Remarkable projects futureproofing Hamilton’s airport, connecting roading for a major residential development and supporting the New Zealand Defence Force were recognised on Friday at the Waikato Civil Contractors New Zealand Hynds Construction Awards 2026.
Hundreds of people from across the Waikato civil construction industry gathered at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton for a black-tie dinner and awards evening to celebrate the dedication and technical excellence behind the region’s critical infrastructure.
Work completing the final section of Whatukooruru Drive in Peacocke, southern Hamilton, won Schick Civil Construction the Supreme Award, as well as the award for projects valued over $20M. The company’s development of the Southern Links transport network – a Road of National Significance – unlocked access to the new Peacocke residential area with 700m of road, a bridge, water infrastructure, as well as shared paths and cycle ways.
Judges Simon Payne and Dave Connell said Schick Civil Construction’s collaboration with client Hamilton City Council and its selection of subcontractors with shared values delivered a “well-executed and successful project for all parties”, two months ahead of schedule.
Specialist engineering and civil construction company Brian Perry Civil was also a standout on the night, securing the award for projects valued between $1M and $5M for its recent work reinstating full access on State Highway 2 through Karangahake Gorge. Severe rainfall in January caused multiple slips on the route, but with Brian Perry Civil’s support, access to both lanes was fully restored within a tight three-month window.
Judges praised Brian Perry Civil’s experience and innovation, which they said led client New Zealand Transport Authority to be “impressed by the high quality and pace of the project”.
Brian Perry Civil also took out the award for projects valued between $5M and $10M for its Waiouru Wash Point project to construct a military vehicle cleaning station for the New Zealand Defence Force. Innovative use of 3D excavator imaging and hydrovac technology, plus good communication, all contributed to a 96 per cent client satisfaction rating.
The award for projects valued between $10M and $20M was won by CB Civil for its Ranfurly Gully wastewater upgrade project for Hamilton City Council, which reduced the likelihood of blockages and overflow into a nearby stream. The judges noted the project’s positive environmental impact and the “exceptional” feedback it received from stakeholders.
Apex Water won a Merit Award in the same award category for its work upgrading Raglan Wastewater Treatment Plant using innovative membrane bioreactor technology to replace outdated oxidation ponds and improve treatment standards. The technology employs fine filtration membranes to trap suspended solids and biomass within the bioreactor so they can be processed efficiently.
Fulton Hogan’s Taxiway Bravo Widening project at Hamilton Airport won the award for projects valued under $1M. The project was delivered on time, which was critical to allow international flights to resume on schedule at the airport.
Downer received the Health & Safety Award for its Kūaotunu Hill Retaining project, with judges commending it for accumulating over 18,000 hours without any lost time incidents under challenging ground, traffic and climate conditions.
The people awards celebrated rising stars in the region, with Zane Solomon winning the Apprentice of the Year Award and Thomas Kei the Emerging Leader Award. Established local professionals were also recognised as Lana Sheerin was named Engineer of the Year, while Michael Clayton received the Outstanding Individual Award.
CCNZ Waikato Branch Chair Sam Hooper Smith said the winning projects showcased how civil contractors’ work benefitted local communities and helped the region grow.
“From critical cyclone recovery work in the Coromandel to cutting-edge wastewater treatment in Raglan, these outstanding projects evidence the range of capability in our industry and the ingenuity and expertise of its people.”
The Waikato CCNZ Branch Hynds Construction Awards 2026 was sponsored by Hynds, Hirepool, Carters, Holcim, Downer, HEB Construction, Brian Perry Civil, McConnell Dowell, IMPAC, Spartan Construction, GPIL, Waikato Post Ramming and CCNZ Waikato Branch.
This year’s winners
Category One – sponsored by Carters: Construction Projects Valued Under $1M
Winner: Fulton Hogan for Hamilton Airport’s Taxiway Bravo Widening project.
Category Two – sponsored by GPIL: Construction Projects Valued Between $1M and $5M
Winner: Brian Perry Civil for the SH2 Karangahake Gorge Slip Repairs project.
Category Three – sponsored by Spartan Construction: Construction Projects valued between $5M and $10M
Winner: Brian Perry Civil for the Waiouru Wash Point project.
Category Four – sponsored by Holcim: Construction Projects valued between $10M and $20M
Winner: CB Civil for the Ranfurly Gully wastewater upgrade project.
Category Five – sponsored by McConnell Dowell: Construction Projects valued over $20M
Winner: Schick Civil Construction for the Peacocke Whatukooruru Drive project in southern Hamilton.
Merit award: Apex Water for the Raglan Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project.
Health and Safety Award – sponsored by HEB Construction
Winner: Downer for the Kūaotunu Hill Retaining project.
Supreme Award – sponsored by Hynds
Winner: Schick Civil Construction for the Peacocke Whatukooruru Drive project in southern Hamilton.
Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Waikato Post Ramming
Zane Solomon, HEB Construction.
Emerging Leader Award – sponsored by Brian Perry Civil
Thomas Kei, HEB Construction.
Engineer of the Year – sponsored by Downer
Lana Sheerin, Connell Contractors.
Outstanding Individual – sponsored by Hirepool
Michael Clayton, Brian Perry Civil