New Project Manager For Waimarama Sanctuary

The fencing of the Nelson’s Brook Waimarama Sanctuary comes a step closer with the appointment of Opus International Consultants as project managers for the earthworks and construction of the 14km pest proof fence.

Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust (BWST) chairman Dave Butler said there was strong local and national interest in the tender, and he ‘couldn’t be happier’ with the deal struck with Opus. He said they won the tender with their ‘overall robust services’, which he said ranged from engineering expertise to contract management and quality assurance.

“Opus have long-standing knowledge of and relationships with the civil engineering and construction sectors and have offered to do the job at a hugely favourable rate in recognition of the merit and community values of the project,”

Dr Butler acknowledged that Opus has also provided in-kind support to the trust over the past six years, but emphasised the tender process was completely independent of that.

Alastair Wiffen, who has been one of the BWST trustees as well as being employed by Opus, will now step down from the trust board and take on the role of project manager.

“’Wiff’ is thoroughly familiar with the realities of fencing the hillside terrain – he led the effort to gain resource consent for the fence and there is no-one more qualified than he to oversee the project,” Dr Butler said.

Tony Jemmett, Manager of the Opus Nelson office said he was thrilled to partner with the BWST to move the sanctuary project forward for the Nelson community.

“It’s a project that ticks the boxes on so many levels,” he said. “It protects our biodiversity, it involves the community, it’s an educational resource and it will become a great tourist attraction for Nelson.”

The trust is now tendering for the earthworks and fence construction. Opus will provide advice in this process and will oversee the work of the two successful tenderers.

Fiona McLeod has been appointed as a new trustee to replace Alastair Wiffen on the BWST. She is an associate with local law firm Pitt and Moore and has extensive expertise in environmental, resource management and conservation law.

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