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2017 Northland Construction Awards all about recognising the people and celebrating their success
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n Friday 23rd June 2017 contractors from around the Northland region changed their steel cap boots, hi viz vests and hardhats for suits, dresses and shiny shoes for the annual Civil Contractors NZ – Northland Construction Awards. This was the fourth year for the event and it keeps moving from strength to strength, getting bigger and better each year. The aim of the night is to highlight the high level of skill that the civil contractors of Northland have, with a showcase of their people, projects, achievements and contributions the members have made here in the Northland community over the last 12 months.
The night was a huge success with over 200 people attending the evening at Toll Stadium in Okara – the biggest turnout for the event yet! There were 22 entries, all to a very high standard. The Judges of the Awards commented that they were once again impressed with the high standard and variety of projects, and the extent of local innovation and capacity. Strong client relationships are a big component of project successes, along with a high regard for environmental difficulties. It was also noted that CCNZ Northland Branch is unique in that it is the only branch that recognises and awards a member for their contribution to the community, but also unique was the theme throughout those entries – the local contractors give back with a passion and it is all about relationships. Here in Northland we are proud to be a branch that treasures its relationships.
We have huge support and involvement from all of our contractors, clients and suppliers. They give us amazing backing every day, and our suppliers continue to put their hands up each year to stand behind and support us on the one night we have to shine. Without these sponsors and supporters our big night and our day to day jobs would not run. In the words of one of our sponsors – “the awards night is not about trying to mingle to sell something, it’s about recognising the contractors and their people and celebrating their successes and achievements.” A strong focus this year was on the People Awards. Some of these were recognised on the night in the Trainee of the Year and Northland Leadership Awards. This theme has been carried through from a national level, as the Civil Construction industry is looking at a shortage of workers over the next two years. There is an estimated 30,000 people needed to join the industry by 2019. With the recent introduction of “Civil Trades” to continued over page
INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
Firth Construction Projects $0 - $100,000 Two very close submissions stood out this year. The nature of the site challenges, alternative design acceptance with significant cost saving benefits for the client and use of non normal construction techniques identified the winner.
Steve Bowling Contracting –
Design and build of bridges - including plans, permits, consents and construction. Also specialises in pile driving and drilling.
We can take care of ALL your steel needs be they large or small. Stainless and blacksteel
Tutukaka Footbridge
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hangarei District Council released the tender for the construction of a new walking bridge on a recreational walking track at Tutukaka, Whangarei. The bridge was an 11.0m timber structure to bridge an unsafe gap where pedestrians had to scale part of a steep bank to otherwise get around it. The major challenge involved with this project was the access, the project was on an isolated bank on the water’s edge only accessible by a largely incomplete walking track or by boat. The access track was referred to by our staff as a ‘goats track.’ Getting materials to the construction site was a huge challenge. Due to the fact we were working in a marine tidal environment, a large proportion of the materials were transported to the site by use of a small boat. This meant on some occasions we were limited to what days & hours we could work as tide levels would often restrict the accessibility of Building property maintenance. Painting, certified asbestos removal and construction. the structure. To get the poles onto the site, we had to use a helicopter to lift them from the nearby marina car park area. We also worked from a boat to do some of the work underneath the bridge & used the boat to bring in some of Ph 435 2119 | www.bowlinggroup.co.nz the materials. 9 - 11 Hewlett Street, Port Whangarei, Whangarei
Laying the foundation for the future Driveways, retaining walls, concrete floors, structural concrete and site works.
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our industry there is now a real opportunity for employees as it offers a career path and an apprenticeship which recognises their skills – the same as any other trade industry. The reality is that a lot of the training will need to be done on the job, which means that people can “earn as they learn” and work while obtaining training qualifications and working towards achieving their apprenticeship in civil construction. This is proving to be a game changer for our members and our people as we now have something concrete to offer employees as recognition of their skills, and to get away from the idea that if you can’t find anything else then get a job on the lolly pop stick on the side of the road. People use facilities every day that are constructed by our members including roads, bridges, carparks, sports fields and buildings. We’re really passionate about our industry and we want to show people that we are proud of our achievements and the projects that we have completed.
Humes Construction Projects $100,000 - $500,000 Again three of the submissions scored closely in this category. A project with remote location logistics, heavy environmental restriction, bespoke methodology to the construction, and the difficulty of maintaining continuous safe traffic movement (including loaded logging trucks) when jacking and replacing structure meant impressive site H&S management on this project.
All the entrants should be congratulated for the high standard of submissions received. Once again the bar was set very high, and the winners should be proud to have come out on top against some tough competition. The CCNZ Northland Branch AGM was held on the same night. At the AGM Murray Clements, Chairman of Northland Branch for the last three years handed the reins over to our new chairman Keith Cocking. Murray has done a fantastic job and with the support of the strong executive committee has pushed for continuous progress and change. Keith has now stepped in and we look forward to what is looking like some strong years of growth and demand for our members’ services going forward.
GHK Piling
– Waimatenui Road Bridge Upgrade
Proudly supporting Civil Contractors NZ Northland Awards for 23 years
Contact our friendly team today. Experts in civil, rural and maintenance.
16 Gumdigger Place, Whangarei 0148 P: 09 459 6935 • F: 09 430 8460 www.humes.co.nz
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his contract was a structural bridge strengthening project on a 70m, single lane, wooden bridge. The works included the removal of existing pile repairs, supply and installation of new timber piles, removal of existing timber bearers and replacement with new steel bearers and removal of existing cross bracing and replacement with new cross bracing. One of the main challenges involved with this project were working on a road that was open to traffic at all times without any road closures. Logging trucks and general car traffic were using the bridge at all times so it was crucial that our works did not affect the road. Another challenge was using the 2 existing piers in the water to work around which with large machinery was difficult. We had to build our temporary structure around these piers.
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Northland Construction Awards 2017 – Judges Comments Once again the judging panel was faced with a range of very good submissions. The “People” Awards are always the most difficult for the judging panel. All submissions in these four categories deserve to win. All contractors in CCNZ Northland strive for Health & Safety excellence; all contribute to the local community; all trainees are committed to working hard to achieve their goals with the support of their companies; and although Leadership is something not all aspire to, all companies need such examples as these entries to run successful businesses. The panel were again impressed with the high standard, variety of projects, and the extent of local innovation and capacity. Strong client relationships are a big component of project successes, along with a high regard for environmental difficulties. Photo support for applications was a significant improvement this year, with introduction of innovation including video & drone technology, which makes submissions come alive and gives an edge to winning. Several submissions again failed to specifically address the defined ‘judging criteria’, even if a segment did not apply to that project, which did affect their ratings. It is also noted that ‘bread and butter’ type projects will not rate against those showing adaption and learning of new areas of expertise, should that occur.
Hynds Construction Projects $500,000 - $1m
HYNDS
PIPE SYSTEMS LTD Hynds Pipe Systems is New Zealand’s leading manufacturer and supplier of infrastructure products to the civil construction and rural sectors.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING GHK PILING IN
THE HYNDS CONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS OVER
$500,000 - $1M CATEGORY IN THE NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION AWARDS.
An impressive final project with alternative design giving cost savings, restricted access, cooperation with other contractors, and staff training into specialist areas stood out.
GHK Piling
– Park Avenue Bridge
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his was a subcontract for the construction of double span reinforced concrete bridge over a gully as part of a land development in Northcote, Auckland. The work involved the installation of piles, construction of two abutments and a pier cap, installation of precast, prestressed hollow core bridge beams, pouring of a deck slab and footpath and the installation of guardrail. This bridge had to be constructed to NZTA HN-HO-72 standard and was 30m long and 8.6m wide. The contract was completed on time & budget with a very satisfied client.
0800 93 7473 | hyndsrural.co.nz
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Hirepool Construction Projects over $1m
Two very close submissions in this category. The presentation of video evidence gave the judges a much better overview than would have been achieved from the written documents with photos. With the slightest margin the award went to Clements Contractors.
Clements Contractors
– Onekainga Heights Subdivision
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his project consisted of the construction of exclusive building sites, right of ways and retaining walls on a very steep site in a pristine location.
The message from the client was clear, “Only the best in quality and workmanship”. Clements Contractors were selected for their skilled operators, local knowledge and track record of constructing coastal subdivisions to a high standard. The views at this project are breathtaking and great care was required to ensure the project was constructed to maximize the view and also give privacy to each site. Construction has been carried out in two stages with stage 2 started at the beginning of 2016. The way our operators have efficiently planned and carried out earthworks to such a high and safe standard on some of Northlands steepest land has created an excellent working relationship and trust between client, engineer and contractor. This ensured the client received “Only the best”
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Whangarei District Council – Health & Safety Award
There was only one submission for this category. It was an excellent submission and would have taken an exceptional one to have replaced it.
Clements Contractors
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hen Clements Contractors first started 28 years ago it was with an old bulldozer on the farm doing a house site for the “fella down the road.” Health and safety was not even thought of and was probably the last thing on our mind. Things have grown and changed since then and so have we. Our Project tells the story of our small beginnings, to the thriving local enterprise we are today. Four years ago saw us make the big move into Whangarei with the purchase of Western Hills Quarry and the company very quickly doubled in size. Along with this came the growing pains that all expanding businesses experience, bringing with it a huge increase in risk. Our systems and processes became stretched and looking back now we actually went backwards for a while. Since then we have embarked on a journey which continues today and will take us well into the future. We created our company core values and each one is geared towards achieving our health and safety vision of “everybody home safe everyday.” We have worked hard to change the culture of health and safety being a tick box exercise to being part of our everyday thoughts and actions. Building a clever cloud based health and safety management system and working with the existing culture within our team have been the driving factors to our
success. The main reason we have got through these challenging times and continue to do so, is our team’s commitment to “looking after each other.” We believe our commitment to training our staff and to continuous improvement are what make us stand out. We know we’re not perfect, but we’re all on a journey and there is only way. And that’s up!
We are pleased to be recognized by Civil Contractors New Zealand for our involvement in the community
Proud winner
of the Hirepool Construction Projects over $1m
Congratulations to the team for winning the Whangarei District Council Health & Safety Award and Oil Intel Northland Leadership Award
WESTERN HILLS QUARRY
Past the Hospital, off Maunu Rd, Westwood Lane 09 434 4949 www.clementscontractors.co.nz
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Nationwide Equipment Community Contributions Award
Fulton Hogan
This award is unique to the CCNZ Northland Branch as it is the only branch that recognizes and awards a member for their community contributions. Firstly, the judge wishes to express his gratitude to Paula Evans and Dave Lee from Nationwide Equipment who have kindly sponsored this award. Paula and Dave over the past few years have also held an auction at the annual CCNZ Conference and the proceeds (over $40,000) have been instrumental in funding the Construction Safety Council who have subsequently delivered to our industry the ConstructSafe Competency accreditation. This award recognizes the contributions CCNZ’s contracting members give to the community they live and work in. Whether they are an SME or a large tier one company, the theme remains the same. They give back with a passion and it is all about relationships. Whether it is the local fire brigade, Plunket, renovating a marae, building cycle tracks at a school, it involves people and these people are also part of the community they love and want to contribute too.
The judge, James Corlett, was perplexed and somewhat bewildered when given the entries. What he thought was going to be a pretty easy case of awarding a “Standout Entry” was in fact totally misguided. The three entries were ALL Standout and he pondered for days over the result. The judge is overawed by the fact that he has encouraged other branches in his region to undertake community projects and, apart from Bay of Plenty, the spirit of the provinces is not evident. Northland contractors however, and their employees, shine like a beacon in regards to community spirit. He congratulates the Branch for this. In his opinion the winner reached out and went to the heart of the community. Some thoughtful decisions were made in regards to recycling over-ordered products and using them to benefit the community whereas these products usually go to waste. The winner also encouraged and supported staff in organising fundraising activities within their own communities and it seems it did not have any influence from “HQ” in their decision making. In other words, it was localised and up front personal. The winner has a slogan. “When we have an opportunity – We make a difference to the community. The Judge says that the community at large quite often does not recognize or realise that these contributions happen and it is why this night of celebration and recognition is so important, not only to the entrant that wins, but to all of their employees and families who are also very much involved in the spirit of the contribution they make.
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ulton Hogan is a family company, our 160 staff are deeply connected to Northland and the many local communities & community groups that make up our great region. We take pride in the work we do, and the customers we serve. Our company mantra is “Connecting Communities.”
These connections are strengthened through the many ways we help out, and give back to the communities in which we live. From large sponsorship events such as helping bring the Vodafone Warriors to Kaitaia to work with 1200 kids, to the small things such as grading a marae carpark when we’re in the area…..Fulton Hogan works hard to be a sustainable business, and we know it is good business to support our local communities.
PROUD WINNER of the Nationwide Equipment Community Contributions Award
“WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE HELPED SHAPE BOTH THE CITY OF WHANGAREI AND THE NORTHLAND REGION FOR OVER 20 YEARS”
21 Hewlett Street, Port Whangarei | Phone 09 470-0700 | www.fultonhogan.com
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Connexis Warren Drake Memorial Trainee of the Year Three people presented this year, all warranting a win. All identified individuals committed to their development and career. The decision was based on completion of his 12 month training plan in 6 months whilst completing other qualifications.
Dane Rawiri – North Drill
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he member of our team nominated for the Connexis Warren Drake Memorial Trainee of the year 2017 is Dane Rawiri.
Dane completed the National Certificate in Civil Construction Works (Horizontal Directional Drilling) LVL3 in all three strands (Driller, Tracker, Supervisor). A 12-month training plan, in only 6 months.
Alongside this achievement in the last 12 months, he has also completed STMS Traffic Control, HTLicencing, Construct Safe and has advanced into a supervisor role within the company. It is Danes initiative towards his studies and learning that has seen him excel in all areas, always eager to learn and broaden his knowledge in the industry. He is a natural leader who leads by example and is a well-respected and positive mentor to our team, especially our younger members – always
offering encouragement and willing to teach anyone that is willing to learn. We are now working with Connexis on a training plan to create a pathway to Danes ambition of becoming Trade Certified.
UTILITY INSTALLATION AND DRILLING SPECIALISTS Our Vision- “No matter how big or small the task, we aim to provide a safe, Professional and customer friendly service in the most efficient way”
PROUD WINNER OF THE CONNEXIS – WARREN DRAKE MEMORIAL TRAINEE OF THE YEAR CATEGORY IN THE NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2017. NORTHLAND OWNED, OPERATED & PROUD! NORTH DRILL LIMITED Phone 0800 16 79 16 admin@northdrill.co.nz www.northdrill.co.nz
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Oil Intel Northland Leadership Award Two entries, committed to teamwork building, trainee encouragement, and pride in their companies.
Stephen “Boof” Clements – Clements Contractors
You mention the name Boof Clements in Northland and you will find nearly everybody has a story about the man. Oh, he will be the first to admit that in the past he has been no angel and some of the stories we probably won’t go into tonight, but there is no denying that Boof is a true leader in our industry. Boof displays true grit and inspirational ground up leadership which we can all take some learnings from.
Some words from Boof himself: Leadership to me is: • Leading by example. Not by being “the man” – we are all “the men”; • Having a passion for the work but also for the people;
• I think we all need the ability to “roll with the punches.” In this industry things change by the minute – so just get over it and move on; • Being there for my guys and not just the job; • Creating a vision of the job and working together as a team gives me great pride • Sharing knowledge and skills with the team. Sometimes this means sharing my lunch with them when they don’t have any. • Honesty – Qualities of old school values and ethics learnt from my father and my McBreen’s days. I got my ass kicked when I was out of line and it’s only served to make me a better person. • I like to get stuff done. • I want everybody to be as good as me or better,
Total and Oil Intel Whangarei - supporting Northland contracting. Call us on 0800 868 256 to find your nearest stockist. www.oilintel.co.nz
and if I can be part of their improvement then I have done my job.