Infrastructure Project Results

H T M L Code
National Category Winner:

Project: Air NZ Hangar 4

Entrant

NZ Strong Group Limited

Project Partners

Aecom (Civil Engineer/Electrical Engineer), Barnes Beagley Doherr (Quantity Surveyor), Dunning Thornton (Engineer), Holmes NZ LP (Structural Engineer), NZ Strong Group Limited (Construction Company), Studio Pacific Architecture (Architect/Designer), TSA Riley (Client Representative)

Owned By

Air New Zealand Limited

Spanning an extraordinary single timber structure, Air New Zealand’s Hangar 4 stands as the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, setting a national record for timber construction at this scale. Delivered within a live airport environment, the build required meticulous coordination around operational constraints, strict safety protocols, and challenging wind conditions. Prefabricated timber arch sections, each weighing 38 tonnes and assembled in 25-metre portions, were lifted into place using the country’s largest crawler crane, elevated on stilts to execute one of the most complex lift operations undertaken in New Zealand. Custom bracketry and prefabrication simplified on-site assembly while improving safety outcomes. Underground service pits eliminate surface cabling, maintaining a clean, high-performance workspace capable of supporting aircraft loads. Hangar 4 combines structural ambition, sustainability leadership, and technical precision in a landmark aviation facility.

Judges comments

The Air New Zealand Hangar 4 project delivered the largest single-span timber aircraft hangar in the Southern Hemisphere, with a building shape driven entirely by the operational needs of the aircraft it houses. Designed to accommodate one wide-body and two narrow-body jets at the same time, it is a highly practical and impressive solution. The 100-metre timber portals were a bold choice, offering both cost and maintenance advantages over steel, and their design and formation were standout achievements. The project also involved challenging site conditions, complex slab services, and advanced building systems designed for resilience and efficiency. With a 6 Star Green Star As Built rating in progress, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability.

 

Project: Chatham Islands Renewable Energy Project

Entrant

WSP NZ

Project Partners

Hunter Civil Ltd (Construction Company), WSP New Zealand (Civil Engineer/Structural Engineer)

Owned By

ChathamIslands Electricity Ltd

The Chatham Islands Renewable Energy Project delivered critical infrastructure to one of New Zealand’s most remote communities. Faced with isolation, limited resources, and harsh coastal conditions, the team developed a modular precast foundation system that eliminated the need for a local concrete plant or piling rig. Each wind turbine foundation was assembled on site and installed within a week, overcoming significant logistical constraints. The solution reduced embodied carbon by 20% compared with traditional foundations and supports a transition away from diesel generation, cutting emissions by approximately 1,300 tonnes each year. More than a technical achievement, the project improves the reliability and affordability of power for residents while establishing a scalable model for renewable infrastructure in remote regions of Aotearoa.

 

Project: Wai Kahua Waka Footbridge

Entrant

Currie Construction

Project Partners

Currie Construction (Construction Company), DC Structures Studio Ltd. (Civil Engineer), Eastbridge (Structural Engineer), Gisborne District Council (Client Representative)

Owned By

Gisborne District Council

The Wai Kahua Waka Footbridge transforms engineering constraints into a cultural landmark. When funding was slashed by half, Currie Construction reimagined the entire bridge concept in just ten days, proposing a single-span waka form that seamlessly blends structure and storytelling. Built on a narrow, heritage-listed site beside a live asbestos water main, the project demanded precision planning and exceptional safety management. Advanced modelling reduced steel weight by 40%, cutting 20 tonnes and lowering carbon impact. Laser-cut panels by artist Nick Tupara weave Ngati Oneone narratives into the bridge itself. Despite cyclones, COVID-19 and supply chain setbacks, the bridge was delivered on time, under budget, and with cultural integrity intact. It now stands as a bold expression of connection, resilience, and collaboration.

 

Project: Auckland Airport Transport Hub

Entrant

Icon Co Pty (NZ) Limited

Project Partners

Icon (Construction Company), Peddlethorp (Architect/Designer), TSA Riley (Client Representative)

Owned By

Auckland International Airport Ltd

Built beside an active terminal and taxiway, the Auckland Airport Transport Hub (TH01) demanded exceptional coordination from day one. Flooding during early works and strict aviation security added further pressure, yet the team delivered the project in 13 carefully staged portions without disrupting airport operations. More than a carpark, TH01 reshapes the airport arrival experience. Its 320-metre double-height pick-up and drop-off zone streamlines passenger movement at scale, while a 1.2MW rooftop solar array powers EV chargers and daily operations, helping secure New Zealand’s first Parksmart Gold certification. Over 43,000 native plants strengthen the landscape, and 7.4% of project spend supported Maori and Pasifika businesses. TH01 sets a confident benchmark for resilient, future-ready transport infrastructure.

 

Project: Sylvia Park Pedestrian Link Bridge

Entrant

Naylor Love

Project Partners

Engeo (Electrical Engineer), Harrison Grierson Consultants (Civil Engineer), Holmes NZ (Structural Engineer), Ignite Architects (Architect/Designer), Jensen Hughes (Engineer), Naylor Love Auckland (Construction Company), NDY (Electrical Engineer), Pragmatix (Project Manager), Rider Levett Bucknall Auckland (Quantity Surveyor)

Owned By

Kiwi Property Group Limited

This high-profile link bridge was delivered in one of New Zealand’s busiest environments, above live KiwiRail lines and within Sylvia Park’s active retail precinct. Prefabrication was central to reducing onsite risk, with modules assembled offsite and installed via overnight crane lifts. That success hinged on 18 months of early collaboration between the client, design teams, engineers, and contractors. Together, they developed an innovative temporary works and logistics plan, resolving structural rigging, access constraints, and safety protocols well in advance. The result is a seamless pedestrian connection built under tight timeframes and complex constraints, achieved without compromising safety, quality, or aesthetics. This project stands out for its coordinated delivery, temporary design cleverness, and unwavering commitment to public safety and continuity during construction.