Water treatment plants, a replacement bridge, a busy SH29 roundabout and a sinkhole repair were among the projects celebrated at the 2026 Civil Contractors New Zealand Bay of Plenty Hynds Construction Awards on Friday night.
More than 250 people descended on Classic Flyers in Tauranga for a dinner and awards evening to recognise outstanding people and projects supporting growth and community health by building the region’s water, transport and other infrastructure.
The night’s Supreme Award went to Downer for its work on a new roundabout, walking and cycling underpass, three-waters upgrades and native plantings to support the future growth of the Tauriko West residential community near Tauranga.
The work, which also received the award for projects valued over $20 million, included construction of a roundabout on a busy section of SH29 at the intersection with Redwood Lane and Kaweroa Drive, requiring effective traffic management to minimise disruption.
Project award category judges, Nic Johansson and Allan McFall, congratulated Downer for an outstanding example of Bay of Plenty civil construction excellence, delivered two and a half months ahead of schedule, and 8% under budget.
In the Western Bay, a project to deliver five new water plants servicing Athenree, Wharawhara, Waihi Beach, Tahawai and Ohourere won Apex Water the award for projects valued between $5 million and $20 million.
The judges noted the strong collaboration and efficient delivery of the project, despite the need for multiple sites to be managed and delivered concurrently.
The award for projects valued between $1 million and $5 million was presented to Fulton Hogan, for its work constructing a replacement bridge to restore access across Te Raparapa-ā-hoe Stream near Te Puke. The 33.5-metre-long, single-lane bridge officially opened in June 2025, replacing a temporary Bailey bridge put in place after the old bridge washed out in a storm in 2023.
The route the bridge is on is used to carry more than a million trays of kiwifruit each season, and is now open for transport once again. The judges noted that Fulton Hogan overcame challenging ground, weather and design conditions to deliver a safe, resilient community asset.Civil engineering company CB Civil & Drainage was also recognised on Friday night, winning two awards.
The company took home the Environmental Award for its careful work renewing wastewater infrastructure through Johnson Reserve wetland in Welcome Bay, and the award for projects valued under $1 million for a challenging repair on a wastewater pipe that failed and caused a large sinkhole on Golden Sands Drive in Pāpāmoa.
The judges noted that the size of the five-metre wide and three-metre-deep sinkhole, as well as its proximity to a pump station, residents and a nearby school, added to the project’s complexity.
This year’s Health & Safety Award was presented to Brian Perry Civil for its dedication to worker welfare throughout its work on the Omokoroa Water Treatment Plant upgrade and construction of a new 3,500-cubic-metre reservoir.
The awards also celebrated people making a positive impact on the Bay of Plenty’s civil construction industry.
Grace Pilkington from HEB Construction won the Apprentice of the Year Award, Wade Thomas from Downer was named Engineer of the Year, Dean Dixon from Downer received the Outstanding Individual Award, and Glen Morris from CB Civil & Drainage was honoured with the Emerging Leader Award.
A new award was introduced this year to recognise a high performer who holds industry gold-standard Civil Trades certification. That award, known as the Civil Trades Certificate Award, was presented to Blake Elers from HEB Construction.
CCNZ Bay of Plenty Chair, Mike Speed congratulated all the finalists and winners for their contribution to Bay of Plenty and New Zealand infrastructure.
“Tonight’s winners should be proud of what they’ve achieved. These projects show what’s possible when skilled teams, smart planning and a commitment to quality come together, delivering infrastructure that connects our communities and supports our region’s growth,” he said.
“Just as importantly, the individuals we’ve recognised are lifting the standard across our industry and setting a great example for those coming through behind them.”
