Infrastructure Champions celebrated at CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards

New Zealand’s civil construction sector took centre stage in Tauranga at the 2025 CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, where the country’s most impactful infrastructure projects were recognised at the annual Civil Contractors Conference.

This year’s winning projects reflected the scope, scale, and technical excellence of the industry — from emergency bridge repairs and water network resilience to large-scale highways and international hydro developments.

Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard said the calibre of entries demonstrated what the sector is capable of when contractors, clients, and communities align.

“These awards highlight the incredible results that are possible when we combine engineering expertise with collaboration and innovation. These projects don’t just build infrastructure — they strengthen communities, improve resilience, and support economic growth across New Zealand.”

Brian Perry Civil won in the $50M–$100M category for its work on the Kaitoke Flume Pipe Bridge — a critical piece of infrastructure that delivers 60% of Wellington’s water supply. Replacing the earthquake-prone structure required precision engineering and seamless execution, with the project delivered five months ahead of schedule and with no disruption to the water network.

Judges praised the “very complex” project’s innovative approach, robust planning, and stakeholder engagement in a highly sensitive environment.

The Te Ahu a Turanga Alliance — comprising Waka Kotahi, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, Aurecon, WSP and five iwi partners — took out the top award in the Over $100M category for the Manawatū–Tararua Highway project.

Spanning 12 kilometres and featuring the Southern Hemisphere’s widest balanced cantilever bridge, the project included over 6.5 million cubic metres of earthworks and complex environmental and cultural integration.

The judges described the highway as “a benchmark in large-scale infrastructure delivery,” applauding the quality outcomes in a physically and socially challenging setting.

In the Under $2M category, HEB Construction was recognised for its emergency repair of KiwiRail Bridge 57 over the Rangitata River, damaged during severe flooding in April 2024.

Within two days, crews were on site. Freight traffic resumed within ten days, and full permanent works were completed in six weeks. The rapid response and technical execution in an unpredictable river environment were highlighted as an outstanding example of emergency civil works.

Isaac Construction won the $2M–$10M category for the Aldwins–Ensors–Ferry intersection upgrade in Christchurch — a $2.7M project completed during a tightly scheduled seven-day road closure.

The team upgraded one of the city’s busiest intersections, incorporating long-term resilience and safety improvements while avoiding major disruption. Judges noted the incident-free delivery, clear execution, and lasting impact for road users.

In the $10M–$50M category, MAP Projects was awarded for its successful delivery of the Brenwe Small Hydro Power Plant in remote Vanuatu. The project faced significant logistical and environmental challenges, including five cyclones, COVID restrictions, and remote access.

Despite the difficulties, the four-year project delivered New Zealand-standard outcomes and employed and trained local workers. Judges commended the team’s ability to manage complex international delivery with strong community outcomes and sustainability measures.

The Auckland System Management Alliance — comprising Waka Kotahi, Fulton Hogan and HEB Construction — won the Maintenance and Asset Management category for its stewardship of Auckland and north Waikato’s state highway network, which supports 10% of the nation’s traffic.

The alliance was recognised for community engagement, innovation, and ongoing performance improvement across a high-traffic urban network.

Downer received a Highly Commended award for its work managing the North Canterbury Network Outcomes Contract, noted for consistent KPI performance across a 948km roading network.

Pollard said the awards underscore the importance of early contractor involvement and the strength of collaboration between clients and contractors from day one.

“These outcomes are only possible when we have genuine partnership, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to delivering better outcomes — not just on time and budget, but for people and place.”

2025 winners 

Category 1 – Projects under $2m
Winner: HEB Construction – Bridge 57 Pier wash-out

Category 2 – Projects between $2m and $5m
Winner: Isaac Construction – Aldwins-Ensors-Ferry Intersection Upgrade

Category 3  – Projects between $5m and $20m
Winner: MAP Projects – Brenwe Hydro Power Project

Category 4 – Projects between $20m and $100m
Winner: Brian Perry Civil  – Kaitoke Flume Pipe Bridge Replacement

Category 5 – Projects over $100m
Winner: Te Ahu a Turanga Alliance – Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū Tararua Highway

Category 6 – Maintenance and Management of Assets
Winner: ASM Alliance – Auckland System Management

Image captions: 

The Tukemokihi Station 50m bridge project in Hawke’s Bay by Bridge It NZ was a Category 1 finalist. 

Category 3 finalists MAP Projects’ Morey Street Flood Detention Dams and Wetlands work in Rotorua.

Category 4 finalist HEB Construction’s Waltham Mechanical Hub project.