blog

New AMI Stadium Gets The Thumbs Up

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:12:33 +1300

Leading a workforce in excess of 400 to build a 18,000 seat stadium in 11 weeks and the pressure of an immovable deadline of a Crusaders’ home game at stake, was the challenge faced by Hawkins Construction following their appointment as Main Contractor for the new Christchurch Stadium project, now named AMI Stadium (not to be confused with the previous AMI Stadium.

The project was more than delivery of a temporary stadium – the new facility stands as evidence that Christchurch is recovering and that with the leadership of Hawkins Construction, the construction workforce is ready to rebuild.

On Saturday 24 March, when the Crusaders ran onto the field in their first home game since the Christchurch earthquakes significantly damaged the AMI Stadium, Hawkins and their group of committed sub-contractors and all tradesmen who were part of the high-performing delivery team on site felt a huge sense of shared pride.

Quin Henderson, Hawkins South Island Regional Manager puts the success of the project down to a “will do attitude by a well lead cohesive team”

“The boys pumped all resources available into the project and have been admirably supported by local suppliers and tradespeople, often at very short notice. There has been a keen sense of Cantabrian spirit alive and well on site – everyone just came together to see that the job got done,” says Henderson.

Having successfully completed the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin last year as Main Contractor, and currently involved in the massive terminal upgrade at Christchurch International Airport, large-scale commercial and infrastructure projects are not new to the Hawkins team. However, the pressure of tight timeframes meant a less traditional approach to the project.

For example, being able to procure all the necessary materials immediately was vital so Hawkins needed to be “in front of the queue” with suppliers and obtain a quick response to all requests. “The Canterbury suppliers responded with extraordinary effort,” explains Phil Griffiths, Hawkins Commercial Manager for the project.

There were also day and night rosters with the night workers focusing on tasks that needed to be completed before the next day’s tasks could be done – things like the erection of the structural steel framework, electrical work and concrete pours. And laying of the underground hydraulic services was a seven-day-a-week task for the crew of drain layers.

“There was a domino effect to every job in the sense that if not completed on time, this held up completion of the next piece of work,” says Phil.

Another difference was the design and development process with some elements of design being reviewed and adjusted as the work progressed rather than all details being signed off from the start. This required the design consultant team being on hand to discuss and agree to proposed changes. The consultant design team lead by Project Manager Antony Beale of RCP and Architect Daryl Maguire of Populous contributed an outstanding effort working with the team on site to provide immediate answers to some challenging design issues.

Then there was site health and safety – something Hawkins is a proven leader in. It is to their credit that there was only one reported incident on site after approximately 80,000 hours of labour since the 9th January 2012. In addition, the site was part of Hawkins’ quarterly Site Safe audits at the end of February and achieved 92.1% on the audit.

Hawkins’ initiative to implement site safety courses for all non-compliant workers at the beginning of the project has obviously borne desired results including the up-skilling of many workers in the industry.

Recycling of materials was also on the project agenda as follows:

The lighting towers came from the grounds at Carisbrook in Dunedin
The turf was laid, recycled and harvested from AMI Stadium
Food and beverage portacoms and some seating used during the Rugby World Cup were transported from Eden Park for use at the new stadium.
A large screen for televised commentary was originally destined for the original AMI Stadium.

After just 11 weeks of intense work and long hours, the Christchurch Stadium is open and ready for action. The new facility is flexible enough to be used not just for rugby, but all sporting events, as well as a concert venue. Equipped to international sport standards, the stadium has the potential to increase its capacity to 25,000 for a major event, such as a rugby test match.

The Hawkins stadium team was skilfully led by Project Manager Shawn Cunningham, whose previous experience on the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin ensured the project was completed to a world class standard.

Quin Henderson is understandably proud of what his team has achieved and understands how important this stadium is for the people of Christchurch. “This project is a great example of how everyone came together as a single united team to complete the job in an unprecedented amount of time. I can’t wait to see this Stadium reach its potential and I’m sure many Canterbury families are excited to be back supporting the Crusaders on home turf.”

Click on the links below to view coverage of the construction and opening of the stadium:

Construction Facts

340 tonnes of steel used (approximately) in the stands and gantry roof structures.
77,000 metres of cabling used (approximate).
7,400 metres of PVC fabric used.
Approximately 4,500 cubic metres of concrete used. In one of the largest single concrete pours ever in Christchurch, 130 trucks delivered concrete for the platforms underneath the North and South Stands and players facilities overnight on 2 February 2012.
At the height of construction 400 workers were onsite.
180,000 manhours worked during construction phase.

Another Project at Waikato Hospital

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:08:20 +1300

Construction of the $40 million new building for Older Persons and Rehabilitation services at the Waiora Waikato Hospital campus in Hamilton is underway. The new four-level building will have 113 beds for geriatric care, rehabilitation, ortho-geriatrics, Organised Stroke Service and Mental Health for Older Persons.

Hawkins Construction have the contract to build the facility, with the company also building the $130 million Meade Clinical Centre.

Around 100 jobs have been created on site for the project with the total rebuild at Waikato Hospital providing more than 800 jobs with more than $100 million flowing into the community.

All patient bedrooms in the older persons facility will have only one or two beds and ensuites.People aged under 65 requiring rehabilitation as a result of a stroke or traumatic event will also be accommodated in the facility. Significant outdoor areas and courtyard space are part of the plans, incorporating a bridge over Pembroke Street will link the building with the main hospital.

The building work should be completed in May 2013.

The new building will locate existing services closer together to provide joint expertise for those older patients who require the full complement of specialist health services and will:

house both the current Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) and the Assessment Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (AT & R) providing a more integrated and co-ordinated approach to care
provide a broad range of rehabilitation services for both young and old, with a focus on provision of specialist mental and physical healthcare
enable more improvements in services whether they are delivered in hospital, in the community or through general practitioners
significantly expand services to meet future ageing population needs
ensure stroke patients with complex needs get the best care
provide integrated mental health services for older people

For more information about the project please click here to visit the Waikato DHB website.

Hawkins Construction And Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu Establish Partnership

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:44:53 +1300

An initiative announced today marks the creation of a partnership between Hawkins Construction (South Island) and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu that will foster employment opportunities for local Māori in the Canterbury region.

Prompted by predictions of a labour shortage necessary for the Canterbury recovery, Hawkins and Te Rūnanga entered into discussion in regard to mutual aspirations. The result is Hawkinsʼ involvement with He Toki ki te Rika (He Toki), a collaborative Māori trade training initiative focused on building Māori capability and leadership within the trades workforce.

He Toki partners are Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the Christchurch Polytech Institute of Technology (CPIT), the Built Environment Training Alliance (BETA) and Te Tapuae o Rēhua with support from Te Puni Kōkiri.

Over 200 local Māori have been inducted into the He Toki trade training programme.

Hawkins South Island Regional Manager Quin Henderson says his team wanted to support enthusiastic and capable local Māori enter the workforce and Ngai Tahu was the obvious partner.

“As well as identifying work opportunities, Hawkins will provide practical learning in the workplace for these trainees to support their work readiness. The benefit of this approach is that together we can widen the potential labour pool for the local construction industry, which can only be good for the regional rebuild,” says Henderson.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon says, “We want our people to step up to become leaders in our wider community.

“Partnerships with industry will support more Māori into the workforce and ensure local Māori play an important role in rebuilding Ōtautahi. Investing and enhancing the skills of our local Māori will have long-term benefits for this region and Hawkins are to be applauded for their vision and for following through with this offer of support,” he says.

-- ENDS --

For further information please contact:

Kahu Te Whaiti - Assistant Communication Advisor Office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Mobile: 021 443 895 Email: kahu.tewhaiti@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

Rosie Paul - Chambers Strategy + Communication

PH: (03) 377 0147 or 027 242 4034 Email: rosie.paul@chamberspr.co.nz

Site Safe Awards Hawkins "Tier 3" status to Hawkins - Construction Safety Charter Accreditation programme.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:08:53 +1300

Site Safe officially awarded Tier 3 status to Hawkins Construction and Hawkins Infrastructure on November 10^th 2011 as part of the Construction Safety Charter Accreditation programme.

The Construction Safety Charter Accreditation programme, launched in 2008, was developed in consultation with industry and has since been endorsed by major construction clients.

Tier 3 applicants are measured on their commitment and personal involvement of executive and senior management teams in health, safety and environmental activities and organisational accountability. Applicants must continue to pass Tier 2 ‘on-site behaviours’ and Tier 1 ‘systems’.

“Hawkins Group wanted to achieve Tier 3 Status to reinforce and demonstrate how our senior managers are involved in health and safety. We wanted our leadership to be verified and put to the test by an independent standard setting body” said Andrew Confait, Hawkins Construction National Health, Safety and Environmental Manager.

“It is important to demonstrate health and safety leadership from a senior management level to the whole company and subcontractors to reinforce the Hawkins Group safety culture” said Mr Confait.

Garry Menhennet, Chief Executive Officer of Site Safe NZ Inc said "this represents a major step forward for the construction industry showing excellence in health, safety, and environmental leadership."

Kevin Burley, Project Manager at Site Safe said “Tier 3 has been a long time in development - over 3 years, all up - and it is fantastic for Site Safe to finally have all three Tiers available to the commercial construction industry.”

“Tier 3 applications are welcome from all current Charter accredited companies. Tier 1 and 2 applications are welcome from all Site Safe member companies working in the construction industry” Mr Burley said.

Construction clients such as Auckland City Council, Auckland Airport and Sea + City Projects Ltd and AMP Capital Investors officially endorse the Accreditation programme. The benefits of this agreement are that clients can find pre-approved main contractors with excellent health and safety records, giving the accredited main contractors a competitive advantage. Onsite leadership, behaviour and system health and safety excellence make these workplaces more attractive for employees and their families.

Site Safe is the construction industry’s not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to promote and advance a culture of safety across the construction industry.

ENDS

· The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is available online: http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0096/latest/DLM278829.html

· Construction Safety Charter Accreditation members have their best practice stories of safety and innovation published on a regular basis via the Site Safe website and industry magazines.

· For more information on Site Safe and the Construction Safety Charter Accreditation programme go to www.sitesafe.org.nz

To view Construction Safety Charter Accredited companies, see http://www.sitesafe.org.nz/Category?Action=View&Category_id=230

Hawkins & The Welly Awards 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:27:57 +1300

Hawkins Construction is proud to be supporting the sport category at the 2011 Wellys - The Wellingtonian of the Year Awards. This category seeks to celebrate those involved in sport in any capacity, as a player, official or volunteer. We are honouring those individuals who the oublic of Wellington believe have made a significant contribution to sport on a local, national or international level.

Last year Ricki Herbert, coach of the Wellington Phoenix and the All Whites, won this award.

We'll keep you posed on the nominees as they are named, and the final results on November 17th!

NZIOB AWARDS - Hawkins Cleans Up

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:10:41 +1200

On Friday night the NZIOB Awards of Excellence were held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland. Hawkins had an unprecedented 11 nominated individuals across six award categories.

We are thrilled to let you know that Hawkins enjoyed great success!

John Overton and John Sofo of ASC Architects were jointly awarded the NZIOB Supreme Award, as well as picking up the Sustainability Award category for the Papamoa College project. This is a fantastic achievement which is thoroughly deserved for an outstanding project delivered under some enormous challenges.

For the record, the two Johns beat out Richard Jack (Christchurch Civic Building), and Terry Buchan and Craig Treloar (East 1&2) for the Sustainability Award. It’s great to see so many Hawkins projects featuring so prominently in this space.

Robert Kumarich took out the Under $5m category for Mission Heights Primary School, which along with the Papamoa College win sends a very strong message to the market about Hawkins capability in delivering education projects of all sizes.

Well done Robert.

Although the project was pipped at the line in the Innovation Category, Barry Cowling and Ian Morris took out the $5m-$25 category for the stunning Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre.

This project demonstrates first hand the capacity for real innovation at Hawkins, and once again re-enforces our reputation in working effectively with consultants to deliver projects of high engineering and design value.

Congratulations Barry and Ian.

In the $25-$75m category Hawkins had Gil Davies and Gary Nisbet nominated for Auckland International Airport, Alun Larsen nominated for Aotea Square Redevelopment, and Richard Jack nominated for the Christchurch Civic Building. Although Hawkins did not land the winner in this award, Richard Jack was “Highly Commended, and Hawkins can take great heart that it had many finalists in this category.

Terry Buchan along with Craig Treloar successfully won the Over $75m category for the East 1&2 Office complex at Britomart. This is a great result that caps off a project of great pride for Hawkins in terms of quality, and strong client satisfaction of the developer Cooper and Company, as well as the many large corporate organisations that tenant the building.

Nice work Terry and Craig.

Terry and Craig headed off Steve Taw, who was nominated for the Hilton Hotel in Queenstown. A special mention is due for Steve and his team on this job which was completed in light of some complex onsite and offsite challenges.

All of our award winners join long and prestigious history of Hawkins people succeeding at the NZIOB awards.

Well done team!

Hawkins achieves practical completion on Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:16:26 +1200

PRESS RELEASE

Hawkins Construction reached practical completion on Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday July 22nd, 2011.

Hawkins were the main contractors for the $190m state-of-the-art stadium, which is the world's largest, naturally grassed and permanently covered stadium, and the third biggest ETFE roofed building in the world.

Hawkins was awarded the contract to build Forsyth Barr Stadium in April 2009, and in reaching practical completion on July 22nd, Hawkins successfully delivered on its promise to complete the facility on time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

“This was a high-risk assignment, with an extremely tight time period in which we had to deliver” says Hawkins CEO, Chris Hunter.

Although Hawkins contact time-frame was 24 months, the critical path was really 18 months in order to get enough of the stadium completed in order to start the grass growing on the stadium turf.

“When we signed up to this project, the design had yet to be completed, and we effectively exposed ourselves to a number of extraordinary risks that most other construction contractors would never touch. By not extending our normal contractual obligations on this project, the stadium would never have been completed on time” says Hunter.

“The fact that Hawkins obtained practical completion earlier than our contractual requirements, and to budget, has re-enforced our credentials in being able to deliver large and complex projects efficiently, to a very high standard, using highly creative thinking.”

“If you compare this project to the Eden Park redevelopment, which had the luxury of a 2.5 year construction window, a design completed prior to construction, and better access to materials and a skilled local labour force, then the scale of our achievement becomes all the more satisfying” says Hunter.

Despite the public and internal pressure to deliver the stadium safely and on time, the Hawkins team have thrived on this once-in-a-lifetime project.

“We have been watched very closely, both locally and all over the world, given the cut-throat deadline, the political sensitivities, and the unique nature of the stadium’s design and construction methodology. From that perspective it has been a source of pride to see how well our project team has responded to the pressure” says Hunter.

“This project has bought together many great individuals into an effective team environment, and has been superbly led. Each one has performed a superhuman effort in my opinion, and I can’t emphasise enough how dedicated the team has been in delivering Hawkins promise to the people of Dunedin”.

Hawkins’ Infrastructure division was also contracted to deliver the SH88 relocation project on behalf of the Dunedin City Council and NZTA. This project adjacent to the stadium construction required 1.5km of new highway and a new 3-span bridge to be constructed through an existing industrial area, and was brought together by over 2km of footpaths and cycleways which joined into the Otago University campus and existing habourside links.

Hunter also points out, “Hawkins has completed nearly $1b worth of projects in the last twelve months, and so the stadium has been a key part of a bigger jigsaw for us terms of delivering projects in time for the Rugby World Cup.”

Other projects Hawkins has recently completed around the country include the Stage One terminal extension at Christchurch Airport; the 4-star Novotel Hotel at Auckland Airport; the re-development of the Auckland Art Gallery; and the Viaduct Events Centre in downtown Auckland.

Forsyth Barr Stadium will be formally opened in an official ceremony by the Prime Minister, John Key on Friday the 5th of August.

- Ends -

Hawkins Raises $60k For St John in Christchurch

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:22 +1200

CHC Earthquake Update - Tuesday 14th 2011

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:58:39 +1200

Canterbury Earthquake CCC Media Updates

Water supply 10.30am, Tuesday 14 June 2011

There is a city-wide boil water notice in place - please boil all water before drinking.

Seventy-five per cent of people have water across the city. Ninety per cent of residents on the flat have water back on. Hill suburbs have low-water pressure. Teams worked overnight to repair water pipes across the city.

There is no water east of Ferrymead Bridge, with repairs expected to take several days.

Water supply tankers

Please boil all water collected from tankers before drinking. There are currently drinking water tankers in three locations:

Breezes/Wainoni Rd - 10000 litre tank
Sumner School - 10000 litre tanker
Aldwins Rd Pump Station.

Additional tankers will be operational by 2pm today at:

Wainoni Area - Cowles Stadium on site by 11am
Bromley Area - McGregors/Ruru Rd
Ferrymead - Humphreys Rd by Ferrymead
Bromley Area - Keighlys Rd/Bromley Rd
Lynwood Area - Cuff Rd Reserve
Bexley Area - Marlow/Pages Rd (Anglican Church)
Bexley Area - St Heliers Rd - Delamaine Park
Parklands - Queenspark Dv - Parklands Reserve
Parklands - Queenspark Dv - Parklands School
Carters Rd Pump Station
Kerrs Rd Pump Station
Woolston Rd Pump Station
St Johns Rd Pump Station

Proposed sites will be operating by 2 pm.

Christchurch City Council facilities 11.30am, Tuesday 14 June 2011

Libraries

Currently all Council libraries are closed while engineers assess each building. Engineers are starting with the eastern libraries, moving westward across the city. As soon as it is safe to do so, libraries will be re-opened to the public.

For updated information on library openings, please visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com

Service Centres

All Service Centres in Christchurch are closed while safety inspections are carried out by engineers. Council will re-open service centres to the public as soon as it is safe to do so.

Recreation and Sports Centres

All Council Recreation and Sports Centres are closed while building assessments are carried out. Initial assessments on centres that had been open since 22 February do not indicate significant damage.

Assessments are currently underway and centres will be re-opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

Keep safe in aftershocks 12pm, Tuesday 14 June 2011

Drop, cover and hold - do not run outside When an earthquake starts, the best advice is still to 'drop, cover and hold'.

This is the drill practised by schoolchildren, and what Civil Defence agencies have consistently promoted around the country and internationally. The drill is drop, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on, or shelter against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases etc.

"With the continuing aftershocks in the Canterbury region it is especially important the 'drop, cover and hold' advice continues to be followed," Civil Defence Controller Peter Mitchell said. "It is worrying to hear some people being interviewed by media saying their first response was to run through their building to get outside.

"By doing that, they had actually increased their risk of being injured."

Most earthquake related injuries and deaths result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects caused by the ground shaking. Immediately taking cover helps protect from falling or flying debris. Running to try to get outside usually increases the risk of being hurt.

A link to the earthquake safety fact sheet <http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf/Files/earthquake_safety_advice-print/$file/earthquake_safety_advice-print.pdf> on the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency website is attached. The fact sheet is the agreed New Zealand advice about what to do during an earthquake. It is based on international best practice.

The fact sheet includes the advice, during an earthquake

Move no more than a few steps to a safe place, drop, cover, and hold on
Do not attempt to run outside
If outside, move no more than a few steps to a safe place, drop, cover, and hold
If in a lift, stop at the nearest floor and get out
If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road
Stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops

Silt Removal 12.30pm, Tuesday 14 June 2011

Residents with silt on their properties, and who are able to clear the silt themselves, are asked to pile silt on the road outside your property in preparation for removal by Fulton Hogan and City Care contractors.

If you require assistance with silt removal, call the Christchurch City Council Customer Call Centre on 941 8999 to register your details.

Volunteer groups are being coordinated and aim to begin assisting with silt removal within a few days, once water levels have subsided and some roads have been made safe.

For more information contact Civil Defence media phone 027 241 0244

Auckland Art Gallery Opening Date Announced

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:02:31 +1200

The opening of the Auckland Art gallery has been announced for Saturday September the 3rd.

CLICK HERE to watch the announcement in full.

Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre Wins New Zealand Architecture Medal

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:54:15 +1200

The Hawkins built Waitomo Glow-worm Caves Visitor Centre, designed by Wellington firm Architecture Workshop, was named the year's best building at the annual New Zealand Institute of Architects awards, earning the 2011 New Zealand Architecture Medal, the country's premier architecture accolade.

A jury of leading architects described the southern Waikato building built for Tourism Holdings Ltd, as "imaginatively conceived and masterfully executed". "In this adventurous project, the vision of the clients has been matched by the daring of the architect and the engineer, and the effort put into researching the design has been equaled by the care taken in realising the building," the jury said.

The building acts as the entry to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which have been a tourist attraction for 120 years, and has a 250-seat dining area, retail, seminar and exhibition spaces and a cafe and theatre.

The building was among 23 projects that had previously been named as finalists and received 2011 New Zealand Architecture Awards.

Other Hawkins built buildings recognised at the awards include:

Te Puni Village student accommodation building for Victoria University and designed by Architectus
Newmarket Railway Station designed by Opus Architecture in association with Herriot+Melhuish:Architecture.
City Gallery designed by Architecture+

Thanks Air New Zealand!

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:01:09 +1200

Hawkins would like to thank Air New Zealand for their support of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, which is a great organisation that provides music therapy for children and young people with disabilities, to help them develop new skills that can be transferred to other aspects of life, and create new possibilities for participation in the world.

Air New Zealand kindly donated two SpaceSeat™ return tickets to London valued at $13,400 that were auctioned at the recent fundraising gala dinner.

Thanks Air New Zealand!

Contract awarded for portable dwellings in quake hit Canterbury .

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:51:24 +1200

Full press release from the NZ Department of Housing.

14 April 2011: Contracts to roll out portable dwellings if and when needed across Canterbury have been awarded to preferred suppliers. Portable dwellings will provide further temporary accommodation for people whose homes were badly damaged as a result of the Canterbury earthquakes.

The Department of Building and Housing received 226 submissions. Three providers have been chosen who best meet the criteria, and who will be providing the first portable dwellings (around 300). These are a consortium of Hawkins/Spanbild/Fulton Hogan; Jennian Homes; and New Zealand Transportable Units.

In addition, the Department will establish a panel of chosen providers which includes these companies, plus three others who have a proven ability to provide further supply if required. These are, Smith Crane; Hawkins Falcon; and Tranzasia.

The criteria for selection included a recognised capability to deliver portable dwellings effectively and quickly, and for a competitive price. Several of the companies also have strong connections to Christchurch and manufacture the dwellings in the area using local staff.

Hawkins/Spanbild/Fulton Hogan manufacture and source labour and services from Christchurch. Jennian Homes has a strong local presence with franchises based in Canterbury. New Zealand Transportable Units is setting up a Christchurch factory.

Portable dwellings will be available for up to two years on dedicated sites, and will also be available for use on private sections. Certain criteria will need to be met for use on private sections. For example the land and access to the section must be suitable; placement must be for a minimum of six months, and the homeowner will need to meet some of the installation costs.

Sites for villages where the portable dwellings will be placed have been chosen working with local Councils and Civil Defence. Sites include Linwood Park, Rawhiti Domain and a site yet to be confirmed in Burwood.

Discussions are underway with Waimakariri Council regarding possible sites in Kaiapoi that would be suitable for temporary dwellings. These could be made available on these sites for a longer period if necessary.

The portable dwellings will be of varying sizes and configuration. Some will be fully self-contained units with kitchen and laundry units and sleep up to six people. Others will be sleep-out, laundry or bathroom units only which could be placed on private sites so that people could stay on their property.

The Temporary Accommodation Service will work with people on a case by case basis to help them decide what temporary option suits them best. The priority will be to use available rental properties in the existing housing market first. At the moment, the supply of rental properties still outstrips demand. But that is expected to change as repairs to houses begins.

Homeowners and private rental tenants whose homes are uninhabitable are eligible to access the government subsidized options like portable dwellings.

Rental costs will apply. These are:

2 person $190 per week

4 person $271 per week

6 person $337 per week

Homeowners or tenants who have contents insurance will be eligible for temporary accommodation support from their insurer to offset rental costs. Contents insurance policies generally provide temporary accommodation support for at least six months, and often for up to 12 months, depending on the policy. When such temporary accommodation support lapses, but a homeowner or tenant's primary dwelling is still uninhabitable, they will be eligible for rental subsidies under the government's Temporary Accommodation Service.

The first portable dwellings should come on stream from May, and will provide a continuity of temporary accommodation supply to replace the campervans as required.

To find out more or register for a portable dwelling, contact the Temporary Accommodation Service:

Web: www.quakeaccommodation.govt.nz

Call: 0800 673227 or visit Work and Income offices (addresses on the web site)

For further information contact Department of Building and Housing: 027 258 2849

Showcase for the builder's complex art.

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:23:35 +1200

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10716127

With its towering kauri ceilings and huge glass panes, the revamped Auckland Art Gallery is becoming a showplace for the construction industry's skills.

Today, a party of 40 chartered surveyors will follow other industry professionals who have brought their hard hats and high-visibility vests to tour the site, though a date for the public opening has not been announced.

Surveyors will learn from Hawkins Construction project manager Grant Thomas about the challenges, complexities and craftsmanship involved since work began on the $121 million job in September 2008.

Highlights are the glass walls of the north-facing atrium, which are the largest panels to be used in the Southern Hemisphere, and an innovative post-tensioned facade system using stainless steel rods.

Exhibition space will increase by 75 per cent, enabling 800 of the gallery's 14,620 art works to be displayed.

Although safety fences surround it, the form of the new gallery structure merging with parts going back to 1887 can be seen from Albert Park and Kitchener St. A gallery spokeswoman said work was progressing well towards an opening this year.

The project was within the $121 million budget and Auckland Council confirmed it would put in $56.1 million and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage $31.5 million. Auckland Art Gallery Foundation is raising $33.4 million.

Art patrons Harriet and Michael Friedlander, Dame Jenny Gibbs and Alan Gibbs, and Julian and Josie Robertson will have galleries named after them.

The complex will have three distinct architectural interiors - the result of restoring and strengthening heritage parts and adding new facilities and a ceremonial entrance under a tree-like canopy.

NEW GALLERY

20,000 cu m of material excavated
5000 cu m of concrete
400 tonnes of structural steel
200cu m of NZ kauri timber
850,000 man hours on site
175 workers a day

Hawkins Acquires Naming Rights to Wellington's Basin Reserve

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:46:22 +1300

It is with great pleasure that Hawkins can announce that it has acquired the naming rights to Wellington's Basin Reserve stadium.

The "Basin" is a much-loved New Zealand cricketing ground and is arguably one of the most famous and historic sporting grounds in the country. We want to ensure the Hawkins Basin Reserve maintains the highest possible standard and gets the ongoing respect that it deserves, and we will certainly be at the forefront in helping the Basin Reserve Trust improve the amenity for both the cricketers and the public.

The sponsorship fits into Hawkins strategy of supporting the local community, and with a six and half decades of history under our own belt, the value of "community heritage" was also very important to our decision. We hope to make a positive contribution to its future and protect the legacy of the ground for future generations.

Rather poignantly, the first match to be hosted "Hawkins Basin Reserve" with our brand is Stephen Fleming's 20/20 Canterbury Benefit match this Sunday. The Hawkins Wellington office is supporting the event with a significant presence which will be televised on CTV channel in Christchurch and on the Trackside channel from 3.30p.m on Sunday the 13th of March.

We have been fortunate to secure some signage of the ground prior to the match, so it is with much anticipation that I look forward to Hawkins brand being broadcast nationally in support of this superb fundraising effort.

CHCH Earthquake Update 4-Mar

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:54:19 +1300

Hello everyone,

It has been a week and a half since the devastating earthquake hit Christchurch, and both David McConnell and myself have been in Christchurch this week offering support. We have been in awe of the strength and resilience of our team on the ground, as well as the flood of staff who have come forward offering to assist.

I have personally been inundated with messages of thanks and gratitude from many quarters regarding the efforts of our people in the minutes, hours and days following the earthquake. I will endeavour to personally share these messages with you in the fullness of time.

Since my last update things have certainly been moving at pace.

We have received offers of trips, accommodation out of Christchurch, willingness to go down to Christchurch, contacts, networks – the list is endless. Though we have always been a strong organisation with a sense of family, it is times like this that we are rallied to band together in a show of unity and support not seen previously.

Daily lunch gatherings for staff, clients and supply chain partners have been well attended including a visit by Gerry Brownlee, the Minister in charge of the earthquake recovery. A seemingly small activity such as sharing a meal with others has proven to be a vital part of bringing some stability and relief to people’s daily lives as well as providing a valuable local communication forum.

Mr. Brownlee’s headquarters is located next door to our own facilities and we will continue to be in close dialogue with his office to ensure that Hawkins is on hand to help where needed. IAG (our rebuild insurance partner) are also located next door to us and are now in full swing.

Additionally,we have opened our own offices to the Canterbury Development Corporation, who themselves are at the centre of activity in helping displaced businesses become operational.

We are now starting to better understand the many remedial requirements of our various buildings and projects such as the Christchurch International Airport Terminal and the Christchurch Civic Centre. Business as normal has resumed on our sites, which in itself is a credit to the team in Christchurch.We are also in dialogue with various entities about developing a temporary commercial precinct to house those businesses left destitute.

As a final note I received an email from the CHCH Police commander acknowledging what some of our team did on the day in help recue and comfort people, and particular noting that when the time is right recognition will be made.

NB. On publication of this news story Hawkins made some representations with respect to aspects of the University of Canterbury campus and student movements as a result of the earthquake. These statements were inaccurate and we wish to apologise to the University of Canterbury, its staff and students for any confusion that may have arisen.

CHCH Earthquake Update 24-Feb

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:19:28 +1300

Hi everyone,

As you can imagine right now we are still very busy in Christchurch ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, clients and supply chain partners and their families.

I am currently in Christchurch to better understand the first hand needs of our staff and their families, as well as looking at where we can assist our clients and key partners to secure their own operations or re-establish them elsewhere.

At this stage the immediate needs of our staff are being met. However, as you can appreciate there will be a longer term programme of assistance required. We are open to receiving any suggestions or ideas of how we can support or contribute towards the needs of our team and the wider Canterbury population. As such I am convening an internal committee who will co-ordinate all ongoing support and fundraising activities across the business. Once this team is up and running they will communicate future initiatives to you and be available to hear or receive suggestions. My initial focus is to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground and a clearer picture of what help is needed.

It is a heartening experience to be here with the team and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the bravery of a number of Hawkins staff members who have been on the coalface of rescue efforts across various sites in Christchurch including the Pyne Gould building and the CTV building. These men put themselves at great risk to help those who could not help themselves.

Dave Ellis
Gareth Anderson
Sam Leslie
Jolon Lilley
Darren Tucker
Rob Roy
Ryan Croy
Greg Warren
Peter Young

I am exceptionally proud of these men for their courage and heroism in the face of extreme risk. You are a credit to your families, to our business and to the people of Canterbury.

There are also a number of other Hawkins people involved in similar heroic acts and we will endeavour to bring you their names and stories in due course.

I would also like to personally acknowledge the tireless work the Hawkins South Island management group and the rest of the local team who have kept Hawkins going in the wake of extreme personal distress and logistical chaos. The level of camaraderie and concern shown for each other, and the efforts people have gone to confirm their colleagues safety, is humbling and certainly underlines that the Hawkins, and Canterbury, spirit has not been broken.

The long term situation of Hawkins' response to the logistical needs of Christchurch and our clients will become clearer in the coming days and weeks. Rest assured we will communicate operational issues to you once these have crystallised.

Chris Hunter - CEO

CHC Earthquake Update 23 - Feb

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:05:09 +1300

Hello everyone,

Our focus as of this moment is in ensuring that our staff and their families are secure and safe. We have a number of employees spread across Christchurch on various jobs and we are doing everything we can to account for each and every person as per our emergency response procedures.

From initial accounts, it appears that our staff have escaped serious injury and our offices are intact. However, as is the nature of earthquakes, their ongoing safety in the face of aftershocks is absolutely paramount and we will provide what ever assistance we can.

Details are still vague at present as to the level of damage sustained on our various projects. We anticipate that given the severity of the quakes there will be some damage but we cannot confirm the nature or degree of this at this moment. Rest assured that once safety of our staff and their families has been secured, we will be making every effort to manage the ongoing integrity of our project locations in co-ordination with emergency services.

Any media enquiries about Hawkins situation or the integrity of our buildings should be forwarded immediately to René Pasche, Hawkins Marketing Manager (rene.pasche@hawkins.co.nz or 027 298 3697).

I will keep you updated as appropriate on this website and on our Facebook page on developments as it relates to Hawkins.

On behalf of the whole Hawkins family I would like to express that our thoughts and prayers are with our Christchurch team, their families and the Canterbury community.

Keep safe.

Chris Hunter - CEO Hawkins Construction

Hawkins on Facebook!

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:51:12 +1300

Hawkins is now on Facebook!

We will be using this page to keep connected to the market with information about the our projects, clients and suppliers. We will be actively updating this page on a daily basis with news and photos, videos and other information of interest.

To "Like" the Hawkins Facebook page do a search for "Hawkins Construction (NZ)" and add to your like list.