Local Contractor Scoops Local Award
| Local contracting business, Russell Roads, scooped the New Zealand Contractors Federation Hawke's Bay Branch Awards. Russell Roads took out the over $200,000 Project Award, Trainee of the Year and the coveted Contractor Image Award. Russell Roads Managing Director, Chris Russell, said three wins by a locally owned contractor was a major achievement as we compete with larger national firms. "We're especially rapt to get the image award which is voted on by other suppliers and is based on communication and building strong relationships," Mr Russell said. The Hastings based firm won the over $200,000 category for the makeover of Napier's Battery Rd. The $1 million project included excavation, constructing the road and footpath and installing the lighting towers. Mr Russell said there were some major hurdles to overcome during the five month project, including the unearthing of rubble including car bodies which were buried after the 1931 earthquake. The awards Judge, Mike Jarvis was very impressed with the overall standard of workmanship, the attention to detail and the increased emphasis on contract management, quality and safety of all category finalists. He said the Battery Rd project was a relatively straightforward street upgrade which became very difficult. "There was unexpected conflict between existing underground services and the proposed new stormwater system. "The close proximity of Port Ahuriri Primary School also added to the degree of difficulty. "The project was completed to the specified standard and within budget and the client (Napier City Council) was well satisfied with the finished product as are the local residents and road users," he said in his judging review. James Hape was named the Contractor Trainee of the Year. He is completing a Modern Apprenticeship with InfraTrain and is heading towards a National Certificate in Civil Construction. James is one of eight trainees at Russell Roads. Two of these trainees were employed following the Hastings District Council and Government initiative to provide work for up to 50 unemployed youths. The two youths are working on footpath improvement projects throughout Hastings. "We're right in behind projects like this as it gives unemployed youths an opportunity to work and at the same time enhance community assets," Mr Russell said. |
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