The Warkworth motorway, and the Esk hydro power project near Napier are among 28 major engineering projects vying for recognition at the 50th awards ceremony of the association of consulting and engineering professionals of New Zealand (ACENZ) in Christchurch on August 1.
The ACENZ awards highlight engineering achievements of many recent projects such as the Britomart Transport Centre in Auckland.
The highway from Auckland to Wellsford is regarded as one of the most significant stretches of roads in New Zealand. Consultants Jacobs NZ is planning the 18.5km motorway extension to Warkworth in the first stage of the scheme. The New Zealand Transport Agency is not only satisfied with the work, but also in its firm belief in the wider benefits achievable for the nation. The model is being used on other agency project delivery.
The Esk hydro project scheme inland from Napier is remote and was difficult to access up steep and unstable terrain. To enhance the viability of the project Jacobs provided minimal roading access, and detailed geotechnical investigations were restricted to dam sites, power houses and only where considered necessary for penstocks with engineers, clients and contractors working in an informal risk sharing arrangement.
ACENZ chief executive Kieran Shaw says this year’s conference and awards recognise the significant impact of projects for the past 50 years.
“It is important that we recognise the contribution engineers have made to the economy, the infrastructure and the wellbeing of most nations in the world,” says Shaw.
“Today we rely on good engineering in relation to every aspect of our daily routines: water, roading buildings and electricity infrastructure,” he says.
“Engineering is now just as much about mitigating large risks, cost control, engagement and consultation with local communities, sustainability and resilience, specialist project management skills and computer modelling.”
“Our members make up around 95% of New Zealand’s consulting engineers and almost all of the infrastructure design industry involving more than 10,000 employees,” says Shaw.
More details can be found here: www.acenz.org.nz
