From bridges to underground rail: civil construction celebrated at national awards

Some of New Zealand’s most mind-blowing infrastructure projects of the past year were honoured on Friday night at the Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards.

Leadership, dedication and civil construction training celebrated in Christchurch

Young leaders, workers with a thirst for knowledge and outstanding employers behind some of Aotearoa’s top civil construction industry training were celebrated in Christchurch this afternoon at the Z Energy People Awards and Connexis Civil Industry Training Awards.

Industry battles resource shortages and escalating costs to meet heavy demand for infrastructure

New Zealand’s civil construction industry is battling skills and worker shortages, cost escalations, and increasingly complex contract terms to deliver on the country’s vital infrastructure works programme.

CCNZ Awards celebrated the best of Waikato's civil industry

Winners of this year's CCNZ Waikato Awards were revealed during a spectacular Gala Dinner held on the 1st of July at the Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton. A record 270 people attended the function, including Hynds Director Aaron Hynds and Hamilton Mayor, Paula Southgate.

Finalists announced for CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards 2022

The finalists for the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards have been announced, with the awards to be presented on 5 August at CCNZ-HIANZ National Conference.

Temporary traffic management – what you need to know

Temporary traffic management in New Zealand is in the middle of a significant change – from a proscriptive compliance-based approach to a risk-based approach. This article provides a summary of important information that civil construction businesses should be aware of, as of July 2022.

Notice of 2022 AGM, call for Executive Council nominations

The CCNZ 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held as part of CCNZ-HIANZ Conference in the Rivers Room at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch on Thursday 4 August 2022 from 8.30am to 9.30am. Nominations for Executive Council are open, and there is a call for business and AGM motions.

Have your say - CCNZ Teletrac Navman Construction Industry Survey open

Complete the CCNZ Teletrac Navman Construction Industry Survey to have your say on the civil construction industry's needs and be in to win!

Budget 2022: Good start, but more infrastructure investment needed

CCNZ has welcomed investment in trades training programmes, increased funding for rail and rural broadband infrastructure, and support for Construction Sector Accord Transformation Plan initiatives included in Budget 2022. However, it cautions far more will be required to solve the infrastructure challenges New Zealand is facing.

Strategy ‘a new beginning’ for Kiwi infrastructure

New Zealand’s civil contractors have welcomed a new 30-year Infrastructure Strategy as ‘a new beginning’ and look forward to working to address the country’s massive infrastructure deficit with increased support, better planning, and targeted investment from government.

New report sets a path to resolve civil infrastructure workforce challenges

The new Developing a Skilled Civil Construction Workforce report from the Civil Contractors New Zealand Civil Workforce Forum has been published. The report explores how people can successfully enter and build a career in the civil trades.

Bringing young people into civil construction: a contractor's perspective

Matt Bradbury of Troy Wheeler Contracting shares his experience of reaching out to a local school to support young people in joining the civil construction industry.

Temporary traffic management guide an opportunity to focus on what’s important

Waka Kotahi released its draft New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM) on 8 March. This document was produced in consultation with the wider industry, including Civil Contractors New Zealand, and provides one part of a proposed framework to how temporary traffic management can be delivered.

CCNZ nominations for 3910 review accepted

CCNZ's two nominations for the standards development committee for the revision of NZS 3910:2013 project have been accepted, with Paul Buetow of Dentons Kensington Swan and Jim Juno of Juno Civil appointed to represent feedback from the civil construction industry.

Farewelling John Dawson, Founding Director of BCA

Founding Director of the Bitumen Contractors Association John Dawson passed away on 11 December 2021, aged 91 years of age.

Who foots the bill if COVID-19 impacts your project?

We may have moved away from major national or regional COVID-19 lockdowns, but that doesn’t mean we are home free when it comes to avoiding the pandemic’s impact on civil construction projects. There's still potential for COVID-19 cases to force mandatory site shutdowns and we still face challenges when key team members are required to isolate.

CCNZ members grant Executive Council decision-making powers on Margan House

CCNZ members resolved to grant the Executive Council decision-making powers on the national office premises, Margan House.

Q&A: The Government’s new Vaccination Assessment Tool and what it means for deciding on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff

The Government is passing legislation under urgency this week that will - among other things - enable the creation of a new Government tool for businesses known as the Vaccination Assessment Tool. To support members in understanding the new tool, we have developed this Q&A drawing on what we understand so far and updates provided by Business NZ.

Best of Hawke’s Bay East Coast civil construction celebrated

Black ties, big personalities and community-changing projects were in the spotlight at Friday night’s Civil Contractors New Zealand Hawke’s Bay East Coast Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards.

Infrastructure Skills Centre launches first Manawatū course

The Infrastructure Skills Centre is coming to Manawatū in November to give local people from across the region the skills they need to start a successful career in infrastructure construction - and a job when they finish their training.

CCNZ backs review of standard conditions of contract used in infrastructure

Civil Contractors New Zealand has taken a lead role in launching a project to Review “NZS 3910 Conditions of contract for building and civil engineering construction”, committing $65,000 over two years to fund the civil construction industry’s share of the review costs.

CCNZ submission: Managing our Wetlands discussion paper

CCNZ put forward a submission on the Ministry for the Environment Managing our Wetlands discussion paper, supporting the proposals to change the definition of a 'natural wetland', better enable wetland maintenance and restoration and establish new consenting pathways for quarrying, landfill, cleanfill, managed fill, mining and urban development.

Civil Contractors: Work on NZ’s water networks must continue

New Zealand’s national association for civil contractors has called for physical work on New Zealand’s water networks to continue smoothly and not be undermined by the creation of four new water entities to manage the country’s freshwater, stormwater and wastewater.

Taranaki local digs deep for competition win

Taranaki’s champion excavator operator was crowned at a dramatic regional contest on Sunday, as Shaun Curtis from I&D George Contracting saw off stiff opposition to take first place at the CCNZ CablePrice Taranaki Excavator Operator Competition.

Gareth Butcher crowned top Canterbury Westland excavator operator

It was second time lucky for the winner of the 2021 CCNZ CablePrice Canterbury Westland Excavator Operator Competition. Gareth Butcher – a Christchurch local – took top honour at this year’s regional championships.

National Infrastructure Strategy ‘long overdue’

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock welcomed the Draft New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy, saying it provided vital vision and direction for the country’s infrastructure networks, framing challenges and solutions in a way that was ‘long overdue’.

EPIC Photo Competition - People's Choice Awards open

Contractors have sent in hundreds of amazing photos. Vote now for your favourite and be in to win great prizes, including a RYZE Tello drone, a Z Energy gift card and die-cast models from TransDiesel

Q&A: vaccine availability for essential workers, vaccine information requirements for employers

Maintenance and investment key for National Land Transport Programme

New Zealand’s civil contractors have welcomed record central and local Government investment in transport but say it will not be enough to catch up with the effects of years of deferred road maintenance.

Alert Level 4 construction contract advice

A number of members have sought guidance on how to address the present Alert Level 4 lockdown under their contracts. CCNZ has checked with Dentons Kensington Swan and set out some guidelines.

CCNZ awards life membership to Brian Warren

CCNZ awarded life membership to Past President Brian Warren at the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards on 30 July 2021, recognising an outstanding career of more than 40 years, and an incredible determination for improving the industry.

Nelson and Marlborough’s best in civil construction revealed

A cycle track built in extreme conditions, a land reclamation project with exceptional environmental controls, and a talented young operations manager were among the outstanding civil construction projects celebrated at the Civil Contractors NZ Nelson Marlborough Awards Dinner on Friday.

Immigration changes needed for vital infrastructure projects

The construction sector is urging the Government to ease immigration criteria so struggling companies can recruit overseas workers for key vacancies to complete vital New Zealand infrastructure projects.

Initial Civil Workforce Forum workshop explores entry points to industry

CCNZ held its first Civil Workforce Forum workshop on 28 July at the Basin Reserve. The event was attended by 50 people, who explored the entry points to the civil and infrastructure construction workforce and shared information on upcoming initiatives and changes in infrastructure workforce development.

New appointments bring experience and expertise to Executive Council

Andrew Spittal, Jeremy Dixon and Orla Gallagher have been appointed to the CCNZ Executive Council following the AGM on 29 July, replacing James Craw, Colin Calteaux and Stephen Delaney. Gary Richardson was re-elected.

Survey highlights immigration’s role in construction skills shortage

Ninety per cent of construction firms are having difficulty recruiting in New Zealand, a new survey of CCNZ and other key industry body members has found. The primary reasons identified by respondents are skill shortages, recruitment challenges and immigration policies that don’t meet industry needs.

Massive rebound in civil construction business confidence may be undermined by skills shortage

Teletrac Navman and Civil Contractors New Zealand announce 2021 Construction Industry Survey results on the state of civil construction in New Zealand

National awards celebrate civil construction excellence

The rescue of a Wellington icon, an infrastructure emergency response that moved mountains, and a project with an outstanding safety culture were amongst the winners of the 42nd Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards. The awards were presented in front of a sell-out crowd at The Contractors’ Conference in Wellington.

Young leaders and top training initiatives shine at civil construction awards

Courageous young leaders and top training initiatives have been recognised at the Z Energy People Awards and Connexis Civil Industry Training Awards, held on Friday 30 July in Wellington. Hundreds of people from across the civil construction industry attended the prestigious awards, presented during the The Contractors Conference at Te Papa.

Infrastructure workforce and sustainability in focus at The Contractors Conference

Media Release: Workforce, technology, sustainability and the state of New Zealand’s infrastructure construction industry will be in the spotlight at The Contractors Conference – NZ’s civil construction industry conference in Wellington from 29-30 July.

Submission on Infrastructure for a Better Future

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission recently called for submissions on its 30-year Infrastructure Strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand. Civil Contractors NZ made a submission on 2 July as part of this consultation process.

Best of Waikato’s civil construction industry revealed

The best civil construction projects in Waikato were celebrated recently at the 2021 CCNZ Waikato Hynds Construction Awards. A record 230 people attended the ceremony on 25 June at The Atrium on the Wintec campus in Hamilton, including Hynds Director Adrian Hynds and Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate.

Northland Awards celebrate region's top civil contractors

The Northland Branch of Civil Contractors New Zealand held its annual Construction Awards at Semenoff Stadium on 25 June, with a record attendance of 250 people at the event. The awards celebrated the last two years of projects due to the interruption caused by COVID-19 leading to the cancellation of the 2020 awards.

“Work experience for a lifetime”: Infrastructure Skills Centre launched

The civil construction and infrastructure industry has teamed up with government, industry bodies and employers to help meet New Zealand’s infrastructural skills challenge.

Waka Kotahi announces move to safer bitumen technology

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has issued a technical advice note indicating its intention to move from hot cutback bitumen to bitumen emulsion products. Civil Contractors NZ Technical Manager Stacy Goldsworthy said the change was positive and demonstrated Waka Kotahi's leadership to deliver better outcomes for workers handling and using bitume

Welcome changes to the Retention Regime under the Construction Contracts Act 2002?

Read our guest article about the changes proposed in the Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill. Kindly provided by Stuart Robertson (Partner) and James France (Solicitor) in Dentons Kensington Swan’s Construction and Major Projects team.

Contractors celebrated at CCNZ Auckland Excellence Awards

Winners of this year’s CCNZ Auckland Excellence Awards have been announced. Revealed during a spectacular Gala Dinner on Saturday 19 June at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, recipients were recognised for their regionally-acclaimed projects, highlighting the best of Auckland’s civil infrastructure industry.

Waikato and Bay of Plenty Excavator operators dig deep for regional titles

Travis Rameka and Craig Crowley have been crowned winners of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty CCNZ CablePrice Regional Excavator Operator Competition. They were the best of 29 competitors across 14 companies at the contest, held earlier this month in front of big crowds at the Fieldays in Mystery Creek, near Hamilton.

Water projects clean up at Wellington Wairarapa Awards

The CCNZ Wellington Wairarapa Branch Awards were held at Te Marae in Te Papa Tongarewa - the Museum of New Zealand on Saturday 29 May. The awards were attended by more than 200 people from across the region's civil construction industry, to celebrate success and enjoy the entertainment and presentations.

Broken water systems need an urgent fix

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock said bold action was needed to implement detailed solutions mapped out by recent studies under Three Waters Reform Programme to tackle the massive scale of the systemic issues facing its water networks.

2021 CCNZ Otago Hynds Construction Awards

The award winners from the Civil Contractors New Zealand Otago Branch Hynds Construction Awards 2021 were named on Friday 21 May.

Notice of 2021 AGM, call for Executive Council nominations

The CCNZ 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held as part of The Contractors Conference in the Amokura Gallery at the Te Papa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington on Thursday 29 July 2021 from 11 am to 12pm. CCNZ is calling for motions and nominations for four positions on the Executive Council.

Tōtika makes pre-qualification of H&S capabilities easier

Tōtika is now live, streamlining the pre-qualification process for buyers and suppliers in New Zealand's construction and civil infrastructure industries. The new scheme, launched by Construction Health & Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ), provides a uniform and easy-to-use framework for pre-qualification of suppliers’ health and safety capabilities

2021 Construction Industry Survey now open

Now is your chance to help set the civil construction industry’s direction for the next year and have your voice heard in the civil construction industry’s annual survey. The 2021 Construction Industry Survey will run from 12 May to 1 June 2021 for main contractors, subcontractors, and civil construction industry suppliers to complete.

Registrations open for premier civil contracting event

Registrations for New Zealand’s civil contracting event of the year opened this week, and conference hosts Civil Contractors NZ are promising an exciting programme packed full of expert speakers, masterclasses and networking opportunities. More than 600 people are expected at The Contractors Conference 2021 in Wellington on 29-30 July.

Conditions of contract standard needs repair work

A scoping report commissioned by the NZ Construction Industry Council (NZCIC) has recommended a revision of Standards NZ Conditions of contract for building and civil engineering construction (NZS 3910:2013) to ensure it is fit for purpose and widely accepted. CCNZ is a member of NZCIC and will play a key role in the review process.

New data standard an asset for civil infrastructure managers

Asset managers, service providers and other organisations in the land transport sector will soon be speaking the same language thanks to the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) project. Civil Contractors NZ is supportive of a common standard and is collaborating with Waka Kotahi to connect them with industry.

What do Privacy Act changes mean for company policy?

Recent changes to privacy legislation have implications for contractors, who often collect and store people’s personal information through a variety of avenues, including on site sign-in registers. We did some digging into what the updated Act means for civil construction businesses.

New housing infrastructure fund requires long-term thinking

New Zealand’s national civil construction industry association has welcomed the Government’s $3.8b Housing Acceleration Fund, but called for long-term thinking so infrastructure constructed through the fund can be well maintained in addition to well constructed.

Champion operator wins second national title

Troy Calteaux of Otago was named the winner of the 2021 Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition at an awards dinner on Saturday night, following two days of intense competition against 11 regional champion excavator operators.

NZ’s top digger drivers prepare for heavy metal showdown in Feilding

Have you ever seen heavy machinery used to crack open a beer, pour a cup of tea or slam dunk a basketball? Many of these crowd-pleasing challenges will be on show in Feilding later this week when New Zealand’s best excavator operators compete for the national title...

Environmental Guide an important tool for civil construction industry

The Civil Contractors New Zealand Environmental Guide is now available for download and pre-order. Designed to clearly outline the environmental requirements behind civil construction work under New Zealand law, the guide is an at-a-glance resource with practical information to help contractors meet their environmental responsibilities.

Industry legend recognised in top award for young leaders

An industry legend’s legacy will be memorialised in the civil construction industry’s peak award for emerging talent, with the 'Dr Dave Memorial Trophy' created to recognise the work of Dr David Hutchison, Chief Engineer for Downer for many years.

Champion Otago excavator operator wins third title

Troy Calteaux of Andrew Haulage 2011 Ltd faced off against some of the Otago region’s top excavator operators to take his third regional title in the CCNZ CablePrice Otago Regional Excavator Operator Competition on 23 January at the Taieri A&P Show in Mosgiel.

Draft submission on creation of the CIWDC

The Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council will be created by an Order in Council. Submissions on the draft Order are currently open, and CCNZ has written a draft submission commenting that without major amendments the Order will not create an organisation that is fit for purpose.

CCNZ Life Member Brian Harris passes on

CCNZ Life Member Brian Harris passed away in Auckland on 8 January at 90 years of age. A long-time supporter of CCNZ’s predecessor the Contractors’ Federation, Brian Harris held the role of Auckland Branch Secretary for 33 years from 1964-1997, also attending 30 national conferences in a row.

CCNZ Life Member Valerie Davidson passes on

CCNZ Life Member Valerie Davidson passed away in Invercargill at 84 years of age.

CCNZ supports review of NZS 3910

The construction sector has taken the first formal steps towards a comprehensive review of the standard contract, NZS 3910:2013 Conditions of Contract for Building and Civil Engineering Construction (NZS 3910) which is the underlying model contract for at least 75 per cent of non-residential construction contracts in New Zealand.

Veteran operator wins Nelson Marlborough excavator competition

Veteran excavator operator Leslie Smith ('Smithy') of Nelson’s Edridge Contracting won the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Nelson Marlborough Regional Excavator Operator Competition on 21 November and will represent the region at nationals in March.

Crowley Excavators take out the 2020 CCNZ BOP CablePrice Excavator Competition

Congratulations Craig Crowley on being the BOP Regional Champ

2020 CCNZ Southland Branch award winners named

CCNZ congratulates the winners of the CCNZ Southland Branch 5th Annual Construction Awards held on Friday 30 October 2020 at Bill Richardson Museum in Invercargill, which were attended by more than 230 people.

Enter the Auckland Branch CCNZ Excellence Awards

Auckland Branch CCNZ Excellence Awards showcase the best of the best of the civil construction industry in the Auckland Region. The 2020 and 2021 awards have been combined into one event with entries open NOW, closing Friday 14th May 2021. The awards will be presented at a Gala dinner on Saturday 19 June 2021.

Top infrastructure projects up for 2021 awards

Entries are open for the annual Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, which have been presented for outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s civil construction industry since 1978.

Construction contracts after COVID-19

Contractors should be aware that contracts signed since February 2020 are likely to be interpreted differently than those signed before that time. In particular, clause 10.3.1(f) (of a standard NZS 3910 contract) in terms of unforeseeable events may not be able to be relied on, as it could be argued that further lockdowns are now foreseeable.

Increased road maintenance investment welcome

New Zealand’s civil contractors welcome increased investment in transport funding, announced in today’s Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) 2021. CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock said the GPS rebalanced priorities so the country’s roads could be kept safer and better maintained, as well as investing in new improvements.

Shovel-ready delays, but stability ahead for civil construction in NZ

Civil Contractors New Zealand and Teletrac Navman announce results of 2020 Construction Industry Survey

Updates: Regional return to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 and 3

New Zealand is moving to COVID-19 Alert from 12pm on 12 August. The Auckland region will move to Alert Level 3. It will remain at Alert Level 3 for at least 3 days. The Auckland region is everything in the Auckland Council boundary — from Wellsford in the north to Pukekohe in the south. The rest of New Zealand is moving to Alert Level 2.

Paul Bisset joins CCNZ Executive Council

Paul Bisset of Whitestone Contracting will bring his experience in civil construction businesses large and small to the CCNZ Executive Council after being elected on 30 July, following a nomination from the CCNZ Otago Branch.

Otago Award winners named for 2020

The award winners from the Civil Contractors New Zealand Otago Branch Hynds Construction Awards 2020 were named on Friday 17 July at a function for the award finalists held at Village Green in Sunnyvale.

Shovels at the ready, but where’s the work?

Construction and infrastructure industry leaders are calling for urgency around the release of the government’s full list of ‘shovel-ready projects’ as increasing numbers of workers face redundancy and business confidence amongst construction and infrastructure companies nose-dives.

Notice of the 76th CCNZ Annual General Meeting

As a result of COVID-19 and the cancellation of CCNZ's 2020 Conference we will be holding the Civil Contractors New Zealand Annual General Meeting as an electronic meeting. Members are invited to register for the AGM.

Water investment must not be drip-fed

The government’s latest announcement around water infrastructure investment provides welcome support for New Zealand’s ailing water networks. But to support COVID-recovery, fix systemic problems and provide employment, work should start quickly rather than being drip-fed.

Project timing critical for infrastructure workforce

A new package of infrastructure investments has the potential to help kick-start the post-COVID rebuild, but projects need to get started soon to ensure the construction industry can retain its skilled workforce.

Shovels ready... but no projects?

CCNZ has been working with industry partners Infrastructure New Zealand and the Association of Consulting and Engineering New Zealand to request urgent action, ensuring funds Government has committed to support construction jobs and economic activity are quickly mobilised.

Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting, call for motions and nominations

As a result of COVID-19 and the cancellation of our 2020 Conference the Civil Contractors New Zealand Annual General Meeting will be held as an electronic meeting on Thursday 30 July 2020 from 9.00 am to 10.30 am.

First trickle of shovel-ready projects emerges

CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock comments on news of more than 800 ‘shovel-ready’ projects – out of a total 1924 submissions – which are currently under consideration by the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group.

Infrastructure investment will benefit everyday Kiwis

New Zealand’s national association for civil contractors has welcomed increased investment in infrastructure announced in today’s budget, and the opportunity for the civil construction industry to create jobs and take a lead role in New Zealand economic recovery.

Webinar provides advice on standard contracts

CCNZ ran a webinar with Core Associate Dentons Kensington Swan on the impacts of COVID-19 on construction contracts, in particular standard contracts.

CCNZ webinars explore new COVID-19 protocols

CCNZ hosted two webinars on Monday 20 April, exploring new national protocols for the construction industry to return to work under COVID-19 Alert Level 3. The webinars were presented by CCNZ Technical Manager Stacy Goldsworthy Construction Health and Safety New Zealand Chief Executive Chris Alderson, and Worksafe Engagement Lead Suzanne Watt.

Construction gears up for return to work

The construction industry is tooling up to get back to work as soon as possible, drafting a health and safety framework which will help keep workers, and the public, safe from COVID-19.

Civil Talk #122 - 16 April

Edition #122 of CCNZ Civil Talk focuses on new protocols allowing the industry to return to work under COVID-19 Alert Level 3. It also includes industry contract guidance, CCNZ membership survey results, information for contractors and more.

Rapid construction restart key to economic recovery

Government guidance on handling construction contracts will give many construction companies the confidence to continue to employ their people and take a lead role in the economic recovery following the lockdown, say New Zealand’s civil contractors.

CCNZ Civil Talk #121 - 2 April

Edition #121 of CCNZ Civil Talk focuses on iindustry response to COVID-19 Coronavirus lockdown, including industry briefings, surveys, information for contractors and more. It also features information an EPIC story from Keith Matheson of SouthRoads about his career in civil construction, online civil construction training courses and more.

CCNZ COVID-19 briefing paper

Civil Contractors New Zealand has presented a civil construction industry briefing paper on COVID-19 to Government and the Construction Accord Steering Group.

Key contract advice for civil contractors on COVID-19

CCNZ Core Associate Dentons Kensington Swan has provided key contract advice for civil contractors.

Construction industry advisory on Covid-19

This update is from the Construction Industry Council and Construction Health and Safety New Zealand. It covers the impact of Covid-19 and what a level four lockdown means for businesses in construction and building.

Statement from NZTA on essential State Highway services

A statement from the New Zealand Transport agency on which State Highway services can continue under level four Covid-19 control measures, as of 1:24pm, Tuesday 24 March.

CCNZ Covid-19 information for civil contractors

This post provides CCNZ updates about Covid-19, including advice for contractors and useful links. Last updated: 27 March, 9:38am.

CCNZ Civil Talk #120 - 19 March 2020

Edition #120 of CCNZ Civil Talk focuses on information around COVID-19 Coronavirus, the new CCNZ web platform, stories of success and community, and more.

CCNZ members help City Mission gardens grow

From small seeds grow mighty trees. That’s been the story at Christchurch City Mission where members of Civil Contractors New Zealand’s Christchurch Westland branch have pitched in to kickstart a community gardening programme for people staying at the Mission’s shelters and engaged in its day programmes.

National excavator operator competition cancelled

The 2020 Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition has been cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 Coronavirus variant.

Meet this year’s champion excavator operators

This year’s CCNZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition will see an incredible level of competition, with two previous national champions returning to compete for the 2020 title.

Downer’s Neil Tau wins Manawatu Regional Excavator Operator Competition

Downer’s Neil Tau emerged victorious in this year’s CCNZ CablePrice Manawatu Regional Excavator Operator Competition.

CablePrice secures naming rights for NZ’s national excavator competition

Heavy machinery supplier CablePrice has secured the naming rights for Civil Contractors New Zealand’s highly competitive national and regional excavator operator competitions.

Action man Ben Jones is Wellington’s new excavator champion

Upper Hutt’s Ben Jones was named the Wellington and Wairarapa region’s champion excavator operator following a battle of earth, steel and wits at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Regional Excavator Operator Competition on Saturday 29 February.

Video series shows the road to a new career in 2020

A new video series featuring the young infrastructure workers who build New Zealand’s roading, water and internet networks will be released over the next month to demonstrate the inspiring careers people can find in civil construction and infrastructure.

Contractors keen to get started on NZ Upgrade Programme

New Zealand’s civil contractors welcome today’s coalition government announcement of a range of infrastructure projects funded under the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

Details needed on $12b infrastructure investment

A Government announcement to invest $12 billion in new infrastructure projects has the potential to fill a major gap in the transport infrastructure work pipeline and start to overcome NZ’s infrastructure deficit – now details are needed for civil contractors to get to work.

Hirepool backs NZ’s civil construction industry

A longstanding partnership for the benefit of New Zealand’s civil construction industry is set to continue following the renewal of Hirepool’s Principal Business Partner Agreement with the industry’s peak body Civil Contractors New Zealand for a further three years.

Mark Evans joins CCNZ Executive Council

Mark Evans has joined the Civil Contractors New Zealand Executive Council, bringing with him significant project expertise working across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom. Currently Alliance Director for Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatu Tararua Highway, Mark has been General Manager for HEB Construction since 2015...

Shovel-ready infrastructure projects needed

The weekend announcement of the Government’s plans to bring projects forward and lift spending on significant infrastructure projects in the short to medium term is welcome news for Kiwi civil contractors and communities. Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock said Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s announcement...

Climate change is on the agenda

We have a Government which is committed to New Zealand becoming a world leader in climate change action, and New Zealand is on the path to a ‘low emission, climate resilient future’. At this stage, whether you believe in human influence on climate change or not has become irrelevant.

CCNZ presents Vocational Education submission to Select Committee

CCNZ presented to the NZ House of Representatives Education and Workforce Select Committee on the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Bill, calling for the legislation to include more of a focus on strong connections with employers and industry, increased recognition of on-job-training and the need to transition....................

Tarmageddon successfully prevented for another year

More than 120 of New Zealand’s foremost bitumen specialists and technical experts flocked to Villa Maria Estate in Auckland with the goal of averting ‘Tarmageddon’- a national crisis of aging roading networks impacted by increasing wear and tear, climate change and increasing amounts of traffic.

Guidelines signal new hope for construction industry

The contracting relationship between government and the construction industry is set to be redefined, with new construction-specific guidelines created to accompany new government procurement rules coming into force tomorrow.

Exclusive private healthcare plan available for CCNZ members

In an exciting new offering exclusive to all Civil Contractors New Zealand members, their staff and immediate families, a special private health insurance plan is now available to all CCNZ member businesses.

CCNZ members save more than $3m with n3

Civil Contractors New Zealand members saved more than $3 million in the last year alone through CCNZ’s partnership with n3’s trade discounts and on-account purchasing power. By using n3, members are continuing to cut business costs year after year, with a 49 per cent increase in savings on the previous year.

Civil construction’s top training initiatives named

Civil construction companies from Christchurch and Wellington were the big winners in the national Civil Contractors New Zealand Connexis Company Training and Development Awards, presented on 2 August to recognise commitment of businesses to ongoing professional development for staff.

Clearer work programme critical for NZ infrastructure

The civil construction industry is eagerly awaiting ‘record spending’ on three waters, public transport and road safety improvements to bring financial certainty and stability so it can work towards overcoming New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit.

Doug the Digger receives national Service Award

Northland’s Doug the Digger (aka Alistair McIntyre) received a national Service Award for his role in helping young people learn the skills to operate excavators and start careers in civil construction. The award was presented at a dinner attended by more than 450 industry leaders and business owners on 2 August at the Civil Contractors New Zealand

Passion for civil construction inspires young leaders

An Otago site supervisor, a Christchurch foreman and a Wellington Environmental Advisor received awards for industry leadership on 2 August at the Z People Awards, held at Rotorua’s Blue Baths during the Civil Contractors New Zealand ‘Navigating the Future’ Conference.

Winners named in peak civil construction awards

A record-breaking pipeline in Auckland, a Napier roading upgrade to make a busy intersection safe, an Auckland wastewater station and a stormwater restoration in Wellington were amongst the winners of the 41st CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence awards in Rotorua on 2 August.

Conference to explore future of NZ civil construction

The state of New Zealand’s civil construction industry, workforce and technology will be discussed at a panel discussion featuring senior industry leaders at the Civil Contractors New Zealand’s Navigating the Future conference and expo in Rotorua on Friday 2 August.

Five CCNZ positions up for election

Our CCNZ Executive Council rotation means we have five positions up for election in 2019. The term of office of Colin Calteaux, James Craw and Stephen Delaney expire at the 2019 AGM and they have all advised that they intend to seek re-election. There is also a vacancy created by Tommy Parker’s resignation earlier this year.

Competition finds Waikato and Bay of Plenty’s top excavator operators

Strong final day performances helped Waikato’s Mike Bowe and Bay of Plenty’s Brandon Crowley scoop their respective regional titles at the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Excavator Operator Competition.

CCNZ contributes to local government workshops

Improving procurement processes can make councils a “client of choice” and benefit their staff, the communities they serve, and the contractors they work with. That’s the message CCNZ Chief Executive Peter Silcock gave in a video interview that will be screened at a series of local government workshops being run by the Road Efficiency Group.

New Commission key to healthy infrastructure industry

The draft New Zealand Infrastructure Commission/Te Waihanga Bill is a positive step towards better and more efficient infrastructure planning and investment on a national scale but needs fine-tuning to be successful in its objectives, say New Zealand’s civil contractors.

Better infrastructure planning welcome

The release of a prototype Infrastructure Pipeline to forecast major projects being delivered by Central Government agencies has been welcomed by New Zealand’s civil construction sector as a move towards better infrastructure planning.

Construction Sector Accord a long-term commitment

A New Zealand Construction Sector Accord was announced on Sunday by five ministers, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, signalling long-term commitment between government and industry to collaborate on key work areas for a healthy construction sector.

Vocational education needs change

The civil construction industry says the Government’s proposed Reform of Vocational Education has potential to fix longstanding issues with vocational training and education, despite needing careful management and more recognition of on-job training.

VIDEO: Highlights from the 25th National Excavator Operator Competition

See the action from the 25th National Excavator Operator Competition, held at Manfeild Park in Feilding from 15-16 March 2019.

Riki Lum wins 25th national excavator competition

Riki Lum was named the winner of the National Excavator Operator Competition at an awards dinner on Saturday night following two days of intense competition against the country’s regional champion excavator operators at Central Districts Field Days in Feilding.

Manawatu digger driver to take on NZ’s best

Palmerston North man Jim Beamsley will don his hard hat and climb into the cab of a 12-tonne digger next week when he represents Manawatu at the National Excavator Operator Competition in Feilding.

Meet our National Excavator Operator Competition finalists

New Zealand’s ten champion regional excavator operators will board their excavators and battle it out at the 25th annual National Excavator Operator Competition, held at Central Districts Field Days in Feilding from 14-16 March 2019.

2019 Construction Industry Survey – speak up for your sector

This annual survey is commissioned by Civil Contractors New Zealand and Teletrac Navman, and gauges the big issues for New Zealand’s civil construction companies. Make your voice heard before 25 May 2019 and automatically go in the draw for one of five $100 Prezzy cards!

Arrow’s downfall reflects high risk of construction

The voluntary administration of Arrow International (NZ) announced today will impact not just on the employees of the company and its clients, but the wider network of contractors and subcontractors who supported its construction projects.

CCNZ issues new traffic control publications

Civil Contractors New Zealand has issued new publications, the Manual Traffic Controllers’ Handbook and the Speed Management Handbook.

Infrastructure Commission welcome

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomes a Government proposal to create Te Waihanga – The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission as the new Autonomous Crown Entity to deliver long term strategy and coordination of infrastructure planning.

Government yet to fill gap in infrastructure pipeline

Short-term gaps in the infrastructure pipeline are causing long-term headaches for the country’s civil infrastructure contractors, who have criticised a vague forward work programme that sees roading projects down nearly three billion dollars in the next two years.

Government yet to fill gap in infrastructure pipeline

Short-term gaps in the infrastructure pipeline are causing long-term headaches for the country’s civil infrastructure contractors, who have criticised a vague forward work programme that sees roading projects down nearly three billion dollars in the next two years.

Water review needs coherent leadership

Recognising a need for change in New Zealand’s water industry is a small step closer to addressing issues with decaying water infrastructure, but coherent leadership from central government will be needed to make a change, say New Zealand’s contractors.

Water review needs coherent leadership

Recognising a need for change in New Zealand’s water industry is a small step closer to addressing issues with decaying water infrastructure, but coherent leadership from central government will be needed to make a change, say New Zealand’s contractors.

Toomer-Reti takes second Auckland REOC title

Jason Toomer-Reti of ICB Retaining & Construction was named the Auckland region’s best excavator operator last night after an intense three-day competition against more than thirty of Auckland’s top excavator operators.

New and improved Taranaki REOC a hit

The Taranaki CCNZ Branch delivered its first Regional Excavator Operator Competition in seven years on 11 November.

CCNZ farewells Life Member June Margan

Civil Contractors New Zealand farewells Life Member June Margan, who passed away on 25 October at age 94.

Contractors look to technology to overcome workforce woes

New information released from NZ’s civil construction industry shows civil contractors are increasingly looking to adopt new technologies, with 77 per cent looking to technology to help them increase labour productivity.

CCNZ farewells Past President Jim Hardie

Civil Contractors New Zealand farewells past President Jim Hardie, who passed away on 12 September 2018.

Land Transport Programme on the road to change

Civil Contractors New Zealand says the release of the New Zealand Transport Agency’s 2018-21 National Land Transport Programme on 31 August has confirmed what has been known for some time – the Government intends to increase its investment in infrastructure, and is committed to a large-scale shift in priorities.

Civil Contractors welcomes new infrastructure entity

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomed today’s announcement from Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Shane Jones that a new independent infrastructure entity would be established to improve government oversight into the infrastructure and civil construction industry.

CCNZ President and Executive Council welcomed

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomed new President Tim Ford on the big stage following his election at the Annual General Meeting.

CCNZ’s top 10 highlights from Smarter Together 2018

Smarter Together 2018 ran from 1-4 August at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton. This joint Civil Contractors New Zealand and Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand conference had many highlights, but we have put together a top 10 list of CCNZ staff members’ favourite conference moments for you.

Awards for emerging leaders, stars in training

A Christchurch construction manager responsible for two company divisions, an Auckland roading foreman heading multiple teams at 23, and contractors from the Bay of Plenty, Canterbury and the Waikato received leadership and development awards today at the Z People Awards and Connexis Training Development Awards, held at the CCNZ Conference.

Water treatment plant takes contractors’ top award

A major upgrade to Auckland’s main water treatment plant in Mangere took top honours at the Civil Contractors New Zealand’s (CCNZ) national awards in Hamilton last night. Other awards went to projects across the country ranging from the Chatham Islands to the banks of the Waikato River.

Focus on lowest cost undermining major infrastructure projects

The construction industry is under strain to build a record amount of infrastructure on thin margins, but issues in the procurement phase could destabilise the construction industry and set these large-scale projects up to fail.

Forecast shows national infrastructure pipeline needs work

Kiwi civil contractors warn that while a recent construction forecast looks to steady the ship, the current course risks an underwhelming response to major challenges and losing talent to a booming overseas infrastructure markets.

Minister to introduce EPIC infrastructure careers campaign

More gamers, trampers and sportspeople may soon be building and maintaining New Zealand’s vital water, roading and energy networks, thanks to a careers promotion platform designed to inspire career seekers and bring diversity to the infrastructure workforce.

Record attendance at Otago awards

A record 320 guests attended the 69th Civil Contractors New Zealand Otago Branch Annual General Meeting and Dinner in Dunedin on Friday 29 June. The event was held at the Commerce Building in Dunedin, and included the 2018 Hynds Otago Construction Awards.

Civil contractors warn of construction gap in Government transport policy

New Zealand’s civil contractors have welcomed a record level of investment in transport, but expressed concern at a medium-term construction gap in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport which risks losing Kiwi civil construction capability and capacity to overseas markets.

2017 – The Year of Building Infrastructure Resilience

There are many lessons to be learned from the Kaikoura earthquakes. But the main one is the need for the public and private sectors to work together to build greater resilience into New Zealand’s infrastructure network.