Last month the Northland branch of Civil Contractors New Zealand held their annual awards, reinforcing the improved capability of Northland businesses and their ability to compete with national companies for work throughout the region.
More importantly, it demonstrated how local business can collaborate with outside companies to build capability and capacity in a way that provides long-term benefits and employment in Northland.
The sector is about much more than using large machinery to shift vast quantities of materials.
The work can be extremely complex and involve high levels of risk. Therefore it requires a highly trained and skilful workforce, working within an environment that encourages creative problem solving.
It was interesting to see the innovative and practical approaches many entrants had adopted to solve particularly challenging construction problems. In many instances these solutions resulted in cost savings and reduced inconvenience or disruption to communities.