Central Interceptor wins top NZ construction award

Civil Contractors New Zealand has named the winners of its national construction excellence awards, recognising infrastructure projects across six categories.

The top prize, for projects valued at more than $100 million, went to the Central Interceptor Main Works in Auckland, delivered for Watercare by the Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture.

With a budget of $1.6 billion, it is New Zealand's largest wastewater scheme and includes a 16.2km wastewater tunnel. Built using the tunnel-boring machine Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the tunnel runs as deep as 110 metres below Auckland.

The project is intended to reduce wastewater overflows into Auckland's beaches and waterways by up to 80 per cent. Judges described it as an "outstanding" entry, highlighting its wider impact on the construction sector and local communities.

"Through training, development, and the introduction of new people into the industry, the team helped build construction capability while also delivering positive social and economic outcomes for local communities. For its careful planning, resilient delivery, practical innovation, client focus, and lasting social value, the Central Interceptor Main Works Project is a worthy winner," the judges said.

Range of winners

Another part of the same Auckland wastewater programme won the category for projects valued between $5 million and $20 million. Seipp Construction took the award for a confluence chamber at the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant that merges flows from existing interceptors into the Central Interceptor tunnel.

The judges said the contractor used construction methods and value engineering that saved both time and millions of dollars, calling the outcome an "exceptional result".

In the $20 million to $100 million category, HEB Construction won for a section of Te Whau Pathway linking the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve in Te Atatū South. The project included a 1.35km boardwalk built above a tidal estuary along a historic Māori portage route.

To deliver the work, HEB Construction developed a travelling gantry known as Te Kowhai Nui, allowing crews to build above the mangroves without disturbing the sensitive environment below. Judges said the project stood out for its use of Building Information Modelling and lean construction methods, which supported coordination and delivery.

Downer won the $2 million to $5 million category for coastal resilience work at Hataitai Beach on Wellington's Evans Bay Cycleway. The project included a seawall designed to protect a key transport corridor and support the city's cycleway network.

"This project stands out as a fitting example of how an innovative contractor can drive better outcomes when working in a functional collaborative environment creating a win-win-win situation for the contractor, client and the ratepayer," the judges said.

Pipeline & Civil won the under $2 million category for rehabilitation of the Paremuka Dam Culvert in Henderson, Auckland. The work involved repairing a deteriorating culvert beneath a KiwiRail railway line and dam, while meeting Auckland Council environmental and biosecurity objectives.

Maintenance award

HEB Construction also won the award for Excellence in the Maintenance and Management of Assets for its six-year roading maintenance partnership with Selwyn District Council. Judges noted consistently high scores across key performance indicators under the contract.

They also cited innovations introduced under the partnership, including AI-powered road condition monitoring and what was described as the first use of rubber chipseal in the Southern Hemisphere.

Alan Pollard, Chief Executive of Civil Contractors New Zealand, said the winning projects reflected the expertise within the sector.

"The work of civil contractors has an immensely positive impact on society. These projects will safeguard our communities for generations to come by building resilience, supporting our economy and protecting our environment," Pollard said.

Several other schemes were highly commended. In the $2 million to $5 million category, Pipeline & Civil was recognised for piling work at Akoranga Reserve in Northcote, while Fulton Hogan was commended for replacing the Rua O Te Whenua radar and communication towers in the Waitākere Ranges.

In the $5 million to $20 million category, Fulton Hogan was commended for the SH60 Tākaka Hill remediation in Abel Tasman National Park and Downer for the Wellington International Airport Runway EMAS project. In the $20 million to $100 million group, March Construction was recognised for the Canterbury Museum redevelopment and MAP Projects for the Otawere Water Storage Reservoir.

McConnell Dowell was highly commended in the over $100 million category for the Auckland City Hospital Central Plant and Tunnel project. In maintenance and asset management, Fulton Hogan was recognised for the Auckland South Urban Maintenance Super Weekends programme and Downer for the New Plymouth Infrastructure Partnership.

Individual honours were also presented. Service Awards went to former Contractor Magazine editor Alan Titchall and roading engineering specialist Dr Bryan Pidwerbesky. The Major Associate Award went to Hirepool.