Project: Auckland Council - Manukau Hub Building Extension & RefurbishmentEntrantSavory Construction Project PartnersAgile Engineering (Engineer), CPRW (Architect/Designer), Fraser Thomas (Engineer), Savory Construction (Construction Company), TSA Riley (Client Representative), WT Partnership (Quantity Surveyor) Owned ByAuckland Council
The Manukau Hub extension and refurbishment has transformed Auckland Council’s tower and West Annex into modern, functional spaces enriched with strong cultural elements. A standout feature is the West Annex’s striking two-storey curtain wall glazing system, enhancing both aesthetics and natural light. Key upgrades also include new end-of-trip facilities, EV chargers, a revitalised HVAC system for improved energy efficiency, refurbished workspaces and meeting rooms, and a redesigned ground-floor reception.
The project navigated complex challenges, including asbestos removal, operating in a live environment, and coordinating with council staff and public users. Maori design elements are woven throughout, with entrance lighting symbolising Rehua and flooring patterns inspired by the Puhinui Stream. This project exemplifies the integration of cultural storytelling with contemporary design, delivering sustainable, user-focused facilities that reflect the values of both the council and the wider community. |
Project: Feilding Public Library-Strengthening & ModernisationEntrantAlexander Construction Central Project PartnersAlexander Construction Central (Construction Company), Alexander Construction Central Limited (Construction Company), Architecture+ (Architect/Designer), Clendon Burns and Park (Structural Engineer), Marshall Day Acoustics Ltd (Engineer), Octa Project Management (Project Manager), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor), Stephenson and Turner (Engineer) Owned ByManawatu District Council
The Feilding Public Library redevelopment transformed a 50-year-old building into a modern, multi-functional community hub. This project combined seismic strengthening with sustainable upgrades, reusing much of the original structure to reduce its carbon footprint. Glulam portals and braces were integrated into the design,
offering a low-carbon alternative to steel or timber while enhancing the building’s visual appeal. Key features include a mezzanine level with timber flooring, bleachers for community gatherings, a makerspace, and a leased café. Sustainability highlights include low-E glazing, external timber screens made from Accoya, and an energy- efficient heat pump system for underfloor heating.
Challenges such as asbestos removal, tight budgets, and managing public perception were overcome through collaboration and careful planning. Mana whenua artists contributed cultural elements, while native timber panels from the original library were restored in the Takarangi room, celebrating whakapapa and heritage. The result is a vibrant space that fosters lifelong learning, social interaction, and community wellbeing. |
Project: GDC Emergency CentreEntrantCurrie Construction Project PartnersArchitects 44 (Architect/Designer), Chorus (Electrical Engineer), Civil Project Solutions (Project Manager), Colvins Communications (Electrical Engineer), Currie Construction (2012) Ltd (Construction Company), Electrinet (Electrical Engineer), Initia (Seismic Engineer), LDE (Seismic Engineer), SLR (Project Manager), Spencer Homes (Engineer) Owned ByArchitects 44 Limited
Architects 44
The Gisborne District Council Emergency Response Centre is a purpose-built IL4 facility designed to remain operational during natural disasters. Despite a limited budget, the project team delivered a highly resilient building that prioritises function and adaptability. Clever structural engineering achieved stiffness typically seen in concrete or steel systems, using lightweight timber framing and ply bracing. The facility features piling foundations for service accessibility and dark, acoustically treated interiors to support calmness during high-stress events. With functional spaces for emergency teams, iwi, and volunteers, the centre stands as an example for small councils facing similar resilience and budget challenges. |
Project: Nga Awa Block | Taihape Amenities BuildingEntrantW & W Construction 2010 Limited Project PartnersW & W Construction 2010 Limited (Architect/Designer/Construction Company/Project Manager) Owned ByRangitikei District Council
The Nga Awa Block in Taihape Memorial Park is a new amenities building designed to serve the local community's and visitors' diverse needs. Commissioned by the Rangitikei District Council in collaboration with the Taihape community, the project blends practicality with architectural innovation to deliver a multifunctional space for sports, recreation, and public use.
The building features two insulated pods housing internal spaces beneath an expansive umbrella roof, creating generous external circulation areas that provide shelter from Taihape's often extreme weather. A standout feature is the cross-laminated timber staircase leading to the Control Room, which boasts a balcony overlooking the tennis and netball courts. Limited local manufacturing meant that key components such as the structural steel frame and cross-laminated timber panels were prefabricated off-site, streamlining construction and minimising waste. |
Project: Salvation ArmyEntrantCook Brothers Construction Project Partners1Point618 (Architect/Designer), Consort QS (Quantity Surveyor), Cook Brothers Construction (Construction Company), Powell Fenwick Consultants (Engineer), TSA Riley (Project Manager) Owned ByThe Salvation Army New Zealand Trust
A 30-year vision for the Salvation Army Queenstown Corps has become a reality with the completion of a landmark community hub at Remarkables Park. The 980-square-metre, two-storey facility delivers vital social services, including a congregation space, offices, a retail family store, and a food bank, while additional multipurpose rooms and third-party leasable areas support long-term financial sustainability.
Structural challenges, such as overhanging concrete panels and significant retaining walls, were compounded by Queenstown’s harsh winter conditions, including overnight snowfalls of up to 40cm. Through detailed planning and strong collaboration, Cook Brothers Construction delivered the project on time, providing a welcoming space that will serve the community for generations to come. |
Project: Te Kupenga o Rongomai: Maidstone Sports HubEntrantMaycroft Construction and Stephenson & Turner Project PartnersMaycroft Construction (Construction Company), Stephenson & Turner (Architect/Designer), Te Kupenga o Rongomai: Maidstone Sports Hub (Client Representative) Owned ByTe Kupenga o Rongomai: Maidstone Sports Hub
As a 4,390-square-metre multipurpose sports facility, Te Kupenga o Rongomai: Maidstone Sports Hub brings together rugby, netball, aikido, boxing, judo, and table tennis under one roof. Designed for durability, efficiency, and community connection, the hub features shared clubrooms, a large grandstand, an indoor artificial turf training facility, and multi-use storage and venue hire spaces.
Environmental performance was carefully considered throughout, with features such as an airtight warm wall and roof system, insulated concrete panels, and an air-to-water heat pump system that cuts operational emissions by an estimated 84%. By consolidating multiple ageing facilities into a single, modern hub, this project future-proofs Upper Hutt’s sports infrastructure and creates a vibrant centre for recreation. |
Project: Te Pou O Mata-Au Clutha District War Memorial & Community CentreEntrantCalder Stewart Construction Project PartnersCalder Stewart Construction (Construction Company), Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust (Client Representative), Egis (Structural Engineer), Keiren Cooper Design (Architect/Designer), Kieran Cooper Design (Architect/Designer), Octa Project Management (Project Manager), Pedersen Read (Electrical Engineer), Spaceworks (Architect/Designer) Owned ByClutha Community Hub Charitable Trust
Te Pou o Mata-Au is a transformative community facility in Balclutha, bringing together civic, cultural, and business spaces under one roof. Home to an auditorium, co-working spaces, a movie theatre, an iSite visitor centre, and essential community services, it has quickly become a dynamic hub for events, economic activity, and cultural connection.
Situated beside the Clutha River, the build faced complex wind forces, geotechnical challenges, and flood protection constraints. These were met through early planning, smart design, and the use of locally sourced materials, contributing to a resource-efficient, environmentally conscious outcome. Impressively, over 80% of project costs were retained within the Otago region. A standout feature of the project was its deep engagement with the local construction community. The team actively invited South Otago contractors to participate, tailoring procurement packages to suit varying capacities. For many, gaining experience with new techniques and scale was a rare opportunity, building local capability for the future. Already hosting Matariki celebrations, live performances, business events, and wellbeing initiatives, Te Pou o Mata-Au is a powerful catalyst for growth in the region. |
Project: Te Puna Oranga Ngakau | Hato Hone St Johns Ambulance Station LevinEntrantW & W Construction 2010 Limited Project PartnersAPG Architects (Architect/Designer), W & W Construction 2010 Limited (Construction Company) Owned ByThe Priory in NZ of the Most Venerable Order of th
Planned for over 15 years, Te Puna Oranga Ngakau is a purpose-built ambulance hub that significantly enhances emergency response services across Horowhenua, including Otaki and Foxton. The station plays a critical role in the Manawatu Ambulance Deployment Plan, providing fit-for-purpose facilities that meet Importance Level 4 (post-disaster) standards.
Built with strong community support and iwi collaboration, the project was delivered smoothly on time and within budget despite post-tender operational changes. The station features garaging for six ambulances, crew rest areas, modern office spaces, and communal facilities, prioritising the wellbeing of frontline staff and
volunteers. Named by Muaupoko iwi, Te Puna Oranga Ngakau symbolises springs of health and vitality, reflecting the aroha and dedication of those who serve the region’s emergency healthcare needs. |
Project: Te Whare Whakatere Ashburton Library & Civic CentreEntrantNaylor Love Canterbury Project PartnersAECOM (Project Manager), Athfield Architects (Architect/Designer), Beca (Engineer), Logic Group (Project Manager), Naylor Love Canterbury (Construction Company) Owned ByAshburton District Council
Te Whare Whakatere is a civic hub in Ashburton, bringing library, administrative, and community services together in a future-focused, sustainably designed facility. Spanning 6,050-square-metres across three levels, the building features a striking mass timber colonnade, a sculptural perforated metal screen, and thoughtfully integrates the historic Pioneer Hall within the children’s library.
Sustainability was central to the project, with a strong emphasis on low-energy design and passive, cost- effective solutions. Extensive use of engineered timber reduced the building’s carbon footprint while contributing to its structural integrity and warm, welcoming aesthetic. Shaped through deep community engagement, Te Whare Whakatere reflects local identity and civic pride. Its flexible, inclusive spaces accommodate a wide range of public and administrative functions, enhancing accessibility and encouraging connection. |
Project: The Kind FoundationEntrantCook Brothers Construction Project PartnersArchitectus (Architect/Designer), Cook Brothers Construction (Construction Company), Kamo Marsh (Landscape Architect) (Architect/Designer), Mesh Consulting (Engineer), RCP (Project Manager), Rhodes + Associates (Quantity Surveyor), Ruamoko Solutions (Structural Engineer), TMCO (Fire and Civil) (Civil Engineer) Owned ByThe Kind Foundation
As a three-storey, 4,000-square-metre facility, The Kind Foundation’s new multi-purpose community hub breathes new life into the former YMCA, creating a vibrant space that supports education, health, fitness, and the arts. The centre features a wide range of amenities, including a café with a commercial kitchen, early childhood centre, medical facility, gym, spin studio, ballet-specific dance school, classrooms, offices, and a 250-seat black box theatre.
Partially funded by the government’s shovel-ready scheme, the project faced budget constraints, complex procurement, and tight timelines. After the initial contractor relationship ended, Cook Brothers Construction was brought in to provide a solution and deliver the build. Navigating a $6 million budget shortfall, the team worked closely with stakeholders to secure additional funding and implement cost-effective design change, successfully delivering a vital, future-focused asset for the community. |