Record entries for construction awards

Media Release – for immediate release

2 July 2010

Record entries for construction awards

A record number of entries have been received for the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation Hirepool Construction Awards.

Federation executive officer Malcolm Abernethy said the exceptional response reflected the resilience of the civil construction sector and its commitment to excellence despite the impact of the recession.

“There are certainly fewer private projects than usual among entrants this year,” said Mr Abernethy. “The bulk are projects carried out for local authority and government organisations.

“But what is very clear is that, despite having been among the hardest hit sectors, including in many cases, having to lay off staff, contractors have maintained the extremely high standards that characterise the New Zealand industry and are proud to put these projects through the rigorous scrutiny of the judging process.”
The awards have four categories, recognising excellence in civil construction projects carried out by New Zealand companies at home or abroad, with budgets ranging from below $500,000 to multi-million dollar schemes.

They range from an $111,000 Christchurch river enhancement scheme, to the $70m Dowse to Petone highway project in Wellington, Auckland’s $114m Project Hobson and the $130m Tauranga Harbour Link.

The team of judges, all highly experienced members of the civil construction industry, will visit all the projects, including a wharf-replacement in the Chatham Islands, between July 8 and 23. Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation’s annual conference in Nelson in August.

ENDS

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