The best of the Bay of Plenty’s civil construction projects and exceptional industry professionals were recognised at the 2024 Civil Contractors New Zealand Bay of Plenty Hynds Construction Awards, held at Classic Flyers Aviation Museum.
CCNZ Bay of Plenty Branch Secretary Kat Chantler said the event in Mt Maunganui on 11 October was a “huge success”, with 230 people attending, and a clear reminder of the important role the industry played in developing the Bay of Plenty’s civil infrastructure.
“Our regional awards have once again shone a spotlight on the incredible talent within BOP’s civil construction industry and showcased challenging projects that were delivered to impressive standards by standout contractors.
“The calibre of the award finalists this year was impressive – congratulations to them all. Their dedication to the craft of civil construction helps all of us lift our game and sets a benchmark of excellence to inspire others.”
Brian Perry Civil won the award for works valued at over $5m for delivering Project Burgundy, the construction of a cutting-edge board factory in Taupō for Fletcher Wood Products.
Work included demolishing 5,000m³ of old concrete foundations, extensive utility removal and building new plant and building foundations to help a factory destroyed by fire in 2006 to rise from the ashes.
The judges described the project as “large-scale … by footprint, complexity and value”. They noted meticulous planning, innovative methodologies, environmental considerations, smart use of materials, adaptability and problem-solving skills and people focus as deciding factors in the project’s win.
Fulton Hogan was also recognised in the ‘Projects over $5m’ category, with judges highly commending its work extending the Marine Parade coastal path in Mt Maunganui. The project had delivered an “outstanding facility to the community”, judges said.
Bay Civil took out the award for works valued between $1m and $5m for overcoming what the judges said were a “vast range of complex civil challenges” in a well-executed fashion when constructing a pump station to service The Sands town centre in Pāpāmoa.
Despite a well-laid plan, circumstances outside of the Bay Civil team’s control conspired against them, but with the right people for the job in place its team triumphed to deliver a noteworthy result. The project made such an impression on the judges that it also won the highly esteemed Supreme Award.
The award for works valued at under $1m was won by CB Civil for construction of a pontoon for the Bay of Plenty Rowing Club that makes it easier for rowers to get onto the water. CB Civil had been recommended to the club and proved its worth by working with the club to adjust the project scope to fit within the club’s budget.
The judges noted CB Civil’s brilliant execution and the clear appreciation of a pleased client.
The people behind Bay of Plenty’s civil infrastructure projects were celebrated as well, with HEB Construction sweeping the people awards with an impressive hat trick of wins.
Sian Anderson won the Woman in Civil Construction Award, Craig Higgins took out the Apprentice of the Year and their HEB colleague Tomasi Warren rounded off the hat trick by winning the Emerging Leader Award.
Chantler said HEB’s achievement was a remarkable testament to the culture the company nurtures and the quality of training and development it offers.
“There’s something in the water at HEB – I take my hat off to them.”
The judges noted consistent traits amongst the winners, including a dedication to personal development and career progression. All three winners were also clearly motivated by the positive effect their work had on the communities they served, the judges said.
This year’s winners
Category A: projects under $1m – sponsored by Hirepool
CB Civil for the Bay of Plenty Rowing Club pontoon project
Category B: projects between $1m and $5m – sponsored by Engaging Solutions
Bay Civil for The Sands pump station project
Category C: projects over $5m – sponsored by Geosynthetic Partners International (GPIL)
Brian Perry Civil for Project Burgundy Laminex board factory project
Woman In Civil Construction – sponsored by Sharp Tudhope
Sian Anderson of HEB Construction
Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Higgins
Craig Higgins from HEB Construction
Emerging Leader – sponsored by Success Group
Tomasi Warren of HEB Construction
Highly commended recipients
Category C: projects over $5m – sponsored by Geosynthetic Partners International (GPIL)
Highly commended: Fulton Hogan for Marine Parade coastal path project
Woman In Civil Construction – sponsored by Sharp Tudhope
Highly commended: Caitlin Tilley of CB Civil
Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Higgins
Highly commended: Shanye Bannik of Bridge it NZ
Emerging Leader – sponsored by Success Group
Highly commended: Danny Kayes of CB Civil
Thanks to our amazing sponsors
