A new development in the heart of Tikipunga.
Summerset Retirement Village Whangārei
Client: Summerset Group
- 1 new roundabout
- 50 x 20L buckets of golf balls recovered
- 1,000 m2 of MSE Retaining Wall
- 3 middens found
Project Background
In September 2020, Dempsey Wood was awarded our first project in Northland, for new client Summerset Group.
Contracted for civil works for Summerset's latest retirement village in Whangārei, the team were determined to set it up for success. We started the project a few weeks later, hitting the ground running slightly ahead of schedule.
Project Overview
Our establishment in Te Taitokerau, driven by Contracts Manager Daniel Vieviorka and Project Manager Richard Bresgi, was centred on building strong relationships with the client and engineer and with local suppliers, subcontractors, stakeholders, and mana whenua.
The 9ha paddock, believed to be an informal driving range, was soon a bustling construction site. The contract consisted of 37 500m3 cut to fill, 33 000m3 cut to waste, construction of 8,000m3 stormwater treatment plant, 2.14km of retaining wall construction, and construction of a roundabout and intersection upgrade connecting to the busy road network.
To realise the time frame stipulated by the client, Dempsey Wood proposed an alternative earthworks methodology to that prescribed by the geotechs. The construction of an additional Sediment Retention Pond enabled us to open up the entire 9ha site, allowing Earthworks to be undertaken on multiple fronts to achieve the 33,000m3 load out operation.
With earthworks underway, we operated our Retaining Wall crew simultaneously, thus ensuring we achieved workable civil space early on in the project.
Starting earthworks in October 2020 with a bang, we established a second drainage crew to push on with the drainage works within the roading corridors by December. The last piece of the earthworks puzzle was the large Storm Water treatment pond. Constructed last as it was built on the side of a very steep bank, we had to ensure that we could keep water away as we filled the dam wall 6m up from the lowest point. The result is an incredible feature that is functional and looks great.
Outcomes
Disconnected from critical project stakeholders during COVID lockdown periods, excellent communication, diligent planning, and pragmatic management from our Northland Team saw challenges overcome smoothly.
Working within the existing road network called for local support, as the carriageway was required to be left trafficable at the end of each day. Working with Māori owned Traffic management company Kia Tupato, the road upgrade and roundabout construction were managed under a stop-go system. Works were undertaken in four stages to maintain traffic flow and adhere to local authority requirements.
Connecting the Wastewater to the existing line required crossing a culturally sensitive stream and laying the outfall line through a very wet flood plain. With constant pumping and the help from a drilling team, we managed to get the lines installed and connected without any issues. In addition, the clean up after installation has left the area tidier and more aesthetically pleasing.
Building a relationship with Mana Whenua from the outset, a site blessing, was held prior to construction starting. Kaumatua Mike Kake and Dave Coyne, from Ngāti Hau, a hapū of Te-Runanga-ā-Iwi-o-Ngāpuhi, carried out the dawn blessing to mark the beginning of the project. Through karakia and turning the sod, the ground-breaking ceremony blessed not only the land but the people working on it.
When a midden site was incidentally discovered, the team worked alongside Mana Whenua to identify the discovery's significance and follow appropriate protocols.
Our efficient and considerate approach to this situation, in alignment with company protocols and values for the protection of ngā taonga tuku iho nō ngā tūpuna, has fostered strong relationships in the region, both within this project and for future opportunities.
Working collaboratively with regulatory bodies throughout the contract, we have built a reputation concentrated on adherence to maintaining high quality and environmental control standards.
A key objective of this project has been supporting local Northland businesses to enhance positive social-economic outcomes. We engaged with numerous local subcontractors and suppliers throughout the project, including Steve Bowling Contracting and Virgin Concrete.
A particularly successful example is our relationship with Clements Contracting and their Quarries. The local knowledge and expertise passed on from these partnerships have been invaluable in our establishment in a new region. We are very thankful for these relationships and look forward to their further strengthening.
The team has grown from six people relocating from Auckland to a ten-person site team. Four local labour-hire employees were offered permanent contracts throughout the project. Working alongside local iwi, we hope to be able to run a further recruitment drive once our next project starts.
The achievements of our kaimahi evidence the positive impact made through local employment opportunities. Gaye Hapurona of Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Maniapoto is a prime example. Looking for a career change and new challenges, Gaye was inspired to take a step into the construction industry. Taking it upon herself to gain relevant industry qualifications but with no practical experience, Gaye found it challenging to break into the game. Finally, however, Gaye applied for a job with Dempsey Wood after being recommended by a friend.
Starting with us as a Labourer in February 2021, Gaye has gone from strength to strength, undertaking additional training and assessment to become a machine operator. She was appointed Health and Safety Rep for her site and was recently awarded Rookie of the Year for 2021. With whanaungatanga at her core, Gaye hopes to inspire more females and Māori into the industry. Supporting the growth of individuals is important to Dempsey Wood. Over time, we hope to be able to nurture more kaimahi like Gaye, profoundly impacting Te Taitokerau and the wider region.
Establishing a new home base in Whangārei, our team have been heavily involved in community initiatives. From supporting Northland Rugby's "I am Hope" Gumboot Friday to lighting up a 24t digger and handing out hot chocolate as part of the Northern Lights Festival in Matapouri.
Linking to our environmental and sustainability goals, a large Totara Tree, required to be felled for construction of the stormwater treatment pond, was uprooted and donated to a local Kura. The students will use part of the Totara to create a carving that will be displayed in the care centre.
Fast forward to February 2022, and Civil Works were complete – thanks to our dedicated Te Taitokerau team. Building for the future residences began almost immediately, with the first residents moving into the brand-new community in the heart of Tikipunga earlier this year.
