Te Matau a Pohe The People's Bridge

Te Matau a THE PEOPLE’S BRIDGE

OFFICIAL OPENING SOUVENIR PUBLICATION

S I T A H T E G D I A BR

D N I K A F O ONE as inspired onic structure that w ic an is It . ge id br a This is more than cil. hangarei District Coun W e th of on si vi e th by

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arge civil engineering projects have been the underpinning of Transfield Services’ growth and trans-Tasman expansion throughout its proud history spanning more than five decades. These projects provided a solid foundation in the early success of the family-owned company in post-war Australia, and through a series of acquisitions and organic growth in New Zealand since 1999, this trend has continued.

In Northland, and specifically in Whangarei, the type and size of the routine road corridor maintenance contracts we manage for all of the Northland District Councils requires us to pursue a significant number of construction projects to maintain a sustainable business.

When we first became aware of the possibility of the Lower Hatea River crossing project becoming a reality in 2009, exploring options for winning a share of the project became a major focus.

As the largest project procured by Whangarei District Council, a significant gateway to the Town Basin, and only the second ever bascule road bridge to be constructed in New Zealand, every aspect of the proposed project excited our Whangarei-based Roads team led by Fred Petersen, who has worked for Transfield Services (and predecessor companies) for more than 35 years.

We quickly identified that we would need assistance to deliver a project of this scale and rapidly narrowed the search for a suitable partner to McConnell Dowell who had a reputation for the expert project management and delivery of highly technical and challenging projects across New Zealand and the wider Pacific.

The management skills of McConnell Dowell, their bridge building capabilities, and our

reputation as the best road builder in the North proved an ideal combination and after forming a Joint Venture to bid the project we were overjoyed to be selected as preferred bidder in April 2011.

Over an intense six months to the sod cutting ceremony in late November 2011, the Transfield Services/McConnell Dowell JV worked closely with Whangarei District Council to develop the specimen design and agree the target cost for delivery of the detailed design, construction and commissioning of the new crossing and associated roads.

Just over 20 months later, the Joint Venture has delivered a world class, iconic crossing of the Hatea River, aptly named Te Matau a Pohe – the fish hook of Pohe.

No project can be a success without the contributions of every member of the team from the traffic controllers right up to the Project Manager. Our roading team has been led by Mike Hayes another Transfield stalwart and Whangarei District resident, ably supported by Mike Van Engelen. The rest of the team are too numerous to name individually however I would like to personally acknowledge the contribution of our staff, our suppliers and subcontractors who have made this project a success for Whangarei District Council and the Joint Venture partnership of Transfield Services and McConnell Dowell.

Without the significant economic stimulus that the $17M of local spend the project has provided to ourselves and other local contractors, the last two years would have been a far greater challenge for us all. Going forward, our focus will be on keeping the team together and delivering other projects of regional and national significance.

Martin Hughes, Growth & Construction Manager

RESOURCES | ENERGY | INDUSTRIAL | INFRASTRUCTURE | PROPERTY | DEFENCE

DELIVERING INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS FOR NEW ZEALAND INFRASTRUCTURE

Transfield Services’ New Zealand roading business is primarily focused on the long-term maintenance and operation of large road and tunnel assets for major public sector clients. Our business also has a construction capability and provides general public space maintenance services to local Council clients.

OUR CAPABILITIES INCLUDE: ! ! ! ! !

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Rail Operations Intelligent transportation systems Planning Environmental management

Craig Connelly- National Maintenance Manager +64 027 284 2852 Martin Hughes- Growth and Construction Manager +64 21 846 576 Jim Clark- Commercial Manager +64 21 457 163

transfieldservices.com

Contents

List for Te Matau a Pohe feature

The Introduction ........................................... 4 $17.5 Million into the Local Community...... 7 Two Decades of Development ..................... 9 The History of Hatea Bridges..................... 10 The Iwi and naming of the bridge ..............11 The X Factor ................................................ 13 Building the Bridge..................................... 15 Health and Safety ....................................... 17 What is the Bridge Made Of?......................19 NZTA Funding. What is a Bascule ............. 21 Griffiths and Associates ............................ 25

Rely on us

Working With Marine Users....................... 27 Building the Roads ..................................... 29 Inspiring the Community .......................... 30 McConnell Dowell....................................... 32 A Sense of Place ......................................... 33 The souvenir publication has been brought to you by the Whangarei District Council and the Northern Advocate.

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4

Te Matau a Pohe

Whangarei comes of age T he largest and most exciting civil engineering project in Whangarei’s history represents a coming of age for the District.

“Te Matau a Pohe, the lower Hatea River crossing, is a major transport route, expected to carry more than 8000 vehicles a day from its opening. It is also an internationally significant piece of architecture and engineering,” said Whangarei District Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Simpson.

“It is proof of the excellence we have in Whangarei and New Zealand to deliver a world class product.

The new crossing for the Hatea River went on to the drawing board formally in 1995 when a 20-year plan of major roading projects was embarked upon to improve a network that had become haphazard and inefficient.”

After completing several of the nodes on the network, the Council of the day started looking more closely at the project it in 2008.

Mr Simpson said that over the next few years talk of a weir that would keep water at a higher level in the Town Basin generated plenty of public debate, while Council discussed building options, public / private partnerships, funding and designs.

Discussions began in earnest with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and in 2009 there was a breakthrough.

“The agency included funding for the crossing in its $317 million Northland Transport Programme for 2009-2012, subject to resource consent and a number of other conditions being met,” said Project Manager, Mark Seakins of Seakins Engineering.

“Our consultants examined the cost of a bridge, the cost of a bridge with lock, and the cost of future-proofing a bridge so a lock and weir could be constructed at a later date. An economic benefit analysis was also commissioned. When we first started looking at the project, we investigated about 10 different options including several different routes, different bridge locations and weir and tunnel options,” said Project Manager, Mark Seakins of Seakins Engineering.

“A careful analysis of the pros and cons of each option was assessed and weighed against the current and future needs of Whangarei. In the end, Council chose to proceed with a bridge option in its current location with a new road across Pohe Island.

“The site for the crossing was selected between Pohe Island and Port Road, the narrowest point in the river in that area. The estimated cost of the project at the time was $34 million.”

Opus International Consultants was engaged to help develop a scheme assessment and concept design for the bridge and the road across Pohe Island.

“This was a critical step in the project as we used this information in the funding applications to NZTA, as well as the resource consent applications and later in the contract document,” said Mr Seakins.

By November 2009 the decision was made to build a lifting bridge, with a section that would tilt up to allow yachts to pass.

Three objectives set for the project were to: • Provide a critical road network link for the city • Provide an economic stimulus for local businesses in the city • Achieve an iconic bridge on the marine approach to the city

“At the time the project was described as a one-off opportunity to create a lasting landmark out of a piece of the transportation network,” said WDC CEO, Mark Simpson.

“We had the chance to create something very special which will have spin-offs in community pride and tourism far beyond its value as a bridge.”

This perspective set the direction for all of the development to come. Preliminary concepts for the bridge focused on the marine environment and historic Maori connection with Whangarei Harbour, and resource consent applications were submitted in February 2010.

By July 2010 independent commissioners had granted a raft of coastal, discharge and water permits and land use consents associated with the bridge and road construction either side of the river. The NZTA approved funding, a decision was made to build a bridge that had the potential for later development of a weir, and the budget was re-set at $30 million, of which $14.5m was to be funded by NZTA. Council then called for tenders from companies willing to manage the project from design to execution.

“Council decided from the outset that it wanted to get the contractor on board as early as possible in the design process so that it would have the flexibility to come up with the best design possible,” said Project Manager, Mark Seakins of Seakins Engineering.

“With this in mind, we developed an Early Contractor Involvement contract which enables the contractor to work with Council in a collaborative manner to develop the design. This kind of contract is awarded before we even know what the design will look like, so we had to make sure we hired the best contractor for the job. We wanted a contractor with experience and track record in building these types of projects, as well as having a strong team and excellent project management skills. A focus of the contract was also to encourage as much work as possible to be done by local companies.”

Duncan Peters of Peters & Cheung, the Auckland-based structural engineers to the Transfield Services/McConnell Dowell Joint Venture, contacted Eadon Consulting, a UK engineering company which specialises in moving structures. They in turn contacted Knight Architects, who designed the awardwinning Gateshead Millennium Bridge in the UK. The inclusion of Eadon Consulting and Knight Architects in their bid was instrumental in the Transfield Services/McConnell Dowell Joint Venture being shortlisted in April 2011 and then winning the contract in October 2011.

“We were very impressed by the calibre of the team offered by the Transfield Services/McConnell Dowell Joint Venture. Not only did they have the best design and construction team, they had a mechanical designer in Eadon Consulting which has built 15 or so lifting bridges around the world as well as renowned bridge architects, Knight Architects,“ Mr Seakins said.

“The decision to award the contract to the joint venture paid dividends straight away with the distinctive fish hook design developed by Knight Architects and accepted by Council within the first month. The design and construction teams then kicked in to make this design a reality. The dedication and skill of the teams has been reflected in the quality and beauty of the finished product.

They should be very proud of what they have created.”

Timeline June 2009

-

Feasibility study of bridge route and lock options

September 2009 -

Council decides to build bridge on current route

November 2009 -

Funding application to NZTA

February 2010

-

Consent applications lodged

May 2010

-

Consent hearings

July 2010

-

Consents obtained

November 2010 -

Tenders called for design and construction of project

April 2011

-

Shortlisted to the McConnell Dowell/ Transfield Services Joint Venture

May 2011

-

Funding confirmed by NZTA Fish hook design developed by Knight Architects and adopted

by Steering Committee

October 2011

-

Design and Construction contract awarded to McConnell Dowell/ Transfield Service Joint Venture

November 2011 -

Sod turning and roadworks start

March 2012

-

First bridge pile installed

May 2013

-

Bascule section launched and first bridge lift

July 2013

-

Opening ceremony

5

Opening Day

27 July 2013

6

NCC was chosen by the JV to design the three roundabouts and 1.7 km of approach roading connecting the new bascule bridge with the existing road network.

The collaborative effort and enthusiasm from all the designers has resulted in a genuinely remarkable bridge of national significance. The impressive iconic design provokes a strong sense of pride in a project that has endowed the City with a beautiful landmark.

Before

The new bridge creates a shorter and more convenient route across the harbour, for Onerahi and Riverside traffic. The new road will provide extra cross harbour access and a more direct route to the south and west of the city. The central city will benefit because the new route will remove traffic and free up the bottleneck in the central town basin.

During

NCC is Whangarei based and was established in 1989. We specialise in transport infrastructure. We offer project capabilities across the full range of project development: investigation, design and management of construction.

NCC are team players – we understand that it takes a cooperative effort to make a project successful – we provide leadership and exceptional communication. NCC has built a formidable record of delivering top quality projects on time and budget.

7

$17.5m Local

Expertise in Bridge O ne of the top three goals for this project was to stimulate the local economy during difficult economic times, and the results have been greater than expected.

“More than half, in fact 61% of the spend on the bridge project was with local companies, exceeding the 45% initially aimed for when the project was awarded, proving the project’s economic stimulus value of the District,” said WDC Infrastructure and Services Manager Simon Weston.

We also estimate that for every new dollar that was spent in the District on this project, three or four dollars of spend were generated through down-stream spending.

The funding was additional to the usual annual spend

by Council. We did not divert $17.5 million away from other projects, we added another $17.5 million into our usual capital works spend in this District through this project.

A number of local businesses told us that they were questioning their likely survival of the Global Financial Crisis prior to landing contracts to work on the bridge. One of our three main goals was to stimulate the local economy at a time when it was badly needed.

“Another positive outcome is that all the money contributed to this project by the ratepayers has been spent right here. It has not gone off-shore,” Mr Weston said.

The project came in at $32.2million, $1.8million less than the $34million originally estimated. Of that the NZTA contributed $14.5 million.

“We are very proud of the standard of workmanship of local companies involved with the bridge,” said Mr Weston.

“Local businesses have showcased their expertise on an internationally significant project. I sincerely hope that will generate spin-off work for them in the years to come.

“It also enabled expertise to be developed and refined, with several construction staff and adult apprentices completing their time during the project.

The bridge will have enhanced these people’s employment opportunities for years to come.”

Mr Weston acknowledged the level of international experience and expertise available in the Whangarei community.

“Every dollar that went into this project bought work that was of equivalent quality to, and sometimes even more innovative, than that available off-shore. It is fair to say the local knowledge, skill and experience expended on this job was worth $17.5 million.

“Making the most of the existing relationships and local knowledge developed on this job will help to sustain its operation over the long term.”

Mr Weston said although some sensible economic choices meant going off-shore for the bascule (lifting platform) itself and the hydraulics, nearly all of the spend on the bridge, about 93%, has been in New Zealand.

Just over $2 million has been spent off-shore on the hydraulics from Holland, the steel piles and the large steelwork for the bascule (lifting platform) from China.

“The bridge is now part of the fabric of the District’s y. The p pl who worked on it,, the families theyy history. people

support, the teams that gained skills here will all pass their involvement in this project to future generations,” he said.

Major local players Transfield Services was the Joint Venture partner responsible for the $8M construction of the earthworks, drainage and road construction including the construction of the three roundabouts.

Two major local contracts totalling $1.9million went to local companies, McKay Electrical and McRaes Engineering.

McKay supplied the electrical components of the bridge including power supply to lights and to the hydraulic ram that will lift the bridge’s bascule, while McRaes supplied the hydraulics system to the rams for the bascule.

Another major local component was the reinforced concrete work for the precast deck panels by Busck Prestressed Concrete.

Rudolphs took care of the New Zealand end of the painting work.

Fell Engineering from Haruru Falls completed the handrails and crash barriers at around $1million.

Local companies that played vital roles in the project included: Allied Concrete and Advanced Concrete Pumps

Fell Engineering

NZL

GHK Piling

Opus International Consultants

Griffiths and Associates

Richardson Stevens

Bay Engineering

Hirepool

Rudolphs Painting

Hirequip

BOC, Whangarei

Hynds Pipe Systems, Whangarei

Seakins Engineering Solutions

Bridon Cookes Whangarei

Humes Pipe Systems, Whangarei

Bunnings Warehouse

Jackson & Edge

Busck Prestressed Concrete

Lionel Thorne Fencing

Cates Transport

MacDow - Local Labour

Cowleys Hire

Macsway Scaffolding

Croft Poles

McRaes Global

Donovan Group

McKay Electrical

Transfield Services

Donovans Trade Supplies

Mico Plumbing

Tonkin and Taylor, Whangarei

Downers, Whangarei

Northern Civil Consulting Engineers

Ullrich Aluminium

Downtown Tools

Northland Scaffolding

Vulcan Steel

Fairview Aluminium

Northpower

Winstones Otaika

Allied Work Force Alter Natives

South Pacific Industrial Stork Technical Services Te Aratika Drilling Toll United Total Marine Services Tractatranz

8

Locals working - on the bridge

Other projects - in the last two decades

Wilsons Dam

Kamo By-pass Stage II

Pohe Island

Porowini Avenue Roundabout

9

Two Decades of Development

“T

e Matau a Pohe is a signal that a 20-year schedule of major projects to improve Whangarei’s roading network is almost complete,” says WDC CEO Mark Simpson.

“We started working on a long-term plan back in 1995 with the Whangarei 20/20 Central Area Concept Report.

“Up to 40% of the traffic in the central business district was only travelling through from one side of the District to the other. Studies identified the main issues and what work would solve these issues most efficiently.

The 20/20 Transport Plan was developed and following public consultation, the plan was adopted in 1996. A committee of Council was set up to drive this plan and approaches were made to central government for funding year by year.

“We laid out a plan, achieved some early success, demonstrated the results to the public and reported back to central government. Having a plan that staged the work over two decades meant our cases were consistently strong, our requests reasonable, and the whole package was cohesive. It laid the groundwork for several million dollars coming in from various government departments or ministries for a range of projects over the years.”

Mr Simpson said the major push for this funding was in the roading area, but the approach to development of the District started with good planning and successful execution in the roading area, strengthening performance across a wide range of council-controlled areas. This also strengthened bids for funding.

“The results have been huge developments in the past 20 years in water supply, sewage management, sporting and cultural facilities.

“With Te Matau a Pohe opening we have now just one more project to complete out of the 20/20 plan, the Mill and Nixon Street intersection upgrade, which will begin next year. By then the NZTA will have completed its work on the intersection of State Highways 1/14. Planning will be advanced on improving the safety of the stretch of Western Hills Drive from Manse Street to Kensington Avenue, and work will be getting under way near South End Avenue.

“Te Matau a Pohe represents the completion of a sustained programme of improvements. It is far more than a significant road link and world-class engineering. It is a sign that our District is starting to mature, to reap the rewards of a long, hard, consistent programme of improvements across the board.”

Roading projects completed in the past 20 years: • Kamo Bypass Stage 1 saw State Highway One diverted away from the busy, urban environment of Kamo, along a bypass from the bottom of Kamo Hill to Springs Flat. This project was completed in December 2000.

• The Five Finger Roundabout replaced the complicated intersection of Lower Bank Street, Walton Street, Railway Road and Tarewa Road, a bridge over the Waiarohia Stream and a rail bridge over the entire intersection. The work cost $3million of which 62% was funded by Transfund (predecessor to the New Zealand Transport Agency). This intersection carries 26,000 vehicles a day.

• The Dent and Quay Street realignment in 2005, $6.2million, 50% funded by Transfund. It aimed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow from the eastern suburbs into town across the Town Basin bridges. Part of the design was to enable land to be freed up adjacent to the river and Town Basin.

• Porowini Avenue extension and roundabout were opened in August 2011, $7.5million with New Zealand Transport Agency covering 62% of the costs. It was designed to provide a more efficient link between Okara Drive and the port area to Maunu and State Highways 1 and 14. It was to ease congestion in the centre of Whangarei by enabling traffic from the southern and western suburbs to access the Okara Park commercial area and the port without entering the central business district. This link now carries over 6000 vehicles on a daily basis. It has generated significant commercial development in a previously land-locked part of the city • Four-laning of Western Hills Drive 2011, Central Ave SH1 upgrade • Spedding Road and the Kamo Bypass Stage 2 were opened in September 2011, $4million (NZTA contribution 62%) combined with the fully NZTA funded $25 million Kamo Bypass Stage 2.

The project gives drivers to and from Tikipunga, Glenbervie and the Tutukaka Coast area direct access to State Higway One via Spedding Road,.

• The lower Hatea River crossing $32.2million, with $14.5M funded by the NZTA, opened July 2013. Large volumes of traffic from Onerahi and Whangarei Heads will be able to access State Highway One via this bridge and the Kioreroa Road link or the link provided by the new Porowini Ave Extension, without going into the middle of town and travelling out again.

With a topography that squeezes the City into a narrow north-south running valley, with State Highway One along the western side, District arterials coming in from the north, northwest, east and south, and a web of city roads in the centre, we have always faced challenges getting the best out of this network.

Council’s vision is to see traffic able to travel freely up and down State Highway One and to flow across town to access main arterial routes, quickly, efficiently and safely, while eliminating confusing congestion in the inner city streets.

Other achievements in the past 15 years.

Sewage Treatment • Whangarei Heads Sewerage scheme • Adoption of a two-stage strategic plan for improving waste-water management in the city

• No untreated wastewater discharges into the harbour

Rubbish • Development of a network of rural transfer stations • Joint venture for the development of the Puwera Landfill • Closing the Pohe Island Landfill and development of the Re:Sort transfer station • Introduction of kerbside recycling

Water: • Adoption of a 50-year strategic plan for fresh water supply • Rationalisation of the District’s water supplies and treatment plants • Upgrading treatment plants to the highest standard • New Hatea pipeline • Wilson’s Dam

Amenities • Whangarei Aquatic Centre • Whangarei Central Library • Relocation of Whangarei Art Museum • Gymnasium and athletics track

Parks • Wave and Waka Millennium Sculpture • Walkways • Cycleways • Sea walls • Seven new sports fields • Heritage Trail • Art park • Canopy Bridge • Sense of Place plantings and banners • Redevelopment of Mander Park • World-class BMX track • Development at the Quarry Gardens • Green Flag status for Scenic Reserve, Parihaka

Coming up:

• Ngunguru Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Development of Pohe Island

• Hatea Storage Tank and Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Loop Walkway this year

• Okara rising main and pump station • Oakura network and wastewater treatment plant • Ruakaka South Sewer Scheme extension

• Waiarohia foot bridge • All-ages fitness area • More streamlining along SH1 through Whangarei

• Ruakaka consents allowing for upgrades in the long-term

• Improvements to Intersection of State Highway 1 and 14 (Western Hills and Maunu Road)

• New public toilets

• Proposed Hundertwasser Art Centre

10

The Hatea’s

History of Bridges T e Matau a Pohe, Pohe’s fishhook, continues a tradition of bridge building in Whangarei.

With 15 bridges within 200metres of the Whangarei harbour, the area has been described as a delta by some, and the Venice of the South Pacific by others.

Not only are there multiple streams and rivers entering the harbour from as far east as Marsden Point and Whangarei Heads and as far west as Mair Park, several wind through the central business district. These include the Raumanga Stream, Waiarohia Stream and the Hatea River.

The harbour and waterways were once vital transport routes, not only around the harbour and District, but also for coastal and international traders.

Prior to European settlement, it was an important gathering point for Maori travelling the length and breadth of the country. Parihaka Pa, the mountain back-drop to Te Matau a Pohe, was the largest pa in the country.

As times changed and transport became more road and rail focused, rivers become barriers rather than routes, which brought the advent of bridges.

By the early 1880s, a wharf had been established at the Town Basin, but over the decades ships got larger and the wharf became dilapidated.

The water off Onerahi was deeper and 2000 people petitioned parliament in 1897 for an extension of the Whangarei railway to Grahamtown (Onerahi).

The Railway Department completed the Opau wharf at Kioreroa in 1904, two miles downriver from the Town Basin. It was successful, with timber booms alongside, coal trains unloading and passenger traffic.

By 1911, the link between Opau Wharf and Onerahi Wharf was in full operation. A causeway carrying the 323 metre railway line and bridge curved across the harbour and a draw span known as the ‘Gull Roost’ could be opened as water traffic demanded.

The Gull Roost served the District until 1933.

The first bridge across the Hatea River at the Town Basin was a wooden pivot bridge completed in 1889.

The pivoting span became unreliable and the bridge was closed in 1926.

In 1936 it was replaced by the Victoria Bridge, which alone served the growing population to the east of the city until 1974.

That year the John Street Bridge was opened, to deliver traffic from the east onto John Street in the city, while Victoria Bridge delivered traffic driving in the opposite direction to Riverside Drive.

In 2005 the 1936 Victoria Bridge was widened to take traffic in both directions, and the John Street Bridge was stopped and turned into public open space.

Canopy over Former John Street bridge 2013

A canopy has now been installed on this bridge and it has become a venue for the popular artisan’s fairs in summer.

In the 1990s, Whangarei District Council developed a roading strategy called 20/20. It listed several major changes to the roading network to be undertaken over the next 30 years, and one of these was a second harbour crossing.

In the mid 2000s, attention was again paid to this proposal. Work on Te Matau a Pohe began on the ground and in the River in December 2011.

The Gullroost to Onerahi

Victoria swing bridge, Town Basin early 1900s

Widening of Victoria Bridge 2005

John Street bridge foreground 1974

11

Te Matau a Pohe

The Fish Hook of Pohe T he Lower Hatea River Crossing is named after Pohe, the Maori chief who welcomed the first English settlers to Whangarei.

Council considered that the name best represented the historical and cultural factors important to the Whangarei District.

The original Pohe Island lay off Riverside Drive and the land in between was reclaimed to form the land that is now referred to as William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island.

It lies within Ngati Kahu O Torongare territory.

Wiremu Pohe was a chief of Ngati Kahu. He was also related closely to the hapu of Parawhau whose territory lies on the eastern side of the Hatea River or the Port Road side of the river.

Pohe was very skilled in manufacturing fish hooks using traditional materials and styles. His hooks were so practical, many of the settlers used his hooks in preference to the standard English hooks made of steel.

He was also instrumental in building bridges between the two cultures during the first years of English settlement amongst Maori. Pohe used his ranking to protect many of the first settlers from being killed.

“We were looking for an inspirational name that fitted the area, aspirations of the people of our District and our history and culture,” said Council Roading Manager Jeff Devine.

“The bridge is a truly striking piece of sculpture that reflects who we are, and we wanted to make sure the name resonated with that.

“We know that people will come from afar not only because it is so beautiful, but because it is such an unusual and excellent piece of engineering and roading infrastructure. We wanted a name that was unique to this place and would be associated with this place whenever anyone talks about the bridge.

“We received 93 submissions, some light-hearted and funny, some probably a bit sarcastic, but many were thoughtful, creative and sincere.

“Te Matau a Pohe came from a panel of kaumatua representingTe Parawhau (Taipari Munro), Ngati Kahu OTorongare (Richard Shepherd), Ngati Wai (Te Warihi Heteraka) and Buster Whautere representing Urban Maori.

“The panel proposed a number of names and ‘Te Matau a Pohe’ (The fish hook of Pohe) was their preferred option.

“A panel of Councillors recommended that this name go forward to Council’s Infrastructure and Commitee Services meeting and it was adopted.

“Not only did it reflect the early history of the people of this area, it also resonated with the inspiration behind architect Martin Knight’s design.

“Mr Knight, working as part of the Transfield/ McConnell Dowell Joint Venture that designed and built the bridge, was inspired by the shape of Maori fish hooks and the prows of waka,” Mr Devine said.

“In his original presentation to Council he described how the Maori fish hook shape was an inspiration in the development of his final design and he used the title ‘He Matau’ which is the Maori term for fish hooks (plural), as opposed to “Te Matau” which is a single fish hook.”

Mr Devine expressed sincere thanks to everyone who made a suggestion for the bridge.

“There were some very considered suggestions, so I hope everyone is pleased with the thinking behind this decision.”

Name honours Dave Culham Three men who played important roles in Whangarei’s history were discussed when Council selected the names of the new bridge across the Hatea River and the road between it and Riverside Drive.

The bridge has been named Te Matau a Pohe, the fish hook of Pohe, after chief Wiremu Pohe. The road to the bridge has been named Dave Culham Drive, after the recently deceased, prominent local businessman and engineer.

His name was one of three considered along with William Fraser Drive and Iwitahi Drive from almost 60 names put forward by the community in April and May.

“Congratulations” Congratulations to the Whangarei District Council and McConnell Dowell on the completion of the Lower Hatea River Crossing.

MARK, TEAM MEMBER

The team at Bunnings Kauri would like to think that our Trade Promises* helped make your job a little easier.

“Under our roading policy we needed to ensure there was a reason for each name. That includes things like the meaning, origins, historic background, relationship with a theme or a link to the area. We look for names that reflect the historical, geographical or cultural significance associated with an area, including the names of noteworthy people. It is also important that names are appropriate, spelt correctly, interpreted correctly and are not offensive.

“Dave had a significant influence on the lives of hundreds of Whangarei people and on the City itself in the past half a century.

“William Fraser was also a strong candidate, so although his name is not on the road, it is good to know that he is already recognised through the name of the park, William Fraser Memorial Park, on Pohe Island,” he said.

“Again, it was great to see the public put such a lot of thought, time and effort into all the suggestions for both the bridge and the road. We had some really good material to choose from.”

Visit www.bunnings.co.nz or Kauri: State Highway 1 Kauri. Ph: (09) 435 0377 Kaikohe: Mangakahia Rd. Ph: (09) 401 5089 Kerikeri: 7 Fairway Dr. Ph: (09) 407 7421 Whangarei: Cnr Tauroa St & State Highway 1. Ph: (09) 470 2100 *Trade Promises terms and conditions apply. See Trade Desk for details.

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“In this case the decision has been to name it after the recently departed Dave Culham, a business man, former District councillor and supporter of community groups and sporting organisations,” said Council Roading Manager Jeff Devine.

12

T

he team at McRaes Global are proud to be part of the lower Hatea River Crossing project.

The knowledge gained from being part of the design team, working through the construction phase, and into the future with on-going scheduled maintenance checks, has been invaluable and will be in the future.

McRaes Global was invited by McConnell Dowell to tender on the design and build of the hydraulic system to operate the lifting span. Getting from the concept to the final approval of construction involved a lot of behindthe-scenes activity. The process began with getting the concept accepted, negotiating the logistics and supply, aligning H&S processes and Quality systems to fit contract requirements and finally fitting our construction, testing and commissioning schedule with that of the other contractors.

The end result is almost un-noticeable from a bridge user’s perspective apart from the two very visible hydraulic cylinders. However underneath the bridge is a hydraulic system custom designed and built purposely to drive the hydraulic cylinders.

Technically the hydraulic system is fronted by the cylinders with a bore of 320mm, a rod of 280mm diameter, a stroke travel of 8380mm and a weight of eight tonnes each. These were made in Holland by Eaton in one of the few plants in the world that can produce cylinders of this size and quality. Powering the cylinders is a hydraulic power unit with four 30kW motors driving

141cc/rev pumps. This provides a maximum flow of 800LPM. Included in the power unit are state of art filtration and oil monitoring systems to ensure the oil is maintained at the correct cleanliness and temperature levels and system reliability optimised. The power unit was designed and built by the team at McRaes Global.

The controlling of the cylinder operation has been made possible thanks to the collaboration between hydraulic and electrical engineers. A hydraulic valve manifold is installed in the W1 pier adjacent to the cylinders with proportional valves to operate the cylinders through the phases of acceleration, full travel speed and deceleration to stop. These valves are computer controlled through a PLC provided and programmed as part of the McKay Electrical contract.

There is 300m of 50mm bore pressure line and 300m of 65mm bore return line connecting the power unit and the manifold. The joints are all welded SAE flanges with a total of more than 300 welds on each joint. Each pipe assembly was fabricated in our workshop and proof tested before being fitted to the system. High pressure hoses connect the valve manifolds to the cylinders.

In conclusion, it is a locally designed and built system which is world class. Not only can McRaes Global and the lower Hatea River Crossing team be satisfied with the combined efforts, so too can the Whangarei District Council and the people of Northland be proud to call this theirs.

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13

X-factor in

Bridge Partnerships C reating this spectacular bridge required a special partnership between Council, the Joint Venture partners and contractors.

McConnell Dowell and Transfield Services formed a partnership specifically for the job, called the Transfield Services/McConnell Dowell Joint Venture (JV).

The designers of the bridge were Peters & Cheung (lead consultant and structural engineer), Knight Architects (bridge architect), Eadon Consulting (mechanical and hydraulic engineer), Northern Civil (highways engineer) and Speirs + Major (lighting designer).

A contract was developed that ensured that if the project came in under budget, the benefit would be shared by Council and the Joint Venture, and if it came in over budget, the additional costs would be shared between the JV and Council. This gave all parties a strong incentive to be as cost effective as possible and deliver on time.

Alongside the contract, a ‘partnering charter’ (PC) was agreed between the whole project team. ”The charter was the basis of contractual behaviour standards between all parties and was the platform of relationships at all levels and phases of the job,” said Project Manager Trevor Griffiths of Griffiths and Associates.

“The partnering charter shaped the way we all worked together as a team and there was not one breach of it at any stage or any level.

“The Joint Venture set the goal to jointly deliver a zero harm, award winning project that exceeds the aspirations of the partners and the community,” said Transfield Services Growth and Construction Manager, Martin Hughes.

“These goals have provided a focus and commitment to this project that has been recognised by all involved.”

“We approached McConnell Dowell as leaders

in the project management and construction of significant and technical structures and related projects. They have certainly delivered that on behalf of the Transfield Services/McConnell Dowell JV on the Lower Hatea River Crossing project with an iconic and one-off bridge,” Mr Hughes said.

“It has been a privilege to deliver the lower Hatea River crossing for Whangarei District Council in joint venture with McConnell Dowell. The JV team and the experts from Griffiths and Associates and Seakins Engineering have worked well together to overcome the challenges presented by the project.”

Fell Engineering Fell Engineering is based in the Bay of Islands - owned and operated by Peter Morrison and John Silveira. They have three well equipped workshops and are situated in an excellent location enabling competitive pricing and service.

Fell Engineering specialises in Structural Steel, Northland-wide, whilst also being able to provide in-house complimentary engineering and fabrication services such as stainless steel handrails and balustrades, as well as general engineering services including precision machining.

With a staff of 14 tradesmen, the company prides itself on accuracy, quality and reliability. The company has been involved in several Northland projects such as the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia, the Stone Store pedestrian bridge in Kerikeri, the Waitangi National Trust Gateway buildings, and numerous commercial and residential projects in and around Whangarei and Northland.

A commitment to the North sees Fell Engineering involved in numerous sponsorships, both past and present, including the Whangarei Racing club, Northland rugby, golf, bowls, soccer, netball, sailing, junior fishing, and a number of charitable organisations assisting disadvantaged youth.

The company takes pride in the North and all it has to offer and is very pleased to be an integral part in the production of our bridge, Te Matau a Pohe, showcasing the high standard of workmanship available in Northland.

They work very closely with their clients, design engineers and architects to provide quality results the first time, and go the extra distance to achieve a professional finish with no extras and no surprises.

For any enquiries please phone Peter Morrison on 09 4028277 Mobile 021 669 612 Or visit our website www.fell.co.nz

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14

N

orthland Scaffolding Ltd is locally owned and operated by Chris and Karyn Douglas. As born and bred Northlanders they are passionate about the economic growth and wellbeing of the region.

As a local contractor it has been a pleasure for them to be involved in a project of such significance to the region. They saw the new bridge not only as a structure of practical use, but an icon for Northland nationally and internationally.

Northland Scaffolding employs 14 staff servicing the Northland area, from Wellsford to Kaitaia. Recognising the benefits in advancing technology early, they have invested in the German brand of scaffolding, ‘Layher’.

This company is the leading scaffold supply company in the world for technology. They stock modular galvanised scaffolding systems to offer speed in assembly and componentry to suit the customer’s needs. The faster they can assemble the scaffold, the greater the savings for customer. It is also important that the end product is fit for its purpose. They also have a range of aluminium mobile scaffolding, building propping systems, rubbish shuts, wooden plank hire and stair access towers.

Northland Scaffolding are installation agents for Dr Shrink shrinkwrap. Shrinkwrap is a heavyweight recyclable plastic used to enclose framed scaffolding roof structures to keep any construction or events area protected from the elements. They have installed

a range of projects around Northland, including the bascule on the bridge when was covered with scaffolding and shrinkwrap to allow the hundreds of hours of welding and coating to be completed regardless of weather, enabling the project to be completed on time. They have also wrapped construction projects on schools, rest homes and housing in the area.

Northland Scaffolding is located at 24 Winger Cresent in Kamo, and is happy to visit your project to offer a free no obligation quote any time.

Phone Chris Douglas on 09 4303123 Mob 021 892 772 Craig Brown on 021 438 146 or visit www.northlandscaffolding.co.nz

SERVICING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

“Local Company helping build our community” "Proud to be associated with Te Matau a Pohe"

“09 430 3123

m 021 438 146 (Craig) 021 892 772 (Chris) chris@northlandscaffolding.co.nz | 24 Winger Cres, Kamo

15

Building the Bridge

T

he green fields, shoreline, expanse of water and sky, ebb and flow of the tides and backdrop of Parihaka provide an idyllic setting for the bridge, a major piece of public art, but it also presented multiple complexities and challenges.

While challenging was a common word on site, so was rewarding, said JV Project Manager Keith Griffin of McConnell Dowell.

“For us in McConnell Dowell, as the constructors it has been a once in a life-time opportunity. The engineers, builders, staff and managers have all risen to the challenge to create this multidiscipline, architectural feature something to be proud of long into the future,” he said.

“Thank you to the people of Whangarei for that opportunity.”

Mr Griffin said the project involved working over the water, under the water, as the tide came and went, on a landfill complete with rubbish, gases and widely ranging ground densities and drainage, work was between busy roads, close to businesses, homes and shopping areas. It involved electrical, electronic, mechanical and hydraulic engineering; dust, noise, mud, heavy components, cranes, trucks, tar seal, concrete, welding, and shifting huge objects. It meant delaying boats, weathering scorching summer days and winter’s horizontal rain and wind.

This build included: • A dedicated cycle lane and footpath across the bridge linking to the roads and roundabouts • Associated earthworks, drainage and ancillary works • A 265m long multi-span bridge spanning the Hatea River • A central lifting section • Hydraulic, mechanical and electrical control systems • Pontoons, and guiding piles • Dredging • Reclamation works • A control room located near Port Road To start, a temporary trestle jetty was built on the Pohe Island side, which was then used to build the first part of the bridge out over the water towards Port Road. We started there because the bascule was hinged on the other side and was still in the early design stages.

“Piles had to be installed in the river to hold the bridge up, and that meant removing water and sediment from the footings first. To do this coffer dams were created. We hammered four steel walls constructed from steel sheet piles into the river bed forming a box shape, then pumped the water out, excavated the sediment, and built the piers,” McConnell Dowell Project Engineer Ryan Hickey said.

He described how there were five piers on each side of the bridge.

“The base of each pier is similar but as the bridge platform rises towards the bascule, the horns that support the bridge deck beams get taller, because the deck rises. No two piers were identical so each needed to be individually designed and constructed.

We couldn’t really use a set template, every pier

was unique. The form of each pier was created out of reinforcing steel, then temporary formwork was erected and concrete was poured into them.”

Once the piers on the Pohe Island side of the bridge were installed, work began on the deck. Huge steel beams and lattice cross beams were lifted into place. The concrete deck surface was constructed using precast spandrel panels and work began on the guard rails and lighting.

“The temporary jetty was taken out, moved to the other side of the river and reassembled so construction could begin on the piers on the Port Road end of the bridge,” Mr Hickey Said.

While these parts of the bridge were being built, the J-beams and lifting bascule were being manufactured at a huge factory in China, regularly inspected by McConnell Dowell representatives there.

The components they were shipped to New Zealand.

The J-beams are the striking fish-hook shaped parts of the bridge and the curved section that rolls back on to a track on the Port Road side of the bridge. That lifts the platform, allowing boats to pass through when it is up, or cars to drive over when it is down.

They were constructed on the Port Road end of the bridge, so boats could still pass up and down the river during construction. The bascule could later be pushed along the bridge across the gap, to connect with the other side of the bridge.

This it did very smoothly, with the help of four huge hydraulic jacks, between breakfast and lunch on a sparklingly clear day, 20 May 2013.

“The launch went very well, and I think that was because everything was so well planned and everyone knew exactly where to be and what to do.

“Over the next few days the two eight tonne bright yellow hydraulic rams that make the bascule roll back on to its tracks were connected to the bascule, along with all the hydraulic and electrical systems needed to operate them,” said Bruce MacGregor, Bridge Superintendent from McConnell Dowell.

On land, the control room was constructed out of two modified shipping containers placed beside the bridge. Hydraulics and electrics were housed there, along with radio and communications equipment.

The control room has radio and communications equipment so that mariners can arrange for the bridge to be lifted. It has closed circuit television so that the operator can see what is happening on the bridge and in the water, before raising and lowering the platform.

Lights, hardwood guard rails, pou with the traffic signals in them, barriers, and guard rails for vehicles were all being completed, and the bascule and J-beams were being sand blasted and painted.

Mr Griffin explained that the footpath on the lifting section was made of aluminium, and the surface of the platform was paved with a small stone and epoxy material rather than asphalt, to reduce the lifting weight on the rams.

On another brilliant day, 31 May, the bascule was lifted for the first time and yachts passed through it to the outer harbour.

Another challenge facing the project was the variety of landform across the site. Much of the ground on the Pohe Island side of the bridge was former land Fill, with old decaying refuse contained under a clay cap. Much of the ground was also quite soft because it is beside, or in, the river. To ensure the bridge approach on the old landfill site was not affected by excessive settlement, the rubbish underneath it needed to be removed and replaced with fill. The clay cap had to be replaced to ensure leachate and gases remained contained.

That meant the structure on top had to be as lightweight as possible, as well as strong and stable.

That provided a good opportunity for innovation and recycling. Blocks of polystyrene removed from pontoons at Tutukaka Marina during an upgrade, were used to form a strong but light foundation in this area.

On the Port Road side of the river, the approach to the bridge received a different treatment. 240 piles, a lot like wooden power poles, were driven down to the rock beneath to provide a solid foundation for the bridge approach embankment.

Over the last six weeks or so, work was completed on the roads, with sealing of the approach roads and deck, planting in all three roundabouts and in median strips, commissioning and installing light poles, flag poles and signs, tidying up the site and removing all the temporary structures to prepare for the official opening on 27 July.

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Preparation, Placing & Finishing

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We undertake residential, agricultural and commercial work

A little about us - we started trading asTop Notch Concrete Services on 1st April 2006. We are a hardworking team of six. Our team take great care to provide a high quality standard of work and workmanship.

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We currently run three trucks, all being fitted out with various prepping, placing and finishing gear. We also have Ride-on power floats for large jobs. All our work vehicles are sign written and we all wear Top Notch Concrete Services uniforms for easy identification on work sites.

We are proud to have been chosen above all other local concrete service providers to be a part of the construction of the Te Matau a Pohe Bridge/lower Hatea River Crossing.

All in all you cannot go wrong with choosing us to work with you, and we can assure you, a high quality job will be done for a good price. We hope you like what you read and see and consider us for all your future concreting needs.

Office 09 432 3216 Johnny 021 502 113 Or visit our website www.topnotchconcrete.co.nz Johnny and Theresa Mischewski Partners of Top Notch Concrete Services

17

Health and Safety

H

ealth and safety was one of the top priorities for Council when it was selecting the companies that would build the bridge.

A Partnering Charter was developed that agreed the site would apply zero harm principals to positively guide the project at all stages. This was borne out with the very good safety statistics generated from the project.

Throughout the project safety was deliberately kept front of mind for every different company and individual working on the bridge, and we did achieve outstanding results.

McConnell Dowell Construction Manager Joe Edwards said” developing a safety culture enhanced the project across the board.

“The aims were to prevent harm to everyone involved in the bridge, and establish a system of health and safety excellence that would lift the game across the industry and the industrial community in Whangarei.

“The safety issues were worked through early in every new stage of the construction, and everyone had the right and responsibility to raise anything they thought might cause a problem the moment they saw it.

“We wanted the process of thinking ahead, spotting risks, talking about them and finding solutions to become part of the way everyone working on this project lives their lives.

“Safety consciousness is not something you put on when you come to work and take off as you leave at the end of the day.

“Developing a workforce that cares for the wellbeing of its members at an embedded level reduces lost-time though injuries, and it also lifts everything about the workforce and the project to another level.

“Projects that have good health and safety generally produce good results across the board (quality and profitability).

Mr Edwards said” health and safety audit scores started at 89% and rose throughout the project to 98%.

“We kept it active, there was no room for resting on our laurels as time progressed.

“Throughout the project auditors from outside and within our organisations regularly audited how we were dealing with hazardous materials, the personal protective equipment that people were wearing, the procedures we had written and how they were being followed.

“People working on the site were given personal responsibility for speaking up if a hazard was identified and ensuring a safe solution was found.

“Every day we had site meetings where issues were raised, and a lot of time was spent planning ahead and figuring out exactly how work would be carried out. The idea was for everyone to know the detail and be free to debate issues.

“As well as the day-to-day health and safety practices, some parts of the project required major safety plans.

“Sometimes large and complicated structures were built specifically to get parts of the job done, and then had to be disassembled and taken away once that stage was completed.

“One example was the launch of the bascule out into the gap between the two ends of the bridge. This was a critical part of the whole project and any failure could have been catastrophic.

“Planning for it took several months. Once complete, the plan was peer reviewed and there was a

lot of specific training undertaken to ensure everyone knew exactly where they would be and what they would be doing on the day.

Before the bascule was launched it had to be built on bogeys that would enable it to slide into place.

“One fine morning the bascule was pushed out on the bogies into the gap by two large hydraulic jacks.

The move was checked at several points to ensure the bascule stayed at the right level, pointing in exactly the right direction. Large counterweights were hung from the J Beams at the back of the bascule to ensure there was no risk of it tipping into the water. The bogies and jacks were then removed and the bascule was lowered onto the tracks on the bridge. At every stage we were dealing with enormous weights and forces. People were carrying out a range of tasks on and around the bascule and bridge.

“Just over a week later we were ready to raise the bascule for the first time. Again, this took a lot of planning and rehearsal, ensuring everyone was where they needed to be, doing the right thing the right way.

As the bascule was lifted bit by bit, the crew checked that the bascule stayed aligned, ready to make adjustments if needed. As with the launch, the lift went flawlessly, and I think that was down to the good engineering, good design and craftsmanship, plus the very thorough planning.

From the smallest safety detail, wearing hard hats, high vis gear, boots, safety glasses and gloves, to huge plans for big moves, it was great to see how committed every person was to safety keen to do everything exactly right. That outlook gave a shine to the whole project,“ Mr Edwards said.

Company Medic is a well established Occupational Health and Safety Company Company Medic has been taking care of the health and wellbeing of the McConnell Dowell workers during the construction of the Lower Hatea River Crossing. Stephen Wheeler, HSE Manager for McConnell Dowell said “Company Medic provided us with a very professional and friendly service which catered to all our needs - they are a pleasure to deal with”.

Company Medic is a well established Occupational Health and Safety Company that is based at 51 Port Road in Whangarei. Core services include Pre Employment Health Assessments and Drug Testing, Annual Health Monitoring, Workplace Assessments, Injury Management, Healthy Heart Assessments and Vaccinations. These services can be provided by the Company Medic skilled team of Occupational Health Professionals at their clinics at either Port Road,

Whangarei, or at Ruakaka (this clinic is based at Refining NZ but is also open to local businesses).

Alternatively, Company Medic staff can carry out these services at their client company’s premises.

For full details on the services Company Medic provides, and to see profiles of their staff, please visit www.companymedic.co.nz or phone them on 09 4700449.

18

McKay Electrical

M

cKay Electrical is a well established Whangarei Company and proud to be associated with Te Matau a Pohe. It has been an opportunity for us to show case our locally based capabilities on an iconic project.

In winning the tender we applied our experience to pull together a comprehensive, technically innovative, and most importantly cost effective electrical engineering solution. The scope of work included the design and installation of all of the power, control and electrical services required to lift the central span, manage the traffic and pedestrian flow. Mckay wrote all the software for the control system and used its well established MIMACS software platform to produce the human/ PC interface. McKay’s lighting design was used to illuminate the roadway, and to accentuate the structure of the bridge with architectural lighting.

Our engineering and project management teams were based only minutes away from the construction site. This certainly assisted in streamlining the delivery of the project.

All of the switchboards that house the electrical equipment were designed and fabricated in our Whangarei manufacturing facility, while all of our site installation team live and work in the local area. We were also able to work alongside other Whangarei based companies including McRaes Global in engineering and delivering the project. Now that the bridge is complete McKay continues to have an involvement in the project. Our engineering team is providing ongoing technical support at the bridge and we have recently entered an agreement to employ a team of locally based staff to operate the bridge.

Te Matau a Pohe will for many years to come be a symbol of what we can achieve locally. McKay has always been proud to be an established part of the Whangarei community and is particularly proud to have been able to participate on this high profile project.

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19

What is the

Bridge Made of?

This bridge was a large and complicated piece of engineering and the list of materials used gives some idea of the scale and range of the project.

Piles ..................................................... 610 mm diameter 3640 linear metres Reinforcing Steel ................................... 260 tonnes in the foundations, piers and abutments 21 tonnes in the precast concrete panels Concrete ............................................... 1700 cubic metres in the foundations, piers and abutments 806 cubic metres in the precast concrete panels Structural Steel...................................... 367 tonnes in the fixed spans 390 tonnes in the bascule span Handrail ................................................ 579 metres of steel panels 579 metres of profiled Tonka hardwood Crash Barriers ....................................... 696 metres of steel tube panels Electrical .............................................. 7 kilometres of electrical cable 1 kilometre of fibre optic cable 1 kilometre of strip lighting 320 lights 12 cameras Hydraulic .............................................. 5000 Litres of oil 600 metres of pipe 2 rams weighing 8 tonne each extending to 18.5 meters 4 x 30 kilowatt displacement piston pumps producing 800 litres per minute @ 165 psi

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And holding it all together? ..................... More than 20,000 bolts and screws

20

Lower Hatea Crossing -

Busck Prestressed Concrete Ltd B usck Prestressed Concrete Ltd, a local company that is proud to have been part of the team to construct the Lower Hatea River Bridge “Te Matau a Pohe”.

We supplied to the project, Precast Concrete deck units, Facia units and abutment retaining wall units.

The project offered many technical and logistical challenge’s and our team along with McConnell Dowell and Transfield services worked tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome.

There was little room for error given the interface with the steel / concrete composite system to ensure that the deck panels fitted precisely on the steel girders with protruding reinforcement from adjacent panels and shear studs on the steel work.

Due to the size of the deck units, 9m x 5.2 weighing an average of 30t, they needed to be transported during the night. Specialist piloting transport units were used and all deliveries were made between midnight and 6am.

The Facia units were constructed separately and needed to align cast-in brackets with bolts protruding from the deck units.

The abutment retaining units also had facia units caston to the panel section and needed to be align correctly to ensure the visual sweeping lines that create the curvature look, an important part the architecture of the bridge.

McConnell Dowell recognised the importance of the need to co-ordinate all the different offsite manufactured component’s and the consultants design to ensure

uniformities and a smooth fast track construction process. Their presence and our exceptional quality control systems, the use of CAD software and our team of highly experienced draughtsman, mold fabricators and concrete layers ensured this process went seamlessly.

Their team managed the project exceptionally, which helped make this project such a success and resulted in a bridge Whangarei can be proud of for many years to come.

Busck Prestressed Concrete Ltd was established in the 1940’s, realising a growing need for large scale construction technology. Since then Busck has manufactured a wide range of Prestressed and Precast concrete products to a consistent high quality standard. We are always excited to be involved in local projects, supplying high quality Prestressed and Precast concrete product to projects such as the Whangarei Library, Whangarei Police station, Whangarei Event centre, Kamo Bypass, Porowini Ave development and many more.

Another High quality project complete!

A local company proud to be part of a local project

21

What is a bascule and

How does it work T here aren’t many rolling bascule bridges in the world, and there is certainly none other that looks like Te Matau a Pohe.

Only one other rolling bascule bridge has been built in New Zealand, a much smaller one that is no longer functioning at Auckland’s Viaduct Basin.

Rolling bascule bridges use counterweights and the laws of gravity to roll back on a track. As the weighted end of the bascule lowers, the bridge deck is lifted.

The same happens in reverse when the bridge deck is lowered.

The counter weight in Te Matau a Pohe is 80 tonnes of steel in the tips of each of the two projecting hooks that roll backwards when the bridge deck is raised.

Because gravity works on the counterweights to do some of the rolling work, far less energy (electricity) is needed by the hydraulic rams to move the 380 tonne bascule during the lifting and lowering process.

The system on Te Matau a Pohe is so efficient that only one ram would be needed to lift the bascule, but two rams are used for optimum efficiency and safety while reducing wait times for traffic and boats.

Another unique aspect of Te Matau a Pohe is that the bascule is set near the centre of the bridge.

It is more common for the rolling parts of bascule bridges to be set near the land on one or other side of a river.

One engineer working on Te Matau a Pohe said it could be seen as three bridges; the first and second being the two fixed sections of bridge that project from each shore and the third being the bascule section itself.

$14.5 Million from NZTA

T

he NZ Transport Agency has contributed $14.58million towards the cost of the Lower Hatea Bridge and its Regional Director for Northland, Stephen Town, says it is a project that ticks a lot of positive boxes for the Transport Agency.

“We are very pleased to be part of this project and the contribution it will make to transport links in Whangarei,” Mr Town says.

Mr Town says the bridge meets a number of objectives the Transport Agency must examine when it considers requests for funds – supporting economic development and improving access, mobility and safety for all road users – but the project should not be seen in isolation.

“It’s one part of long term infrastructure planning involving the Transport Agency and local authorities like Whangarei District Council that has already delivered the Kamo by-pass and the current work to upgrade SH1 within the city.

Mr Town reminds Northlanders that every time they fill up at the pump they helping improve transport infrastructure in Whangarei, Northland and the rest of New Zealand.

“The excise duty collected from the sale of petrol and through RUC charges for diesel is reinvested – supporting a new bridge in Whangarei for example, or the sealing SH1 to Cape Reinga, upgrading Auckland’s public transport, constructing a new highway in

Waikato or paying for the “Ghost Chips” tv ad to make our highways and roads safer for everyone.”

One of the largest Transport Agency projects to help Northland’s transport connections will be located south of the Brynderwyns – the extension of Auckland’s Northern Motorway from Puhoi to Warkworth and Wellsford.

“The top half of the North Island is growing rapidly both economically and in terms of population.

Extending the motorway north is aimed at giving Northland better connections – not just as far as Auckland but into Waikato and the Bay of Plenty as well,” Mr Town says.

E G D I R B A

S I T A TH

F O E N O

D N I K A

This is more than a bridge. It is an iconic structure that was inspired by the vision of the Whangarei District Council.

One of the features of the project was staying true to the original design.

This was the result of strong partnerships between the companies working on the bridge, while using the best of New Zealand capability and international expertise. The end result is a structure in which we can all be proud.

Congratulations and special thanks to the people of Whangarei for the foresight of the Council, the quality of work by local contractors and the support we had as a company over the life of the project. mcconnelldowell.com

GRIFFITHS & ASSOCIATES

Multi Award Winning Project Managers ‘From Concept to Keys’

Congratulations to the whole team and the Whangarei District Council!

WELL MANAGED WELL BUILT WELL DONE!

FNDION XN@CTLAM S J@NDELON

WDRLADN FOQRMOP S J@NDELON

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26

Donovans D

onovan Trade Supplies are situated at 97 Port Road and are wholly locally owned and operated

by Warren and Karen Parr, in fact the company has been operated and owned locally since 1946 when the company was formed by the Donovan family.

All of Donovan’s team members are appropriately trained and possess the expertise and skills required to meet the needs of the many varied clients that Donovan’s service. Ongoing training is supplied to all to make sure that new innovations and developments are catered for, with all team members properly equipped to deliver excellence in service quality and being rewarded for doing so.

Donovan’s have been suppliers to contractors working on the new Lower Hatea Crossing and are also suppliers to other major contractors and companies.

Donovan’s strong position in the market place can be traced both to the passion, knowledge and experience that the Directors, both past and present, have brought to the business and also to the fact that they have the most experienced team and the best stock holding of industrial supplies in Whangarei.

In 2004 a further development saw Donovan’s join the Tradezone Industrial Group, a nationwide group of privately owned companies. This has grown to be largest Industrial and Engineering supply group in the country with 31 stores nationwide. Affiliation with this group has strengthened their buying power and visible profile enabling them to offer a great overall package to their client’s.

Donovan’s aim is, and always will be, to make their client’s business more profitable and structured by providing great prices and excellence in service.

Come in and see us for all your Engineering requirements.

We carry Tools, Fasteners, Bearings and Transmission, Abrasives, Brass Fittings, Hose, Welding Gear, Paints, Chemicals, Wheels and Castors Open Monday - Friday 7.30am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm

24 Hr Callout Service

97 Port Rd, Whangarei Ph 09 438 7028 Fax 09 438 0529

27

Working with The Marine Users

I

t was vital for marine users to be involved in the development of any bridge spanning the busy Hatea River.

Involvement started at the earliest point, when the resource consents were being applied for.

The Northland Regional Council Harbour Master and representatives of the Whangarei Marina and Riverside Drive Marina were contacted initially.

“We wanted to make sure we fully understood what they needed and they fully understood what we would be doing,” said Council Group Manager District Living, Paul Dell.

“We held regular meetings with the commercial fishermen based at the Town Basin to ensure the bridge construction would not have a significant impact on their activities.

“Over time a broad range of river users were contacted, including sea Scouts, Sea Cadets, Young

Mariners, the rowing club, and waka ama, and an array of other groups that use the river were included in the mix.”

Mr Dell said the group continued to operate throughout the build, raising useful issues and giving good advice.

“We got together with them to give updates on progress and they provided guidance to us on the design of the marine navigational facilities, pontoons, fender piles, navigation lights and signs.”

The main channel remained open to boat users during most of the 18-month build because the first span was built out from the eastern shore and the second span was later constructed from the western shore.

Once each side was built the 25m bascule section was assembled on the Port Road side of the bridge, then launched across.

“This meant the river was closed for only 11 days for boats over 6.5 metres tall. For shorter boats the river was closed only on the day the bascule was launched.”

The closure was announced in the media and through maritime notices and the project team had almost daily contact with the marine user group during the launch and commissioning phases to advise them on the status of the bridge and planned openings.

Seven-day weeks were worked following the launch to complete connection works as quickly as possible, to keep the river closure short.

“The river users were as excited about this project as the rest of us were, and because so many of them use this stretch of water frequently, they had a good appreciation of the speedy progress being made and the beauty of the structure,” said WDC Group Manager Infrastructure and Services Simon Weston.

28

Whangarei Love it Here

1. The Town Basin precinct is an absolute ‘must do’ – and it will only get better with completion of the bridge. Yachts and still water, the buzz of the Artisan Fair, specialty shops, great food and coffee, ice cream and kids’ playground are only the start. If you haven’t already, now is the time to take a walk down the riverside to check out the Heritage Boards which tell our stories. The walk is flat and easy, suitable for everyone, including wheelchairs.

2. Yes, we know it’s kinda stating the obvious but seriously, do you really know how good our coast is?

So good that National Geographic rates Tutukaka Coast as equal second best in the world! We also get to seriously play in and on the water (diving at the Poor Knights has been rated one of the ten best dive spots in the world) catch a fish from a jetty and gather sweet kai moana by foraging in the sand. There’s actually not too many places in the world you can do all that.

3. Oh my, our walks are amazing! Coastal, rural, bush, waterfalls, bird song, river swimming holes, ancient Maori pa sites, secret coves, gun embankments, kauri – the well known and the secret! Easy walks like the delicious walk between AH Reed Kauri Park and Whangarei Falls (swimming holes, ropes swings, swing bridge, picnic spots) to

the big ones - the awesomeness of Mount Manaia and the exhilarating challenge and breathtaking views from Bream Head track.

4. Whangarei Grower’s Market – the first (and best) in NZ and the place we locals head to on a Saturday morning. These markets are the best for not only your weekly fresh produce but also to bask in the sense of community.

5. Waterfalls – most of us have been to the ‘postcard pretty’ Whangarei Falls, but what about the rest of our glorious waterfalls? Take a day to tick off these ones – Wairua Falls, Piroa Falls, Paranui Falls, Raumanga Falls and Taheke Falls.

6. Three very special birds 1. The Matakohe/Limestone Island ‘Kiwi Creche’ – a safe haven for growing kiwis.

2. Tara-iti/NZ Fairy Tern – with less than 40 birds in the whole wide world (yes, that number is correct!) some of them reside right here in Waipu.

3. Pateke/Brown Teal once lived across all of Aotearoa. Now there are fewer than 2500, and many of them live right here in the Whangarei district.

7. And very special flora - Poor Knights Lily, a magnificent plant with spectacular red flower spears, native to the Poor Knights and Hen Islands truly uniquely a native of Whangarei. Botanica houses one of NZ’s largest collections of native ferns including ‘filmy ferns’ – they’re only one cell thick.

Parihaka Scenic Reserve is also receiving international accolades, having been awarded the prestigious international Green Flag Award.

8. KiwiNorth When was the last time you went up to Kiwi North and Heritage Park? This place has a list as

Whangarei is beautiful Not just our landscapes and environments, but our people and our hearts – this is why we Love It Here! long as your arm of amazing things to delight you – far too many to list here but if you haven’t been to a Live Day yet, make it a priority - the kids love it, the blokes love it, we all love it!.

9. Six awesome Museums 1. Whangarei Art Museum; art depicting ourplaces from today and yesterday and outstanding international quality exhibitions.

2. Waipu Museum; a powerful story reflecting a powerful journey that mirrors many other journeys to this land of ours.

3. Packard and Pioneer Museum; a ‘best kept secret’ for way too long. With 52 Packards, classic cars and motorbikes– a blokes nirvana!.

4. Claphams National Clock Museum; if you haven’t done a tour with one of the passionate staff you are missing out. Something will tickle your fancy – guaranteed.

5. Hikurangi Museum; the personal lives of miners and the long arm of the law.

6. Jack Morgan Museum; memorabilia from our early pioneering days.

10. Arts and Craft – We are a community with an artisan’s heart, and we’re gaining a serious reputation for it. In every nook and cranny, the arts are popping up – embrace them! Start with the otherworldy air at the Quarry Arts Centre, wander through the Old Library, down to the Town Basin, check out the galleries there and then follow your senses for drama, music and more...

A wee challenge!

HAVE YOU?

Done the Town Basin walk to the Waka and Wave Dug for cockles and pipis at one of our beaches Done the walk between AH Reed Kauri Park and Whangarei Falls Been to all six of our waterfalls Been to a live day at Kiwi North and Heritage Park Been to the Growers Market and caught up with someone you know Taken a walk over Matakohe-Limestone Island Enjoyed the tranquillity of Botanica Checked out the works of art and craft at The Quarry and the Town Basin Pondered our heritage at our unique museums

talk to the Local Experts whangareinz.com

Check out facebook.com/whangareiloveithere WHANGAREI I-SITE VISITOR CENTRE Tarewa Park, 92 Otaika Road, Whangarei 09 438 1079 | info@whangareiNZ.com

Te Manawa

THE HUB INFORMATION CENTRE Town Basin, 91 Dent St, Whangarei 09 430 1188 | thehub@whangareiNZ.com

29

Building the Roads,

Paths and Roundabouts T he Lower Hatea River Crossing included major roading developments on either side of the bridge. Here is an outline:

Earthworks/Ground Improvement • Installing 240 ground improvement piles through marine sediments to stabilise the ground on the Port Road approach to the bridge • Removing and reburying refuse on Pohe Island to save almost $90,000 of transport and landfill costs • Installing lightweight expanded polystyrene fill to control settlement on the Pohe Island approach to the bridge • Re-using surplus pontoons from Tutukaka Marina • Importing almost 75,000m3 of fill and preload material to compress land on Riverside Drive • Monitoring settlement • Re-using the preload material as structural fill, reducing the quantity of fill required for the project, truck movements on the road network, looking after the environment

Drainage and Services • Constructing a new 2100mm diameter culvert along the west side of Riverside Drive and associated gabion headwall structure • Installing a new stormwater system on Port Road and Okara Drive including treatment devices to ensure that the stormwater is free of contaminants before entering the upper harbour • Under-grounding all existing overhead power lines in the area of Port Road and Okara Drive intersections • Installing the new high voltage power supply and transformer for the bridge • Installing new directionally-drilled power and communications ducts under the Hatea River almost 200m through marine mud • New street lighting to the roundabouts and road across Pohe Island • 200 new lights (light emitting diodes) to the road and bridge deck • 565 metres of hand rail lights (light emitting diode).

Pavements • Constructing a single lane roundabout on Riverside Drive • Constructing two roundabouts on Port Rd/Okara Drive, each large enough for 2 trucks to circle, side by side • Minimising disruption during construction of the roundabouts at Port Road and Okara, by making a relatively short-term closure of Port Road • Constructing almost 1.3km of geogrid reinforced pavement across Pohe Island. The geogrid will stand up to changes in the ground caused as the refuse decays in the future • Beginning the combined cycleway/footpath as part of the Loop Walkway due to be completed this summer.

Miscellaneous • Stabilising the earth on the west approach embankment to the bridge with precast concrete cloaking panels to ensure a seamless transition from the bridge to the existing road network • Co-ordinating with the Rally NZ organisers in 2012 and 2013 to ensure that the Pohe Island super special stages could be held while construction of the bridge and approaches was in progress • Developing a very close working relationship with NRC monitoring staff during the project • Presenting environmental controls on site as examples of best practice during NRCorganised training sessions for other Northland contractors • No lost time injuries (or any injuries of any significance)

30

Inspiring the

Community

From preschoolers to octogenarian Mr Wright from Riverside, interest in Te Matau a Pohe spanned generations.

People working on the project have enjoyed the great feedback from the community from beginning to end.

Retired engineer, John Wright, can see the bridge from his home and has kept a regular and watchful eye on its construction. His almost daily visits to the site have made him a well-recognised and popular visitor, so much so that site workers gave him his own hard hat and vest.

Locals out for a walk on a sunny day stop to admire progress on the Lower Hatea Crossing

The birthday card Mr Wright’s daughter Helen Applegate painted for him.

Seven-year-old Brianna Kessell emailed in her idea to paint the bridge’s J-beams like Harold the Giraffe from the Life Education Trust’s programme in schools. To Brianna, the beams look giraffe-like in shape and the concept would recognise our valuing of healthy, happy children.

Who would have thought the bridge would even inspire a birthday cake decoration!

Brianna’s email:

Jackson Hawkins (10) and Zinzan Hawkins (8) from Maungatapere School enjoy one of the first light trials on the bridge.

Hi my name is Brianna Kessell.

I am 7 year’s old.

I would like to write about the new bridge by the toll stadium. I think that the pointy bit’s that go way up in the sky look like two giraffes.

I thought we could make them look like Harold the giraffe.

Harold is a giraffe who is part of life education, going around schools, helping people make good choices and decisions that can help them learn and stay healthy.

It would help children remember to make good choices their whole life when they see Harold on the bridge.

Visitors to Whangarei would think that our city cared about all the children.

Everyone would also think that it is pretty cool and different to see a giraffe on a bridge.

Yours sincerely, Brianna Kessell

At Christopher and Robin Day Care centre the children have been avidly following the bridge’s progress. These preschoolers have visited, researched, drawn plans and replicated the bridge. They’ve learnt all about its different parts including the bascule and counterweights.

31

Opening Day

for the Community

32

Architect Martin Knight Reflects

A

lthough Knight Architects is used to designing bridges all around the world it is unusual to be the author of a design quite so far away, and the team has had to work particularly hard to ensure communication has remained effective throughout every stage of the project.

Sometimes the distance has been frustrating but more often the emotion is one of excitement – to be woken by dramatic new photographs of progress on site is the best way to start a new day!

In recent weeks the sense of anticipation has steadily grown: first as the approach spans were completed; then the arrival and assembly of the distinctive “J-beams”; before the deck was finally launched across the Hatea River and the bridge became a reality.

Of course, the highlight was when the deck was triumphantly raised for the first time and we could all see the full effect of this extraordinary new landmark.

From a distance such events appear seamless and straightforward however I have no doubt about the skill, ingenuity and commitment of the site team that has delivered this unique project. Many of the key players are local and the sense that this

bridge – their bridge – is very special is certainly apparent from half way around the globe.

I was first drawn to New Zealand by very good friends in the Bay of Islands who introduced me to the natural beauty of the country, especially the coastline, and to the profound spiritual and cultural history.

The concept design for the moveable bridge combined the functional and efficient form of a rolling bascule with a distinctive architectural shape, inspired by images of te matau, the Maori fish hook. Function and form, engineering and architecture, are perfectly integrated and completely indivisible in this design and I am delighted the bridge has been named Te Matau a Pohe. As a bridge architect I always seek to reinforce a sense of place and I am proud that we have achieved something of lasting quality in Whangarei.

Martin Knight, Knight Architects

McConnell Dowell F

rom our initial involvement in the Lower Hatea River Crossing project, we could see that Whangarei District Council was seeking to create something truly special for the local community. Making that vision a reality has been an absolute pleasure, and we’re delighted with the end result.

Te Matau a Pohe provides a true focal point for your city, and a functional structure you can walk, cycle and drive across. Its distinctive shape reflects the unique cultural heritage of your region and its 25m, 390T rolling bascule opening section recognises the importance of the waterways to this region....

As civil contractors the majority of what we build is functional rather than aesthetic, and it’s been a refreshing change to build something so visual. That Te Matau a Pohe so closely resembles the original concept created by Martin Knight is testament to the huge effort put in by the construction team, designers, subcontractors and suppliers.

Everyone involved has shown a remarkable commitment to this project and a readiness to work together to achieve the best outcomes. The support of WDC, and all the local suppliers and subcontractors has been critical to delivering what is truly a special bridge.

Te Matau a Pohe’s distinctive design, combined with its rare opening mechanism, means there really is no other structure like it in the world. Constructing something unique presents unique challenges, and this project has forced us to continually think outside the square. The need to work below water level, through a former landfill and over an operational channel has at times been logistically and technically challenging, not to mention the complexities of shifting a 390T piece of steel across a 25m gap. And then only weeks later, making that same piece of steel open and close on command.

Working together has enabled us to develop innovative solutions to these challenges It’s been a privilege to deliver such an iconic project in what is a beautiful part of the country and we’ve enjoyed every second. We trust that Te Matau a Pohe will become a key feature in the Whangarei landscape that the whole community can be proud of.

33

Sense of Place

T

e Matau a Pohe has become a catalyst for and symbol of change in Whangarei.

This summer it will be linked into the Loop Walkway, connecting it to the Town Basin via a 4.2km concrete footpath and a new footbridge across the Waiarohia stream between Port Road and Hihiaua Peninsula.

Work on the walkway will begin in October when the ground starts to dry out after winter.

“The Town Basin has always been a special place, and even though about 35,000 people visit it every year, it is still a bit of a ‘best kept secret’,” said Council Group Manager District Living, Paul Dell.

“The Art Walk and Heritage Trail are now in place, the Whangarei Art Museum has been relocated there and the Canopy Bridge has been developed.

These facilities, along with the children’s Destination Playground and liberty swing, all add to the retail, art and dining experiences already available at the Town Basin.

“This Loop Walkway will extend the range of experiences people can enjoy while getting to know the unique environment of the Town Basin, William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island and the rivers and bridges.”

He said the car parking area between Quay Street and the Town Basin will also be developed into an open park with many features.

“These elements, combined with the Hundertwasser Art Centre, will create a diverse recreational space for people to enjoy in infinite ways, 24-hours a day. The Hundertwasser Art Centre has authenticity and provenance too. It reflects and promotes our community’s multi-culturalism, environmentalism and creativity. It will be a major attraction in what is the Districts Arts, Culture and Heritage Precinct.

“Giving people close access to the Hatea and Waiarohia via this walkway and exposing views of the businesses that operate on the riverbanks is as important as creating lovely scenic views and parks.

“It is all part of the story-telling involved in developing a sense of place,” said Mr Dell.

“The rivers are what made this place a valuable location to Maori and later to European settlers. The rivers are the reason industries, particularly those with a sailing, manufacturing, export and maritime focus, have sprung up along its banks. This is part of the story. A river often provides a springboard for settlement and commerce, as well as providing a beautiful setting.

“We intend to use some of the heavy ballast steel left over from Te Matau a Pohe as park furniture. It’s now part of the history of the area, and this kind of approach helps to tell the story of what a place is really about.”

Mr Dell said there are also plans for more heritage panels, like those in the Town Basin, to tell the stories of the areas the path will pass through.

Creating spaces like this and telling these stories are necessary for the future of the District.

“Whangarei needs to offer lots of reasons for people to live, work and play here, rather than somewhere else, if our population is going to thrive in future,” he said.

“Part of that is creating a sense of identity unique to our place and our people that draws people here.

“With 60 becoming the next 40, and with the largest section of the population gaining in age, people want places to go, things to do, quality experiences, without having to pay a lot of money or go long distances. People who are looking to develop businesses, extend skills, progress in their careers also want to have a balance of recreation and work, lots of opportunities to enjoy life.

And we need these people to come here because that will build, support and enrich our community.

“The same applies to younger people and families – we all need to be able to do the things right here that in the past people have moved to other places to enjoy. We are well on our way and have much to be proud of,” Mr Dell said.

34

Opening Day 27 July 2013

35

IC Motor Group

W

atching the progress of the Hatea River crossing, and following the fortunes of Whangarei over the past two or three decades, gives Kelly Illerbrun, CEO of Whangarei’s IC Motor Group, food for thought.

Kelly started the iconic company in 1988, and despite the ups and downs of the New Zealand economy, has grown it from a small repair shop to the state of the art dealership it is today.

Back then, Kelly was a lot younger and was becoming somewhat bored and frustrated as a young automotive engineer working for a large conglomerate, and wanted to “do it for himself”.

“I didn’t have a particular vision, apart from wanting to be in control of my own destiny.The business grew and as we employed more people I quickly found that they were the key to our growth and success.The hardest job a business has today is to find the right people and keep them.There always seems to be greener pastures. So staff retention is a key issue in Whangarei when competing with Australia and overseas employment markets.

Getting the best people in your business is the biggest challenge we face. We are lucky to now have a good number of those people and a great team. People such as Henry Belt who has been with the company since the beginning, is a specialist in his field, vehicle sales, finance and insurance and also an Automotive Engineer by trade. These skills, coupled with his dedication, have been instrumental in the company’s growth. Henry has been a long-time friend and is a full partner/shareholder in the business” Lance Hollows is also a shareholder in IC Motor Group and has been

a corner stone in its development. Lance’s expertise in Administration Management/ Financial Controller coupled with his extensive experience in IT has been a huge asset to the Group, said Kelly.

Many years ago the opportunity to move from a small garage into a full dealership came through the company accountant, who was doing the books for Whangarei Motors, which held the franchises for Skoda and Suzuki at that time. The owner of that company wanted to retire, so a deal was soon struck. For IC Motor Group, that was the start of the vehicle sales era.

“In September 1990 we got the Nissan franchise.”

Kelly recalls. “At that time Nissan made a very good ute that really appealed in Northland and our business trebled, it was another big milestone and a turning point for IC Motor Group.

“Whangarei has a number of challenges ahead of it. As we know businesses need good people to prosper and grow. The town also needs the ability to attract these people. It must forge ahead with more of the initiatives such as the Stadium, the Bridge and the proposed downtown Hotel and Hundertwasser Arts Centre as this sort of infrastructure is the key to our city’s growth.” We must remember that Whangarei as a City is competing on the New Zealand stage to attract and grow businesses and people.

He believes the river crossing will give the town a real boost, and says that when all the walkways and bike tracks are complete many people will get great enjoyment and benefits from that and is the beginning of a ‘new look’ Whangarei. We must continue to construct Whangarei further to benefit from our waterways.”

“The large number of increased car movements across the bridge will have a big effect on businesses at this end of the Town and we will feel this positive affect almost immediately.”

In the meantime it’s still hard business as usual and Kelly is holding a steady course as Whangarei continues to deal with the effects of the recession and the other elements that impact on our farming community.

While there are still lots of brands not represented here, the company’s current franchises keep things busy.The group is the exclusive dealer for the Nissan, Hyundai and Volkswagen franchises from Wellsford to Cape Reinga, and also provides full parts and service facilities for the Audi and Skoda brands.This is complemented by a broad range of used vehicles from budget to premium price range.

The state of the art dealership at 50 Port Road has a 26 bay workshop facility that is fully equipped with the latest servicing equipment and multi-skilled factory trained technicians. It’s the only dealership or automotive repairer to have achieved ISO certification in Northland.

“Our facility here was built prior to the recession with the idea that we would grow around 30 percent, but we haven’t achieved that yet however we are optimistic of Whangarei’s future,” Kelly says. “So this will do us in the meantime – it’s still a very pristine and up to date facility and we’ll be able to enjoy it for many more years yet.”

Like the IC Motor Group dealership Kelly has a few more years to go too. He reckons he’s a decade or so from retirement, and while he concedes that nothing is set in stone, he says succession planning is a very important part of a any long term business plan and that’s the reality.

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FINANCE OPTIONS | HIRE OPTIONS | FINANCE LEASE | OPERATING LEASE

PHONE NOW 0800 242 668 TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE

9308662AA

50 Port Road I PO Box 1267 I Whangarei I 0140 I Phone: 09 470 4000

www.icmotorgroup.co.nz I 0800 242 668

36

VTNZ Whangarei

119 Port Road M ark Hill is the Area Manager for Northland, started as an inspector and has worked his way up. He has a wealth of experience to offer Northland.

Colin Clement is the Whangarei station manager with over 13 years’ experience with VTNZ. Mark says he is delighted about this new development for the local community “Now that we have access across the river, we are far more accessible for our customers, with the simple instruction turn right over the lower Hatea Crossing southbound.”

“We now have a much better direct route for our North West customers to use us, avoiding the CBD and “all those annoying traffic lights”.

THE SERVICES WE OFFER ARE: Warrant of fitness – Certificate of fitness A + B – Road Users – Vehicle Registration – Pre - Purchase Inspection – Entry Level Inspections – Driver licensing – Vehicle Condition Assessment – VTNZ Roadside Assistance WoF+ check-up (Which can be done in conjunction with your WoF) checks for tyre pressure (including spare), tools and jack, coolant and brake fluid levels, battery and oil condition We employ over 20 experienced and fully qualified staff.

We thank our valued customers for your loyalty.

VTNZ Whangarei is now even closer!

Just cross the newly built harbour bridge & turn right into Port Road (no more troublesome lights through town...).

And there’s no need to book for our fully independent, fast & efficient Warrant of Fitness inspections & all our other VTNZ services.

Come & see Colin & the team at: VTNZ Whangarei 119 Port Road Whangarei

Mon to Fri: 8am–5pm Sat: 8am–1pm Ph: 09 438 8106

37

Salt of the Earth, George Culley collaborates with local northland businesses who’ve helped him build his business, Saltwater Connection into what it is today.

George prides himself on being Northland’s only independently owned business serving the needs of customers who enjoy a connection with the water.

Now in its sixth year, Saltwater Connection offer every customer who spends $99 or more, the chance to go in the draw to win a boat. The boat carries the logos of the local businesses who have helped me connect and serve my customers in the best way possible. It’s my way of ‘paying the good will forward’ says George – ‘a win-win that pays dividends for everyone’

Teamwork AA Rewards – Scott McNulty and his team offer 10c a litre off for every one of my customers who spend $99 or more.

Blackdog Cat – Luke Seuren and his team design and build top quality aluminium boats for diving and fishing – and they’ve built the boat for our draw.

Marine North – Paul & Tania Dunn and the team go the extra mile to provide tailored packages to suit our customers needs.

Northland Toyota - Bryce Woodward and his team have helped keep me on the straight and narrow with a good set of wheels.

Printing.com – Mark Neal and his team have helped with all our design, printing and co-ordinate all our business needs.

Rockgas North - Garry Hannam and his team have provided an efficient delivery service of gas to customers when they need it.

Toll New Zealand - Bevan Bradburn and his team have ensured parcels are delivered worldwide and without hassle.

Uber Group - Hayden Simon and his team have provided the ultimate service to ensure we have all the technology tools so we can give our customers a first class service Up at Five - George Culley and his team have just launched an online store for end of line stock of fishing gear.

Vital Signs - Ben Knight and his team have looked after every signage need, coordinating and installing quality signs

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Planet Honda Motorcycles Planet Honda is a recent addition to the selection of businesses found on Port rd. Locally owned and operated by Mike and Sandy Pool the decision to relocate was an easy one. Now situated at 20 port rd Planet Honda is enjoying a higher profile, improved foot traffic and is complimentary to similar businesses in the area. Planet Honda is Whangarei’s only authorised Honda Motorcycle Dealer covering all styles of motorcycles, scooters, commuters, road,sport and ATV;s Planet Honda also stocks a comprehensive range of spare parts and accessories with class leading brands such as Arai and Shoei Helmets, Motul and Lucas oils, Metzler, Dunlop and AvonTyres, Fox, Shift and Dri-Rider apparel plus much much more. With a qualified professional workshop Planet Honda service and repair all makes and models of motorcycle, from the smallest scooter to the latest superbike your farm workhorse or your weekend cruiser we have your workshop needs covered.

As well as motorcycles Planet Honda are also able to supply you with Honda’s range of Power Equipment, Generators, Waterpumps and stationary engines etc In addition to Honda Motorcycles and Power Equipment Planet Honda also offers the services of “Gas Strut Services” a business previously owned and operated for a number of years by Mikes Father,Planet Honda now operate this from its premises in Port rd. Gas Strut Services can recharge or replace the gas struts most commonly found on your car bonnet or boot, so you don’t have to put up with that car boot or tailgate smacking you in the back of the head when you are putting your groceries in the car! Gas struts also found on boat hatches, ute canopies, caravans and campervans can be recharged or replaced, Gas Strut Services can even repair that office chair that keeps on going down! So for all your motorcycling needs come and see the team at Planet Honda.

Mike Pool Planet Honda Motorcycles | 20 Port Rd, Whangarei

Ph 09 4389780 Fax 09 4308502

39

S

AECOWilson is a family owned Bearing, Power Transmission and Engineering Supplies business formed through the merger in 2011 of SAECOPRECISION (established 1963) and Wilson Bros (established in 1919).

Our business specialises in Bearings, Power Transmission and Engineering Supplies throughout New Zealand utilising our national branch network of 23 sites.

We have had a direct presence in Whangarei since 1995 and in 2011 we moved from Commerce Street to our bigger and modern premises at 28 Port Road. Since the move, Darren and the team have experienced huge growth particularly in our expanded engineering supplies range (Hand Tools, Power Tools, Abrasives, Drilling, Lubrication, CRC, Lifting, Welding and Safety gear, plus much more).

Darren and our Port Road team have a reputation for solving those hard to solve Bearing, Power Transmission and Gear Box questions as well as selling a comprehensive range of engineering supplies

with a focus on “top gear at top value”. From the broken mower belt, worn out trailer bearings through to a log hauler chain drive or a gear box to drive the largest conveyor, Darren and the team will find the answer for you.

When you are serious about engineering and you need the highest quality product and service Darren and his team at SAECOWilson Port Road will be happy to help, as we have been since 1995 when we first brought the bearing business of the then Arnold Franks.

We are authorised distributors for many key Bearing and Power Transmission brands including NSK, FAG, Timken, NTN, THK, Bonfiglioli, Gates, Opti belt, Pix (mower belts), Renold, Dodge, and many more international brands.

We look forward to seeing you at 28 Port Road or hearing from you on 430 0105 and we are open on Saturday mornings for those of you who can’t pop in during the week.

Our range of quality engineering supplies cover all of your needs with quality brands that we are happy to stand behind including Kincrome, Koken, Powerbuilt, Ampro, Irwin, Toledo, Hitachi, Metabo, Makita, Evacut, Rocol, CRC, Ados, Klingspor abrasives, Loctite, Alemlube, Pulsarlube, and many more.

We can assist you with all of your engineering projects and workshop needs as well as those home projects.

Ask the team about signing up to receive our engineering consumables magazine “nzworkbench” where we promote bi-monthly “top gear at top value” you will be surprised at the deals promoted in this magazine.

Thank you for your ongoing support that has allowed us to continue to grow here in Whangarei.

Website: www.saecowilson.co.nz

28 Port Road Angle Grinders - 850W - Slim motor housing - Auto stop carbon brushes - Hard wearing gears

115mm Angle Grinder Code: W85-115

$136.85 inc gst

125mm Angle Grinder Code: W85-125

$143.75 inc gst

Combo Kit – Driver Drill and Impact Wrench - 18V Pro Series Twin Pack DS18DSDL + WR18DSDLNN - A fantastic two - tool combo kit featuring the Pro Series DS18DSDL 13mm Driver Drill plus Pro Series WR18DSDL 255Nm Impact Wrench - Supplied in one heavy duty carry case, complete with 2 x 4.0Ah Lithium Ion Batteries and Fan Cooled Smart Charger Code: KC18DSDL

$780.85 inc gst

28 Port Road

Blade Auto Darkening Helmet - Variable control for adjustment of shade - Provides continuous arc sensing capability - Comes standard with Grind Mode - Viewing Field 97 x 46mm Code: MHEL235620 - Weighs only 515g

$143.75 inc gst

Grease Gun

- EL Series Lever Action Grease Gun – 450gm - Develops grease pressures of up to 8,000psi Code: ALG10020 - 500g capacity when using bulk grease $33.35 inc gst - Three way loading - Unique follower cup design makes the gun suitable for use with both 450g cartridges and bulk grease – without needing to change the orientation of the follower cup - Includes a 150mm long grease rigid extension and heavy duty four jaw coupler

| Phone (09) 430 0105 | E-mail Whangarei@saecowilson.co.nz |

Website www.saecowilson.co.nz

40

WINSTONE GLASS

elebrate proudly c

Leaders in Glass

Domestic Commercial Competitive Prices 24/7 Showers Mirrors Pet Doors Quality Workmanship Balustrades Glass & Glazing Splashbacks Pool Fences

in Business

with the new dynamic

Lower Hatea River Crossing

Check out our website www.allkars.co.nz Cnr Reyburn & Robert Sts, Whangarei

P: 09 438 7409 M: 0274 316 773 Locally Owned & Family operated since 1988

E: info@allkars.co.nz

Flexible Vehicle Finance. Apply online

Eliminate the risk

Buy with confidence

scan this code to check us out online!

(09) 430 7576 • 87 Port Road, Whangarei • whangareiglass@vodafone.co.nz

R! A E G RIGHT ADVICE! RIGHT We supply and fit • Oil and filter changes from $75 fitted • Brake pads from $70 fitted • Wipers from $7 fitted • Shocks and suspension • Batteries

34 Port Road, Whangarei.

Phone 09-438 2419

Parts & Accessories

41

OPEN: 8am-5pm Monday-Wednesday

“The Place to be for a quick Lunch Bite”

8am-6pm Thursday 9-12 Saturday

9309999AA

AUCTION 9.30am Every Friday

69 Port Road Whangarei

09 438 3759

www.thomsonbagley.co.nz

Kevin & Anita Peachey

Locally Owned & Operated

For all your floor covering needs Domestic & Commercial 49 Port Road Ph 438 0527 Fax 438 5198

A daily selection of fresh homemade food

61 Port Road, Whangarei Ph: (09) 438-3749

Get $50 credit towards any new rental Valid until 31st August 2013 Conveniently located at 55 Port Road , plenty of free parking

www.floorcraftwhg.co.nz

0800 111 313 www.mrrental.co.nz

42

GENERAL & PRECISION PROUDLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1980

ENGINEERS

Specialising in precision machining for all industry with an ability to fit into individual quality assurance programs. CNC Lathes Machining Centre also CNC slotter for splines keyways etc. Production runs, both large and small, of specialised components in their modern, well equipped workshop are a mainstay of their business and one-off components are also a speciality.

We are committed to providing quality service and products.

Contact us for a quote on your job today!

99 PORT ROAD, WHANGAREI PHONE 09 438 7847 • FAX 09 438 7198 EMAIL office@bcelimited.co.nz • MOBILE 021 2504916 kia.com/nz

The Award-Winning

KIA OPTIMA

1/3 NOW 1/3 2014 1/3 2015

at

0% INTEREST

Limited time only.

New Zealand standard specifications may vary to that shown in the picture.

Northland KIA

111 Port Rd Whangarei 09 438 5550 - 0800 639 542

Conditions apply.

ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE AT NORTHLAND KIA TODAY!

RUDOLPHS BRIDGE the GAP Being chosen as the approved contractor to provide specialised blasting, arc-spray and coating applications on site at the Lower Hatea Bridge Project for McConnell Dowell has been a challenging and rewarding project for Rudolphs Ltd. Contributing to such an iconic NZ project in our own town, over our own river is not only testament to our capacity and capability but is a testament to the very heart and soul of our commitment to Northland for the past 40 years.

Rudolphs Ltd 438 8637 209 Lower Port Rd, Whangarei 496 Marsden Point Road, Ruakaka

www.rudolphs.co.nz ACC Tertiary Accreditation July 2012

Manufacturers and distributors of heavy duty protective coatings $0, 1%# (01+*,)(*!01 -1& 3-!1*%1-1(%. 2,% /,0*%(*!'% (0-*!1"+. commercial and pleasure marine coatings and antifoulings.

Ph 0800 258 390 |

www.altexcoatings.com