Civil construction excellence took centre stage on Friday night (7 November) at the Civil Contractors New Zealand Canterbury Westland Hynds and Tech5 Recruitment Contractor of the Year Awards 2025, held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
CCNZ Canterbury Westland Chair Harley Haywood said the occasion brought together hundreds of industry figures to celebrate the region’s top infrastructure and people at a black-tie evening he described as “the Oscars of the local civil infrastructure industry”.
The event featured 20 categories of awards honouring the people and companies that have delivered exceptional projects and made a positive difference to communities across the region.
National civil construction company HEB Construction was a big winner on the night, securing a haul of awards including one for projects with a value of up to $1M award for the Colombo and Gloucester Street Upgrade in Christchurch, and an award for projects with a value of $5M to $10M for the Bridge 89 replacement on the West Coast.
Its achievement in winning this year’s Supreme Award capped off a remarkable evening for the standout company, which also won the Environmental Award and Health & Safety Award.
“[HEB is] a company which is building great infrastructure for New Zealand, developing people and creating a positive reputation for both themselves and the wider infrastructure industry within the community,” the judging panel of Brian Warren, Graeme McNicholl and Woody Blakely said.
Isaac Construction also had a strong showing, winning four awards. That included recognition for its high-profile Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project, which saw the company reconfigure roads, upgrade wastewater systems and watermains, and landscape areas around the under-construction 30,000-capacity One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement and completion of the work months ahead of schedule secured Isaac Construction the award for projects with a value of more than $10M, plus the Community Image Award.
The event’s ‘people awards’ categories showcased inspiring stories of achievement and dedication.
Naci Namata from Isaac Construction won the Personal Improvement Award after leaving a steady job as a police officer in Fiji to pursue a civil engineering qualification career in New Zealand.
Judges Emily Peacock from EPIC Recruitment and Hilary Pheloung from R and B Cartage Ltd were impressed with how Namata worked his way up through the civil industry ranks, while demonstrating “unwavering commitment” to excel at his studies.
Adam Green from ARC Projects took out the Emerging Leader Award. Judges recognised him as a “solid all-rounder” who progressed from part-time labouring while studying commerce to becoming a site engineer, demonstrating “passion and determination” for the industry and clear leadership ability.
Industry veterans Brian Warren and Paul Taggart were honoured with the Outstanding Service Award and Branch Life Membership respectively, recognising decades of much-valued contribution to Canterbury Westland's civil construction industry.
Sam Burleigh’s win at the local Regional Excavator Operator Competition in October was also celebrated. The victory at the regional competition earns the Thompsons Engineering 2002 employee the prestige of representing Canterbury Westland at the national finals in March 2026.
Haywood said the calibre of entries this year demonstrated the depth of capability within Canterbury Westland's civil construction industry.
“From complex bridge replacements to major urban roading infrastructure upgrades, our contractors have continued to deliver projects that transform communities while setting new benchmarks for safety, environmental stewardship and technical capability.”
Winners - 2025
Category A: projects with a value of up to $1M (members with a turnover of less than $10M) – sponsored by Geosynthetic Partners International Ltd (GPIL)
Winner: Smith Crane and Construction for the Rakaia Labyrinth Weir project, Canterbury
Judges’ citation: “The precision engineering required to make the moulds for the precast labyrinth weir panels was exceptional, with tolerances of half a degree for the inter-panel connecting bend and 1.5mm for height. The design panel thickness of only 150mm with a single layer of reinforcing necessitated great care with slinging and cartage to the remote Rakaia riverbed. On-site challenges were no simpler with the same dimensional tolerances for construction but adding a two-hour travel time for concrete trucks and a much harsher working environment. Smith Crane and Construction were more than equal to these issues and presented Central Plains Water with a high quality, resilient intake structure.”
Highly commended: ARC Projects – Glendhu Bay Irrigation Pump Station project
Category B: projects with a value of up to $1M (members with a turnover of more than $10M) – sponsored by R and B Cartage Ltd.
Winner: HEB Construction for the Colombo & Gloucester Street Upgrade, Christchurch
Judges’ citation: “As with all CBD sites this project faced multiple challenges including a tight programme linked to the official opening of the new Court Theatre, maintaining access for the building contractors, political pressures, traffic and pedestrian management and an ever-expanding scope of works. The young project team proved more than capable of controlling their contract and delivered an excellent finished product as well as supporting the community by repurposing surplus street furniture. The client was very happy with the collaborative approach undertaken on this project resulting in success for all parties. The end result will be enjoyed by the people of Christchurch well into the future.”
Category C: projects with a value of $1M to $5M (members with a turnover of less than $10M) – sponsored by HEB Construction
Winner: Moore Construction for the Mangaone Stream Retaining Wall Works, Palmerston North
Judges’ citation: “This contract shows the value of a well-presented website when Horizons Regional Council made a cold call inviting Moore Construction to tender for a complex stream-retaining-wall project in Palmerston North. Successful award of the job commenced logistical, technical and staffing challenges, mobilising to the North Island. Working collaboratively with their concrete supplier the contractor was able to overcome local resourcing issues in achieving the desired concrete mix for the piling application. Using clever technology, smart methodology and meticulous planning improved productivity and successfully managed working in the high-risk flash-flood waterway.
Supporting the local economy by using local sub-contractor resources and suppliers wherever possible and providing a great hands-on experience opportunity by employing a local graduate engineer for the project duration helped integrate the out-of-town contractor into the local community.”
Category D: projects with a value of $1M to $5M (members with a turnover of more than $10M) – sponsored by Hirepool
Winner: Isaac Construction for the Aldwins-Ensors-Ferry Intersection Upgrade, Christchurch
Judges’ citation: “Set in one of Christchurch’s busiest intersections, this contract was a logistically challenging project. It involved a complete intersection upgrade, including full excavation to accommodate a 200 mm concrete sub-base, road reconstruction, new streetlights, traffic signals and drainage upgrades. Staging and pre-planning, together with sound methodologies, were the key to success. Early enabling works were completed during three consecutive night-works. By engaging early with businesses and residents, alongside collaboration with the council, the closing of this intersection was made possible.
This closure resulted in $2.5M worth of work being completed in seven days without damage to a shallow heritage brick-barrel structure, as well as contending with congested underground multi-services throughout the intersection. This seven-day 24-hour operation was completed ahead of time, on budget, with an outstanding end result for all concerned.”
Highly commended: Seipp Construction – Bridge 72 Timber Trestle Replacement, North Canterbury
Category E: projects with a value of $5M to $10M – sponsored by McConnell Dowell
Winner: HEB Construction for the Bridge 89 replacement project, Arnold River, West Coast
Judges’ citation: “What seemed straightforward at first, KiwiRail Bridge 89 quickly proved otherwise. During early piling works, rare glacial-till material was discovered, prompting a redesign of the pile foundations. With the block-of-line scheduled and the contractor already working on site, halting the project for a redesign was not a viable option for the stakeholder. Instead, HEB worked closely with KiwiRail to develop a contractor-led redesign while construction continued. Temporary and permanent works progressed alongside real-time design approvals from engineers. This was a high-risk, complex, technical piling project, situated over a volatile river. Despite the complexity, HEB delivered the project through strong communication, innovation, and a collaborative approach, ensuring the successful completion of a highly challenging bridge build.”
Category F: projects with a value of more than $10M – sponsored by Commercial Vehicle Holdings
Winner: Isaac Construction for the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project, Christchurch
Judges’ citation: “Projects don’t often come with as high a public profile as reconstructing the streets surrounding the new Te Kaha stadium. With all eyes: political, surrounding businesses, commuters, community as a whole, stadium contractors and client Christchurch City Council (CCC) fully focused on them, Isaac Construction was determined to create a positive legacy.
Particular attention was paid to all surrounding businesses with face-to-face meetings detailing proposed methodologies and timelines. This interactive process provided valuable buy-in and gave everyone a ‘real person’ to contact. A specific project website and text group were established ensuring everyone had real-time information throughout the project. With over 100 staff on site working on multiple work fronts on any given day, this emphasis on communication really made a difference. The project was completed to a very high standard several months ahead of CCC’s programme.”
Highly commended: HEB Construction – Waltham Mechanical Hub Remediation
Personal Improvement Award – sponsored by EPIC Recruitment
Winner: Naci Namata from Isaac Construction
Judges’ citation: “Naci’s personal story of moving to New Zealand from a secure role as a police officer in Fiji, with a dream of a better future for his family, starting out labouring, growing up through the ranks of civil works as his abilities and efforts were noticed. He then studied, getting up at 3am to be in the office every day to study before work, all with a toll on his family life and work-life balance, in order to pursue his dream of a Level 6 Civil Engineering Diploma. Undergoing the extensive maths improvement program, he excelled to a level that he was entered directly into Engineering Maths 1 course, bypassing the introduction course.
He is well on his way to achieve his dream and is working on-site with the survey team gaining practical experience that will help when he ultimately achieves his aspiration to be a project engineer. His unwavering commitment to achieve his dreams and put in the effort required is remarkable.”
Emerging Leader Award – sponsored by R and B Cartage Ltd.
Winner: Adam Green from ARC Projects
Judges’ citation: “Adam started in a labouring role whilst studying for his degree in commerce. Adam found a passion in civil construction and over time begun down the path of civil engineering, completing his Diploma of Civil Engineering. The progression from part-time labouring to a site engineer through his own passion and motivation, which developed as he has progressed in both upskilling by study and also by maturity, was inspiring and motivating for anyone starting out in any level in the civil construction industry. Adam shows an intimate understanding of what it is like from the ground up showing both practical and emotional relatability for the teams he leads and individuals he interacts with, and is personable and level-headed and is a solid all-rounder and leader who we are confident will continue to climb in his career. “
Highly commended: Achuth Ajayaghosh from Higgins
CCNZ Canterbury Westland Branch Outstanding Service Award
Winner: Brian Warren
Judges’ citation: “The Outstanding Service Award recognises someone who gives back to our industry not for recognition, but because they genuinely love what they do. It’s for the people who go above and beyond – who put in the time, take on challenges, and support others without ever expecting anything in return.
This year’s recipient is exactly that kind of person. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen him turn down a challenge or a task. He’s been a huge contributor to our branch for more than 20 years, and he’s still going strong. From his time as Branch Chair, to CCNZ President, and now into his so-called retirement, he’s always been there – leading from the front, supporting others, and helping to shape the industry we’re all part of.
Every year he leads the charge in judging our branch awards, and you can see how much he enjoys it – recognising great work, celebrating success, and encouraging others to lift the bar. He’s also someone who’s always up for a yarn and always willing to share advice. He represents everything this award stands for – passion, commitment, generosity, and genuine care for the people in our industry.”
CCNZ Canterbury Westland Branch Life Membership Award
Paul Taggart from Taggart Earthmoving Ltd
Judges’ citation: “He grew up in the industry. At just nine years old, he was helping his old man with truck tyres on Saturday afternoons. Not long after, he was driving a Cat 922B loader out of the river to park it up for the night. And by the time he was 14, he was towing a 1500-litre diesel tank in a Ford Escort van to a job up at Arthur’s Pass – part of a convoy alongside a couple of Terex scrapers. That’s a fair start.
After leaving school in 1979, he kicked off a heavy diesel apprenticeship. By ’83, he was an A-grade mechanic and spent the next 12 years out on the tools – mainly in field service. He loved being on site, catching up with the crew, solving problems, and getting stuck in. Long days, open cabs, hard work, good banter. He thrived in it.
Then in 1991, things shifted. The company’s only project manager quit suddenly – in the middle of their first ever million job. That night, he got a call from his mum: ‘You’re the new PM’. No warm-up, no handover – just straight into the deep end. The next day, it was overalls off, plans out, and he was into it. He barely knew how to read the drawings, but he figured it out. Got the job done. And from that moment on, he was on a new path.
From project manager to operations manager to CEO – he took the business from a solid mid-sized contractor to a Tier 2 company working across Canterbury and beyond. He led the rebrand, moved the team into new offices and a new yard, and oversaw major growth.
But what really stands out is the way he’s supported others along the way. He’s always been big on training and mentoring. He genuinely loves seeing people grow in confidence and take that next step. He’s given a heap of time to CCNZ training initiatives and internal development in his own business. He’s the kind of leader who backs people – but only if they’re willing to put in the work. He’ll tell you himself, you can train all you like, but people have to want it for it to stick.
He’s also served the branch directly – not once, but twice – on the Canterbury Westland Committee. First back in the early 2000s, and again more recently from 2020 through to 2023. He’s always been one to roll up his sleeves, get involved, and do what’s needed to support the wider industry.
As a leader, he’s solid. He owns his mistakes, deals with his problems, and expects others to do the same. And like a lot of us here, he knows what makes this industry special – it’s the people. You can go toe-to-toe in the tender box one day and share a beer the next.”
CCNZ CablePrice Canterbury Westland Excavator Operator Competition
Winner: Sam Burleigh from Thompson Engineering 2002
Community Image Award – sponsored by Smith Crane and Construction
Winner: Isaac Construction for the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project, Christchurch
Judges’ citation: “This high-profile contract was to transform the surrounding streets of the new ‘under construction’ Te Kaha Stadium. This included upgrading the end-of-life Three Waters assets, as well as renewing the surrounding streets to compliment the new stadium. To achieve this outcome, it required an extremely high level of planning and communication with the many stakeholders, road users, and the lead stadium building contractor. Meticulous traffic management planning and careful project staging, together with Isaac Construction’s emphasis on pro-active communication, started weeks before project commencement. This contributed to all street works being completed months ahead of programme, with an enhanced reputation of Isaac Construction’s strong communication with community stakeholders.”
Most Progressive Company Award – sponsored by Tend2Create
Winner: Utilities Infrastructure for the Scruton’s Road Pipeline project, Christchurch
Judges’ citation: “Building from an initial project last year, further works have recently been undertaken to increase the resilience of the Ferrymead lifeline services to Lyttleton. Special Kurimoto Seismic grade EPS joint pipe was imported from Japan for the project. Utilities Infrastructure NZ saw an opportunity to become the South Island’s preferred installer for this special seismic resilient pipe and flew specialist Japanese personnel into their depot and trained their staff. A future focused and progressive move.
Further upskilling opportunities were presented on the same project when contaminated ground was encountered. UINZ saw this as an opportunity and not a problem for someone else so added further depth to their business with more staff upskilling thus offering the client a one-stop-shop approach. This kept the project moving – avoiding costly delays. In another New Zealand first they utilised their trenchless pipe-ramming skills to install a ‘sleeve’ enabling the special EPS pipe to be installed under a stream and train tracks. Forward thinking, planning and consistent clean and tidy sites have ensured this business has a progressive future.”
Health and Safety Award – sponsored by Mitre 10 Trade Hornby, Papanui & Brougham St
Winner: HEB Construction for the Westport Wharf Repair project
Judges’ citation:” All contractors that entered in this year’s awards are to be congratulated with setting such a high bar for health and safety awareness, making this category the most challenging to choose a recipient.
The Westport wharf repair, constructed by HEB Construction, stood out for their health and safety consideration given to managing the access and movements on the existing hundred-year-old structure by other port users. The staging of works while the wharf was still in use, is a credit to HEB Construction’s health and safety management. The difficult installation of sheet piling and other temporary works while navigating many services, as well as the volatile Buller River within the working port, is also to be recognised.”
Training Award – sponsored by Connexis
Winner: CORDE
Judges’ citation: “CORDE exemplifies excellence in people development and workplace culture. With over 90% of staff engaged in training in 2025, CORDE’s commitment to growth is woven into every part of the business. Innovative programmes like Straight Up and CORDE Capable build confidence, communication and essential industry skills, while inclusive initiatives such as the bilingual, dyslexia-friendly CORDE HR reflect their dedication to accessibility and cultural respect. By investing in their people, CORDE has created a confident, capable, and connected workforce – setting the standard for training and leadership across the infrastructure industry.”
Supplier of the Year Award – sponsored by CORDE
Winner: Hirepool
Judges’ citation: “In recognition of their outstanding commitment to service, reliability and partnership, Hirepool has consistently gone above and beyond to support our employers and industry partners. Their responsiveness, innovative solutions and willingness to adapt to our needs have set them apart as an invaluable supplier. This award acknowledges their exceptional contribution, collaboration and unwavering support, which exemplify the highest standard of supplier excellence.”
Environmental Award – sponsored by EnviroCo
Winner: HEB Construction for the Waltham Mechanical Hub Remediation project, Christchurch
Judges’ citation: “In leading the consenting process HEB worked closely with Hale Consultants, undertook extensive site testing to accurately locate the various contaminated ground areas, and ensured workable consent conditions were achieved. Their detailed methodology saw materials with different contaminants worked through separate stockpiles and ultimately used in non-structural locations on site. Introducing stabilisation of poor subgrade greatly reduced additional excavation and imported fill volumes. The combination of these initiatives not only reduced the project cost by many millions of dollars but also saved tonnes of CO2 emissions by eliminating hundreds of truck movements. Extensive site testing ensured that all works met the agreed consent conditions. A real win for the environment.”
Innovation Award – sponsored by AB Equipment
Winner: Seipp Construction for the Bridge 72 Timber Trestle Replacement, North Canterbury
Judges’ citation: “The judges were impressed by the level of detail that had been undertaken in both the off-site planning and fabrication of the new steel bridge support structures for this project. Seipp Construction demonstrated good use of technical innovation using a 3D scanner to accurately measure the existing KiwiRail bridge structure. This enabled prefabrication of the new steel trestle piers and other earthquake-strengthening plates to tolerances within 1.5mm. No on-site adjustment was required. Further simple but effective innovation was demonstrated by fabricating a small gantry-crane system using steel beams and a block-and-tackle roller system to remove and replace the pier-cap beams. This was cost effective and removed the need for a crane on-site providing both savings and additional safety benefits. An excavator fitted with a bespoke lifting jib demonstrated further innovation.
Seipp has clearly demonstrated the use of technology to aid the construction of a complex and challenging project really reinforcing the ‘smarts’ being used in our industry. The project was completed ahead of time, in a remote location and working up to 17m above a stream.”
Underground Services Award – Sponsored by The Drug Detection Agency
Winner: Hunter Civil for the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit Rising Main at Martin Point.
Judges’ citation: “Not usually renowned for this type of work, Hunter Civil took on a difficult job that was overlooked by many others due to its’ perceived high volume of pipe lining and drilling, together with conventional pipelaying. This job involved many challenging aspects including; working along the edge of the estuary, tidal dewatering, changing ground conditions, restricted spaces, public interaction, tight time frames, state highway interaction, unforeseen contaminated ground, multiple services in small areas and culturally sensitive areas. These were just a few of the issues that had to be overcome. The job was completed and delivered to the client on time, resulting in a robust solution for their pumping requirements during peak wet weather flows.”
Contractor of the Year Supreme Award – sponsored by Pivot & Pace
Winner: HEB Construction
Judges’ citation: “Across projects of all sizes, complexities and disciplines this company demonstrated the breadth of their operations, the competence of their people and their desire to work with multiple clients in a best for project manner. Not only did their clients provide glowing references but a number of community groups made the effort to acknowledge the positive interactions with this company’s staff. Several locals were given project roles, which ultimately transitioned into full time employment.