Best NZ engineering projects to be recognised

Best NZ engineering projects to be recognised at 50th annual awards

The Warkworth motorway, the Esk hydro power project near Napier and the Hagley Oval pavilion in Christchurch are among 28 major engineering projects vying for recognition at the 50th annual Association of Consulting and Engineering Professionals of New Zealand awards in Christchurch on August 1.

The association’s awards have highlighted the engineering achievements of many of the greatest projects in New Zealand’s recent engineering history. They include landmarks such as the Britomart Transport Centre in Auckland, Wairakei Geothermal, the Sky Tower, the Westpac Trust Stadium in Christchurch and the USAR Specialists’ Response to the Christchurch earthquake.

The highway from Auckland to Wellsford is regarded as one of the most significant stretches of roads in New Zealand. Consultants Jacobs NZ is planning the 18.5km motorway extension to Warkworth in the first stage of the scheme. The New Zealand Transport Agency is not only highly satisfied with the work, but also in its firm belief in the wider benefits achievable for the nation. The model is being used on other agency project delivery.

The Esk hydro project scheme inland from Napier is remote and was difficult to access up steep and unstable terrain. To enhance the viability of the project Jacobs provided minimal roading access, and detailed geotechnical investigations were restricted to dam sites, power houses and only where considered necessary for penstocks with engineers, clients and contractors working in an informal risk sharing arrangement.

Cosgroves Ltd were the building services engineers for the Hagley Oval Pavilion project in Christchurch. The fire design required innovative solutions to address the unusual fabric tent design, the multi-use activity and high occupant densities. The design solutions also needed to consider tight project budgets, programme constraints and the new fire code.

The Hagley Pavilion includes a double layer of open roof fabric that presents compliance difficulties including surface finish limitations for spread of fire, challenging placement of fire detection systems, and protection of systems against environmental effects such as wind and external moisture. It was critical during the recent Cricket World Cup.

Other finalists include the New Zealand Blood Service South Island Centre, the Picton Waste Water Outfall Project, the New Plymouth Waste Water Plant, Knox Church in Christchurch and the Victoria University Campus Hub.

Association of Consulting and Engineering Professionals of New Zealand chief executive Kieran Shaw says this year’s conference and awards recognise the significant impact of projects over the last 50 years.

“It is important that we recognise the enormous contribution engineers have made to society, the economy, the infrastructure and the wellbeing of most nations in the world. Today we rely on good engineering in relation to every aspect of our daily routines: water, roading buildings and electricity infrastructure.”

“Over the past 50 years, consulting engineers have had to deal with huge challenges in order to deliver to the needs of a rapidly changing society. Engineering is now just as much about mitigating large risks, cost control, engagement and consultation with local communities, sustainability and resilience, specialist project management skills and computer modelling.”

“These projects in the built and natural environment have contributed greatly to New Zealand engineering over the last five decades. Our members make up around 95 per cent of New Zealand’s consulting engineers and almost all of the infrastructure design industry involving 10,000 employees. We reach an extensive network within our industry and work closely with private and public sector leaders,” Shaw says.

ENDS

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