Engineering’s home base for the next 40 years. This allowed his team to immediately begin working on their engineering projects in a significantly larger space. 1973 saw Dave’s son Shane join the family business; completing his apprenticeship in 1978.
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In 1974, when Air NZ needed space to service their DC10 fleet, a contractor was required to assist with their Auckland hangar alterations through Downer Construction. Culham Engineering had the space, the manpower, the machinery and the courage to make it happen. Constructing the mammoth 76-metre long truss in itself was a daunting task. The truss (which can be seen to this day on top of the Air NZ maintenance hangar at Auckland Airport) manufactured in the Hewlett Street yard, needed to be safely transported to Auckland Airport and lifted into place and secured. This project is reported to have been one of Dave’s most challenging, and it’s easy to see why. Constructing the truss, then barging the completed structure around North Cape and into the Manukau Harbour, transporting the structure up the runway at Auckland International Airport to the maintenance hangar. Then assembling the truss and hoisting it into position. Add to the story the fact that Dave purchased a Cherokee 6 aircraft to personally pilot his team from Whangarei to the worksite every day for 18 months, and you have a truly exciting project! His reasoning? It was cheaper than putting the workers up in Auckland. The beginning of 1980 found Culham Engineering with a total employee roll of circa 35 people: in just over 20 years, Dave had grown Culham Engineering in size, scope and ability; and the projects just kept coming in.
Congratulate Vulcan Steel warmly
the
Culham team on their
60 Birthday th
VULCAN STEEL ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE PLAYED A SMALL PART IN THE GROWTH AND ONGOING SUCCESS OF CULHAM ENGINEERING. The partnership between Culham and Vulcan has a history of trust and equitable commercial outcomes for both parties built on goodwill and a handshake. It has been our pleasure to be involved with this locally owned Northland based success story who have been involved in significant projects throughout New Zealand.
110 Lower Port P Road |
0800 885 226
Contact the team at Vulcan for your requirements in:
Steel • Stainless Steel • Processed Plate • Sheet products
ERA 2: 1980-2000
Culham Engineering Site 1990
The economy crash: surviving and growing
Proud to be associated with Culham Engineering over the years and going forward
Phone: (09) 438 3059 Address: 8 Fraser Street, Port Whangarei, Whangarei
ABRASIVE BLASTING & COATING SPECIALISTS Marine | Industrial Commercial | Domestic P: 09 438 8637 209 Lower Port Road Whangarei, New Zealand
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1980 found Culham Engineering in a strong position, with a steadily increasing workload and a strengthening reputation for excellence in the industry. Culham Engineering were still one of the engineering contractors for the New Zealand Refining Company, participating in the large shutdown projects and working to tie in the original site with the new ‘Think Big’ expansion project of 1985. Shane was responsible for all of the commercial activities at NZRC for Culham Engineering, working with a team of engineers and apprentices for 10 years out on site. In 1981 Rob Kirwan joined the team as a new apprentice. It was during this period of time that Dave decided to become involved in local politics. Dave became a Whangarei District Councillor in 1989. He’d already established himself as a communityminded leader, having been involved in various volunteer organisations, sports clubs and projects throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. This aspect of his character;
his ability to give his time and energy to so many different causes, is something that many people still remember strongly. Of course Dave achieved his goal in the end, and was elected to the Council in 1989, going on to serve three terms. During his time on the Council as the Commercial Enterprise Committee Chairman, Dave was one of the driving forces behind our current Town Basin area among many other significant projects. The Culham’s culture was also in full swing through the 80’s and 90’s, with a thriving social club, an active community presence, and a constantly increasing roll of employees and apprentices. Many who came through Culham Engineering in these years look back on what was a hard-working company that set the bar extremely high – but that also set the standard for hilarity and socialising. The raft races, the rugby teams, the social club antics, and the ‘team building days’ on the farm: memories flow thick and fast, with many of the anecdotes being completely inappropriate for print. This level of camaraderie can’t be forced, it’s a culture that grows from strong leadership and a
Construction of the Kauri Dairy Factory coolstore in 1988
ERA 2: 1980-2000
Fabrication of the Australian and New Zealand Navy frigate hull modules 1998
feeling of security. Culham Engineering in the 80’s and 90’s was a place of growth and a centre of industry in Northland. The economic crash of the 80’s – much like what was experienced in the 70’s - hit Culham Engineering in the same way it affected every business in New Zealand. Cut backs were made, purse strings were tightened, and concessions had to be made. At Culham’s, however, not one single employee was let go. Dave found work for his people, and where he couldn’t find work, he created projects to keep them busy and employed. The economy stabilised, and Dave was rewarded for his loyalty tenfold. In 1988, Culham’s
Rotating a Tenix frigate hull module in the Yard 1999
were subcontracted to Jack Guys Ltd to complete the Northland Dairy Company Kauri buildings and infrastructure; and not long after they were contracted to fabricate 3x 40m storage tanks at the Methanex Omata Tank Farm. Work rolled in and the company continued growing, with the addition of a new office building, a slipway, and Bays 2, 3, 4, and 5 all before the end of 1998. Sue Shield joined Culham Engineering in January 1988 as the Office Junior after the company had secured the Dairy Company work at Kauri. Sue was offered the position of Office Manager in 1991, and with mentoring from Barry Reid she
became the Office and Finance Manager, still overseeing the company financials. Sue married Shane in 2003 and is currently a Director of the company. Although Shane had taken time out from Culhams to travel and work overseas, he would always return to the family business. For a number of years, Shane continued to travel and grow his work experience. With his growing leadership in the company, Shane was able to begin implementing some changes, bringing in the company’s first significant computer systems in the late 80’s and allowing technology to take more of an operational role. Dave was beginning to give more of
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his attention to the large farm he owned with Gay, alongside his Council role and the various boards he was a member of. While he continued to pilot the ship, Shane was increasingly taking the wheel. Rob had also ascended the ranks within Culham’s. In a similar fashion to Shane, Rob had travelled after his apprenticeship, travelling to the UK to play professional rugby for 5 years, and working in the US for a year before returning to New Zealand. Rob returned to Culham Engineering, and Dave and Shane welcomed him back. Rob’s increased experience saw him rapidly rise to a management role, and before long he became the Site Construction Manager.
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Heating your home for health and efficiency There are many things to consider when heating your home. How much heating do you need? What are the upfront costs? What are the environmental impacts? But most importantly, we should be thinking about the impact on our health and ultimately our pocket. It’s no secret that energy efficient homes and home heating systems positively impact your health. Whereas damp, cold homes can put the health of New Zealanders at serious risk. The BRANZ House Condition Survey 2015/16 report found almost half of all houses lacked sufficient insulation, were damp and mouldy. In 46 per cent of
HOME HEATING RUNNING COSTS
homes, bedrooms were unheated and five per cent of homes were not heated at all. To put this into perspective for Northlanders, in the 2014 New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS), the homes in our region rated the worst for dampness / cold issues. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C, and if children or the elderly live in the house, then this recommended temperature should increase to 21°C. This applies to every room in the home – not just your main living areas. However, the average indoor temperature in the winter for most New Zealand houses is just 16°C. So how do we warm our Northland homes, without breaking the bank? Chilltech strongly advocates the installation of insulation and effective heating for a warm, dry house and ensuring a healthy home for Northlanders. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) states that heat pumps are the most efficient way of using electricity to heat your home. However, as with all technology, there are some heat pumps on the market which are much more efficient than others. Chilltech recommends you always speak to an expert on what is right
WHICH TYPE OF HEAT PUMP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? • Single Split System. A single split system connects one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. This is the most simple installation process and it delivers a simple heating and cooling solution to a single area in your home. • Multi Split System. Multi split systems are on a bigger scale and can connect up to 5 (or more) indoor units to a single outdoor unit. This system gives you individual control of room temperatures for each space and allows different unit styles and capacities in the one system. • Ducted System. A Ducted Heat Pump System provides discreet heat pump comfort throughout your entire home. The ducted system can be installed in a new home or tailored to suit an existing one.
for your home and look for the Energy Rating Label – the more stars, the more energy efficient. The benefits of heat pumps include low running costs, producing instant heat and the convenience of controlling the temperature and use of a timer.
Chilltech are proven experts in knowing which heat pump is a perfect fit for your home, budget and personal requirements. Contact our friendly Chilltech team on 09 438 0065 to discuss how we can heat and cool your home to The Right Temperature, all year round.
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We’re proud of our partnership and congratulate everyone at Culham Engineering on 60 years of success. We began refining at Marsden Point in 1964... Over the years as we’ve grown in size and capability, Culham Engineering has been right beside us as a trusted partner. From expansions to essential maintenance, the team at Culhams is helping to run New Zealand’s only refinery, safely and reliably while we keep the country supplied with high quality fuel products.
www.refiningnz.com
SNAPSHOTS IN TIME
1981 WBHS Gymnasium Jack Guy Ltd | Fabricate and install all the structural steel.
1982 Air NZ 747 Hangar, Auckland Airport Lawton Construction | Fabricate and install structural steel.
1958 Company founded, first premises Port Road, Whangarei, Northland
1971 Warkworth Satellite Station Ministry of Works | Post Office Telecommunication Tower.
1985
1958
New Zealand Refining Company
1973 - 1974
AFFCO Moerewa Maintenance labour only contract that would last 16 months.
1958
During expansion continued maintenance contracts.
AFFCO Refrigeration Engineering | Contract to fabricate freezers at Moerewa, Southdown, Horotiu and Balclutha Plants.
1968
1978
1962 New Zealand Refining Company Fabrication of pipe supports and wharf towers for the construction of the oil refinery at Marsden Point.
1964 Portland Bulk Cement Silos
1974 – 1975
1965
Air NZ Hangar
Methanex Omata Tank Farm
Downer Construction | 75m long, 75t steel roof truss, barged to Mangere.
Petrocorp | Fabrication of a 40m tank.
New Zealand Refining Company First shutdown, A Block.
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1986
Fletcher Construction
1966
1975
Marsden Point Power Station
Northland Fertiliser Works
Fletcher Downer Wilkens and Davies | Contract on the construction of the power station.
Fabrication and Installation of Chimney.
SNAPSHOTS IN TIME
1998
2008
Frigate Project
Eden Park
Tenix | Construction of Australia/NZ navy frigate hull modules - This project would run for the following 8 years.
Fletcher Construction | Façade and video screens Culham Engineering fabricated the south stands secondary façade; a series of 18m x 22m x13m steel silver ferns.
1988
2003 – 2006
Northland Dairy Company Kauri Project
PFP (Point Forward Project)
Jack Guy Ltd | Fabricating and installing the structural buildings and infrastructure.
Refining NZ | Upgrade to the original refining process plant. Completed while the plant was still in operation.
1994 Methanex Omata Tank Farm Smith Bridge | Fabrication of 3 x 40m storage tanks.
2011
1998 Manapouri Hydro Power Scheme Tunnel Construction - South Island, New Zealand Second Tail Race Tunnel.
1988
1998
KiwiRail Albert Smith Industries | Built 4x rail bridges in weathering steel.
2015 Te Mahi Hou Refining NZ | Installation of new processing unit. 5000t of structural steel and 1000km of associated piping.
2008 2018 2017 New Zealand International Convention Centre (Sky City) Fletcher Construction | Fabricate and install the structural steel for this major New Zealand project.
2002 Ballance Agri Nutrients Bluff Tank Construction of 12000t capacity sulphuric tank. Fabricated in the yard in Whangarei and barged to Bluff, South Island.
2003 – 2006 1994 Northport - Chip Loading Facility Fletcher Construction | Fabrication and installation of the chip loading facility.
1994 AFFCO Moerewa Freezing Works development.
2017 Commercial Bay Project Fletcher Construction | Fabricate and install the structural steel. This will be the tallest commercial building in New Zealand when completed.
Golden Bay Cement Mill Upgrade Fletcher Construction | This was a major upgrade to the entire plant at Golden Bay Cement. Culham Engineering was the principal contractor on site.
2007 Marstel Tanks Construction of 5x 30m tanks fabricated in Whangarei and barged to Tauranga.
2018 Culham Engineering, Hewlett Street, Whangarei, Northland Engineering the Future...
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ERA 3: 2000-2018
Evolving, expanding, modernising The dawn of the new millennium found Culham Engineering celebrating nearly 40 years of growth, with over 130 staff and an ever-increasing list of large-scale industrial and commercial engineering projects to their name. Culham’s had gone from strength to strength, becoming one of New Zealand’s leading engineering firms, and maintaining a strong reputation for quality, innovation and safety. At this point in time, Dave – although retaining the title of Governing Director – had stepped back to the point where Shane was now taking on the lion’s share of day-to-day operational management as the Managing Director, with assistance from General Manager Rob Kirwan. Shane had already helped to propel Culham’s into the computer age, and although Dave had some difficulty in accepting the value of
Heavy haulage load of steel for Commercial Bay from the Whangarei Workshop
these new technologies, he acknowledged the importance of evolving the company processes. The early 2000’s saw a great many changes occurring within Culham Engineering. Processes became more mechanised, technology took more of a starring role in production, and the ensuing increase in productivity and workflow allowed Culham’s to reach further than ever before. Their site grew to 10 hectares, and the number of bays onsite increased from the original Bay 1, to the current build of Bays 9, 10 and 11. Culham Engineering opened two branches, one in Kawerau and one in Tokoroa allowing them to service their existing maintenance contracts. Iconic projects such as the Eden Park façade, with its beautiful fern exterior, the red-hooped Sturges Road Bridge project in Auckland,
Culham Engineering Yard 2018
and the tango dancers at Gibbs Farm allowed Culham’s to showcase more of their creative talents; working with steel in ways that were previously unheard of. The New Zealand Refining Company continued to elect Culham’s as their lead maintenance contractor, and when Golden Bay Cement needed their gas train modifications in 2005, Culham Engineering were their firm of choice. The level and scope of projects continued to escalate throughout the early 2000’s, and as the technology within the industry shifted and evolved, Culham Engineering were right there at the forefront. Dave’s influence within the company continued to be felt; although by this time, he had reduced the frequency of his visits, and had moved to live in Russell with Gay. This didn’t stop him from dropping in
Superyacht “U77” docked at Culham Engineering for a refit in 2014
is proud to be associated with Culham Engineering Ltd for over 50 years. Congratulations on 60 years of being in business and helping build Whangarei in the past, present and for the future.
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unannounced, simply to bring donuts for the office ladies, or to stop by the offices of Shane and Rob in order to tell them what they were doing wrong. His strong leadership style continued unabated through his golden years, and his ubiquitous presence was felt throughout Culham’s even in his absence. It was in 2011 that Dave was formally recognised with a Queen’s Service Medal for his contribution to business and the community, an honour that brought him and his family immense pride. Not long after this, Dave was presented with an honorary fellowship from NorthTec for services to industry, and inducted into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame for his contribution to Northland businesses. In 2012, Dave Culham QSM, community stalwart and former district councillor,
Site installation of structural steel by Culham Engineering on the Commercial Bay Project Auckland. A 39 story commercial building on Auckland Waterfront.
31 Pipiwai Road, Kamo, Whangarei 09 435 1033 avonind@callplus.net.nz
ERA 3: 2000-2018
Large structural steel truss installed by Culham Engineering on the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland
passed away peacefully at his home at Russell. Culham Engineering continued to grow. A new Board of Directors was established, comprised of Rob Kirwan, Shane Culham, Sue Culham and Barry Reid, a lifelong friend and business mentor, and under this new leadership Culham Engineering embraced growth like never before. Rob and Shane both have a strong belief in the importance of trusting their people, recognising that in order to grow a company, you have to share responsibility. Of course, they’ve had obstacles, but they’ve managed to overcome these because they’re still in touch with their day-to-day operations. They’ve encouraged smarter business practices, and shifted their strategy to embrace the changes in construction and engineering.
This level of flexibility and innovation is what has allowed Culham Engineering involvement in their biggest construction and manufacturing projects yet: the Sky City Convention Centre, and Commercial Bay. So what now? 60 years on from Dave Culham’s car boot enterprise, Culham Engineering has a staff count of over 450. They are the preferred contractor for many of New Zealand’s largest steel engineering projects, and they have the equipment, machinery and specialist staff to plan, produce and deliver world-class steel structures. Where does a company of this size and scope see their future heading? Shane and Rob are united in their response. ‘We’ve taken Culham Engineering to another level, we now live in an international environment, and we’re ready to compete on an international stage. We’re engineering the future.’
Culham Engineering fabricated and installed the art sculpture in structural steel “tango dancers” at Gibbs Farm Kaukapakapa
Proud to be working alongside
Culham Engineering Providing Innovative Construction Solutions
From concept to completion
Demolition • Piling • Excavations • Retaining Concrete • Steel Fabrication • Stainless Steel Construction • Asbestos Removal • Painting
www.bowlinggroup.co.nz 09 435 2119 13
FRED WALKER
Through the Generations
Fred Walker and Dave Culham
Fred Walker: a Culham Engineering legend Any apprentice or Employee at Culham Engineering between 1961 and 2006 will have memories of Fred Walker. Fred moved from Taranaki in 1961 to work for Dave Culham as his workshop foreman. This became more than an employeremployee relationship moving to one of mutual respect and friendship that spanned 45 years. Fred was of the same
ilk as Dave Culham where if you did the job once, you did it right, and waste was not tolerated. Fred demanded hard work and productivity from all who worked under him. He ensured that all apprentices were trained to be the best they could be, and his bark was to be feared. Although everyone will agree that once Fred said his piece, it was done - he did not hold a grudge and was quick to move on from
Culham Engineering at the Parua Bay Raft Race circa 1987 - Note Dave Culham in the white T-Shirt with son Shane just behind him giving fair warning to approaching rafts
any ‘telling off’ he delivered. With all this he was fiercely loyal and always had your back if you needed it. As much as Culham Engineering was founded on the drive and ambition of Dave Culham, Fred Walker was there every step of the way as well. For the 45 years that he was at the helm of the workshops, he kept the wheels turning to support Dave in growing the business. When Fred
passed away in 2006 it was a testament to him that almost every past apprentice or employee that could make his funeral was there to pay their respects. The stories ran thick and fast on how often they got a ‘kick up the backside’ from Fred, or who got the best telling off - but all were there to appreciate the foundation he gave them all for their future lives, and just to say ‘thank you, Fred’.
Hayden and the team at HSB Builders would like to congratulate Culham Engineering for reaching 60 years of being in business.
• For all your Earthmoving and bulk cartage needs • For free genuine and honest advice and quotes • For commercial yard maintenance • For house sites • For drainage
Contact Andrew Wallis (owner/operator) Ph 021404467 or info@wallisearthmoving.co.nz
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A special thank you to Shane and Rob for letting us be a part of Culham Engineering’s success.
VIRGIN CONCRETE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE CULHAM ENGINEERING ON
60 YEARS IN BUSINESS. WHAT A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT.
Culhams Latest Extension Completed
Drone view
Pictured: Shane, Sue, Suzy and Dick Virgin Concrete has had a long history with the Culham Family with Dave Culham and Dick Fisher starting out in business at around the same time. Now Shane, Sue and Suzy are the faces of Culham Engineering and Virgin Concrete. Virgin Concrete has supplied concrete to Culham Engineering for many years and really appreciates the working relationship of local businesses working together and growing the Northland economy. We look forward to the new ventures that lay ahead for both companies in the future.
VIRGIN CONCRETE SUPPLY THE FOLLOWING SERVICES. New toolroom at Virgin Concrete
• Standard concrete • Coloured concrete • Concrete Tools • Pod Floor components • Crushed concrete • Concrete Interlocking blocks • Steel mesh
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10 Hiko Rd, Kamo, Whangarei Ph. (09) 435 5044 orders / (09) 435 5043 accounts Email info@virginconcrete.co.nz
No job too small - The best quality and service Proudly 100% locally owned and operated
K
amo Scrap Metals is one of the best in the industry and operates around small margins demanding onsite efficiencies and a thorough working knowledge of the market. Collection and disposal of scrap metal is done with strategic planning, maximum organisation and energy-saving execution. They also play a significant role in the Whangarei District by removing and facilitating the re-processing of waste metal products from homes, farms, factories and industrial sites.
THE TEAM - from left: Warrick Hoban, Francis Davies, Kelvin Attwood & Neville Saunders Absent are Parris Rumbal, Levi Fendall and Shane Murray.
To this end Kamo Scrap Metal offers a bin and pick-up service to local businesses for their waste metals.
Services include: • Collection and disposal of Scrap Metal • Demolition • Building clean outs • Clearing farm scrap metal and machinery • Commercial building clearance
Recycling and making reusable material from: • Electric motors • Whiteware • Copper
• Steel
• Cars
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminium • Radiators
• And More
CONGRATULATIONS CULHAM ENGINEERING PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YOU FOR 30 YEARS Heavy Steel Processing
Kelvin Attwood with Compacted Cars
Neville Saunders with a pile of old transformers
Compacted Copper Hot Water Cylinders
Loading a Truck to freight scrap metal to Auckland
Yard Work
KSM Truck on highway
Car Bodies & Whiteware
Well Equipped to Handle Big Jobs
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Kamo Scrap Metals Ltd
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OUR PEOPLE
Through the Generations Stephen Walker, Culham Engineering’s Workshop Manager, completed his apprenticeship with Culham’s and has continued working within the company for 35 years. Stephen’s father, Fred Walker, was Dave Culham’s first foreman, working within the company for 45 years until his passing. Stephen remembers coming in to Culham’s to earn money during his school holidays, sweeping out the shed where his father was working and washing the company cars for ‘Uncle Dave’ to make some spare change.
Wayne ‘Copper’ Jones is Culham Engineering’s Coating Supervisor. At the age of 16 Wayne began his apprenticeship with Culham’s, and he can still remember the interview he had with Dave to assess his suitability. Dave invited him in and asked him to pick up a pot plant which was sitting in the corner of the office. When Wayne complied, Dave congratulated him, said he could obviously follow instructions, and told him he was hired. Many of Wayne’s memories from his early years at Culham Engineering revolve around the camaraderie and sheer physical labour. Sweeping, cleaning, hand-shovelling the sandblasting abrasive from the shop
In fact, he can remember beyond that point, back to the days when there was a creek running through the Hewlett Street yard, where he would hunt for tadpoles with his friends. These days, the land looks a lot different, the industry would be nearly unrecognisable to his father, and Stephen’s own son is following in the family footsteps as a current apprentice with Culham’s. This generational commitment to Culham Engineering is testament to what Stephen calls ‘old-fashioned values’ – they’re straight up people, and always have been.
floor and wheelbarrowing it to piles for reuse. Those days are long gone however, and Wayne is now working with systems far in advance of anything he could’ve dreamed of back in the early days. Wayne remembers Fred Walker playing rugby with the young apprentices on the beach at Christmas functions, he remembers the supportive environment and the hazing each apprentice would go through. Dave Culham helped him personally at different periods in his life, and for Wayne, it’s that feeling of being looked after, being acknowledged as part of the Culham’s family that has kept him with the company for so many years.
Congratulations Culhams on reaching 60 years in business Brian Craig Engineering has had the good fortune and pleasure to supply Culhams with precision machined components for over 38 years.
NOW TRADING AS
Grant Withers, the company’s Responsible Welding Coordinator, completed his apprenticeship with Culham Engineering in 1994, leaving for a brief period and returning in 2000. Grant never left the company again. He simply can’t see the point – no where else in Northland has this scale of industry, with 4 welding inspectors on staff, unparalleled job security and a level of quality that is internationally recognised. Grant has also been incentivised by the upwards progression made possible through continuous upskilling opportunities: the courses and qualifications available to employees make Culham’s a fantastic learning environment. The sheer variety of work continues to keep Grant’s passion for the trade alive – and he can’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.
PRECISION P RECISION ENGINEERING ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
This year Brian has handed over the reins to Logan Garden. Logan has been with ."% '35274= $31 4%71B= :+% =%7109 70 )"32 ?31%5749 74& '711!%0 "!0 %>.%40!+% %>2%1!%4'% $31@71& @!." ."% 2,1'"70% 3$ ."% '35274=8 ;3@ (17&!4# 70 /-A *1%'!0!349 /1!74 @!0"%0 <3#74 @%BB 74& @!BB 6% 34 "74& .3 700!0. !$ 4%%&%&8
Call us on (09) 438 7847 or drop in at 99 Port Road, Whangarei
www.bcelimited.co.nz 17
APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships at Culham Engineering: 1960 – 2000s Apprentices 2009
Apprentices 2014
Apprentices 2018
For many of the longstanding employees at Culham Engineering, modern apprenticeships are somewhat of a mystery. When Donnie Banks, Reg Dickeson and their ilk came up through the industry, the role of an apprentice was to clean the toilets, make the tea, sweep the floors and fetch the morning smoko. For around 6 months, your apprentice was a general dogs body – to be seen but not heard, to learn through watching and obeying. Then the hard yards would kick in, and your apprentice would soon learn what entry-level boilermaking/welding entailed. There was a lot of yelling. There was little patience, a lot of learning on the spot and long, hot, hard days in the yard. As an apprentice, you were the constant butt of jokes, you got the worst jobs, you were the bottom of the heap, and you had to earn your right to be seen and heard – but once you earned that respect, well, you knew you’d done something right. Hundreds of apprentices earned their stripes the hard way – but the celebrations
were worth it. Being thrown into the Hatea River was a rite of passage on completion, and if you didn’t shout a keg for your 21st, or the completion of your apprenticeship, or the birth of your child – well, you weren’t part of the culture. Over the years, however, this culture has changed drastically. Some would say for the better - the yelling has eased off, and the health and safety aspect has increased dramatically - however for many of the older generation, the new recruits seem to be getting an easy pass.
Culham Engineering are proud to be one of New Zealand’s biggest employer of apprentices if not the biggest – over 700 apprentices have passed through over the years – with many of them now holding top management positions throughout New Zealand and internationally. While every completed apprenticeship is cause for celebration, modern apprentices will never know the blood, sweat and tears (yes – tears) that went into forging the previous generation’s talents.
Workshop Automation – Adapt Arc Automated Welding Machine
- Locally owned ow and operated since ince 1988 -
CONGRATULATIONS Culham Engineering Celebrating 60 Years in Business! Proud to support your achievement.
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Call 09 470 2244 or Freephone 0800 100 633
ROB KIRWAN
Apprentice to Owner Culham Engineering would like to thank all of our clients for their support over the past 60 years. Our longstanding relationship with many local companies has allowed for our sustainable growth, and we look forward to continuing these partnerships into the future. Rob Kirwan Managing Director Culham Engineering
On following advice from his dad, to ‘get a trade then you can do whatever you like’, Rob Kirwan had no idea that starting his apprenticeship at Culham Engineering in 1981 would eventually lead him to part ownership and Managing Director of the business some 35 years later. A chance meeting with an old neighbour at a supermarket, asking what he was going to do after he left school, lead to Rob applying to Culham Engineering for a Boilermaker/Welder apprenticeship. Admittedly not really knowing what a Boilermaker/Welder did. Having what Rob describes as an intimidating interview, Dave must have noticed something in him that he found
Rob Kirwan and his site crew 2004
satisfactory. Under the direction of Dave and the Workshop Foreman Fred Walker, Rob was given the very best in training. Albeit somewhat tough, this apprentice training would later prove invaluable. On achieving his trade certification, Rob fled the nest in 1985 to spread his wings armed with this knowledge and skills achieved at Culham Engineering. Like many young tradesmen from Culham’s, he returned after a few years away with some newly acquired skills and a huge appreciation for what he had learnt during his apprenticeship. Taking on new challenges and more responsibility, Rob was appointed to the role of Site Construction Manager. Following the successful completion of the Golden Bay Cement GTM project in 2005/2006, Rob was appointed General Manager of Culham Engineering. When the opportunity evolved in 2016 for Rob to become part of the ownership of the company and Managing Director, he undertook this with an immense sense of pride. Being able to grow the company into new areas and new possibilities is a vision that Rob has been able to bring to fruition. The New Zealand International Convention Centre and Commercial Bay projects are testament to that. He is a ‘hands on’ manager who knows the value of the work that the men do and has pride in the legacy that he is part of. Rob imparts to all apprentices that he hires, ‘Where you start is not where you end up’.
W W W. D O N O VA N G R O U P. C O . N Z
CONGRATULATIONS
CULHAM ENGINEERING
“We’ve been collaborating with Culham Engineering for over 30 years. From our own plant down the road, I’ve watched the company grow over the years and it’s fantastic to see them reach their 60-year anniversary.” - Brett Donovan, Director, Donovan Group
INNOVATORS IN CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Donovan Group NZ Ltd Corner Hewlett & Fraser St Whangarei 09 4381562
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THANKS
Culham Engineering appreciates the support of our clients and suppliers over the last 60 years and extends a warm acknowledgement to past and present staff.
PLAN PRODUCE DELIVER
www.culham.co.nz