CEO proud of historic project

MAKING HISTORY: Wairoa's Quality Roading and Services Limited chief executive officer Mark Browne says he feels privileged to be working on what he believes is a historic project. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairoa's Quality Roading and Services Limited chief executive officer feels privileged to be working with others on what he deems a "historic project".

Otherwise known as QRS, the Council Controlled Trading Organisation has been contracted by Rocket Lab to upgrade the farm road and infrastructure needed for the rocket launch site at Mahia Peninsula.

Rocket Lab's Electron is being developed to launch satellites into space at a much lower cost than other operators and is developing a launch site at Mahia, south of Gisborne.

The QRS website states their "speciality is construction and maintenance" of civil construction, infrastructure and roading and they have and continue to maintain Wairoa's roads and drainage control methods.

QRS chief executive officer Mark Browne said they initially became involved with Rocket Lab so they could assist them with their investigation into the suitability of the Mahia Peninsula in the Wairoa District for the site.

He said his personal role had been to ensure QRS delivered the infrastructure construction on time and to the highest of standards.

Their work has been ongoing for more than a year and Mr Browne said they would continue to support Rocket Lab in any way they could, "to help Rocket Lab be the success they are".

"It has been a pleasure and a privilege for the staff of QRS to be involved in this extremely historic project; one the staff can be immensely proud.

"In a small way, QRS will always be associated with the history of NZ," Mr Browne said.
QRS typically completes civil and structural engineering construction, maintenance plus utilities and waste management.

In the past they have worked on Affco Meat Processors, Mahia Sewage Scheme as well as earthworks and carpark constructions, among other things.
But this job had been like no other.

The chief executive officer said it would "put the Wairoa District, Hawke's Bay and New Zealand on the global stage and [a]t the forefront of the 22nd century for the grandchildren to come".

He said they were helping to create jobs for the future.