Downer NZ Hamilton project scoops honours at Conference

MEDIA RELEASE

7 November 2014

Downer NZ Hamilton project scoops honours at New Zealand Airports Conference

Downer NZ has been named as winner of the Beca Airports Project of the Year title at the New Zealand Airports Conference, for its work resurfacing Hamilton International Airport’s runway.

The award, which recognises excellence in aviation projects, was presented at the Beca Awards Dinner held at the New Zealand Airports conference at the Heritage Hotel Auckland last night.

Tristan Hughes, Beca’s Technical Director, Airports, said “ As the principal sponsor of the 2014 NZ Airports Association Conference, we were delighted to present the 2014 Beca Airports Project of the Year Award to Downer NZ Ltd for their role in the Hamilton International Airport Runway 18L-36R Resurfacing Works.”

Downer was appointed as the main contractor on the project in July 2013, joining Hamilton International Airport and Beca who had completed the inspections, planning, concept and detailed designs. This allowed six months of collaborative planning for the construction to mitigate the risks inherent in this type of work.

Mr Hughes said: “Downer’s early involvement enabled the project team to carefully plan the construction activities that resulted in 50mm thick asphalt being successfully overlaid onto 1,960m of the 2,200m runway.

“Over 26 nights, 11,000 tonnes of high quality airfield asphalt was placed onto the runway. Hamilton International Airport remained operational during the day whilst construction took place overnight. All the tight technical specifications were met.”

George Leidig, Paving Manager for the Upper North Island of Downer, accepted the award on behalf of the project team.

Beca is one of the largest employee-owned professional services consultancy companies in the Asia-Pacific. It has proudly supported New Zealand airports for over 30 years, providing planning, project management and operational implementation and asset management services for all aspects of airports – from airside and landside infrastructure, through to terminals and associated facilities.

New Zealand Airports Association (NZ Airports)
NZ Airports is the not-for-profit industry association for New Zealand’s airport sector. Its 31 members operate 36 airports throughout New Zealand, including the international airports, providing the essential air connections that modern communities and economies require.

ENDS

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