Wellington, Whangarei and Auckland projects win gold at 50th engineering excellence awards
August 1, 2015
The Lower Hatea River crossing in Whangarei, a new state of the art building at Middlemore hospital in Auckland and
Wellington’s Clyde Quay Wharf were the gold winners last night at the 50th annual NZ INNOVATE awards, organised by ACENZ
– the Association of Consulting and Engineering Professionals of New Zealand.
The three projects received the top accolades ahead of 25 other finalists from across New Zealand.
The annual INNOVATE NZ awards celebrate engineering excellence. Past winners include iconic sites such as the Britomart
Transport Centre in Auckland, Wairakei Geothermal development, the Sky Tower, the Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington
and the USAR Specialists’ Response to the Christchurch earthquake.
ACENZ chief executive Kieran Shaw says that many engineering projects are the platforms that modern society depends upon
but so often takes for granted. Two key roading projects – Waterview in Auckland and Transmission Gully in Wellington -
plus the completion of civic and community facilities in Christchurch are key projects in the next five years that will
help improve lifestyles for many New Zealanders.
The $30.4 million Hatea River Bridge project in Whangarei was recognised for the engineers’ tenacity very iterative design process and close collaboration with architects and builders. It is only New Zealand’s second bridge with a
lifting mid-section to enable boats to pass underneath. Judges said the 265-metre bridge exemplifies outstanding civil
construction, while showing that good design can include functionality and aesthetics.
Shaw says the bridge is helping to ease traffic congestion in the area. Community involvement was also a key driver with
more than 60 percent of the project's value spent locally." This investment provided significant stimulation to the
local economy.
In winning Gold for Manukau District Health Board’s Harley Gray building, Beca was praised by judges for their close
collaboration with hospital staff throughout design, and use of energy conserving modelling studies to achieve high
energy efficiency.
“The $124 million Harley Gray building at Middlemore hospital provides 14 new, state of the art operating theatre suites
and associated clinical services. Designed to the highest possible standards, this new heart of the hospital provides
space for future expansion,” Shaw says.
“The facility provides an enhanced experience for the patients, families and staff serving the people of South Auckland.
It was completed under budget and ahead of time, providing value for money with innovative, engineering solutions and
long-term durability.
“The third Gold Award went to Dunning Thornton for Wellington’s Clyde Quay Wharf project. This 100 year old, decaying
and earthquake prone passenger wharf was successfully converted into a stunning and high-value premium apartment complex
with vastly improved public access space.
“This exclusive redevelopment is located in an iconic and prominent position on Wellington harbour. The public reaction,
values achieved for the apartments, and the technical success of a submerged carpark without a single leak are
outstanding,” Shaw says.
The ACENZ judges’ selected Napier, Palmerston North, Warkworth, Auckland, Christchurch and Waikato projects for silver
awards. ACENZ members make up around 95 per cent of New Zealand’s consulting engineers and infrastructure design
industry, and represent about 10,000 employees. The association reaches an extensive network across business and
industry, and works closely with private and public sector leaders and policy makers.
The finalists and award winners were:
Gold
Counties Manukau District Health Board Harley Gray Building – Counties-Manukau
Lower Hatea River Crossing - Whangarei
Clyde Quay Wharf - Wellington
Silver
University of Auckland Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories
Cashin Quay 1 earthquake repairs - Christchurch
Waikato Expressway Huntly Section - Waikato
Ara Tuhono - Puhoi to Wellsford - Puhoi to Warkworth Planning Phase - Warkworth
Palmerston North City Council Digester upgrade – Palmerston North
Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) - Auckland
Esk River Hydro Power - Napier
Merit
Knox Church Rebuild - Christchurch
Project Rimu - Waikato
Trimble Navigation's Office - Christchurch
Hagley Oval Pavilion - Christchurch
Haven Road Substation - Nelson
Point Resolution Bridge - Auckland
Victoria University Campus Hub - Wellington
Finalists
Ballance Agri-Nutrients Acid Plant Deconstruction - Whangarei
Picton Wastewater Outfall - Picton
Waikato Expressway Ngaruawahia Section - Waikato River Bridge
Christchurch Mayoral Flood Taskforce - Christchurch
Hewitt Residence and Showhome - Christchurch
Young Hunter House - Christchurch
Mapua Wharf Wastewater Pump Station - Mapua
New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant – New Plymouth
Wynn Williams House - Christchurch
Cable Bay Road remediation – Cable Bay, Nelson
New Zealand Blood Service South Island Blood Centre – Christchurch
ends