Landing road roundabout renewal and upgrade: Creating Jobs and Supporting Business Growth

How much do you know about the incredible work happening behind the scenes on Landing Road in Whakatāne? There’s currently a lot of hard mahi taking place to complete the current civil construction works before holiday makers arrive in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

A high profile and transformative project, currently upgrading infrastructure adjacent to a main entrance of Whakatāne, is creating several positive economic outcomes for the local contractors involved. The Whakatāne District Council Landing Road Roundabout Renewal and Upgrade, is a complex piece of work that encompasses road surface renewal, structural pavement enhancements, and the relocation of underground infrastructure services.

A number of local businesses have successfully secured tenders across various components of the project. These contracts not only bolster the regional economy but also strengthen and support the community's workforce.

Toi EDA Chief Executive Donna Perese says the flow on effect for successful contractors includes the ability to invest in more staff, training and resources.

“This develops increased opportunities for a healthy vibrant community. Beyond the financial aspects, local contractors also have a deep understanding of the community's needs and priorities. These contractors are not just building infrastructure; they are investing in the region's future financially and socially. Contractors involved in this comprehensive project have experienced the opportunity to maintain as well as increase employment opportunities, as well as upskilling their teams”.

Amid a huge number of uncertainties for the industry following the 2020 impact of Covid-19 Toi EDA has been working hard behind the scenes to facilitate sustainable growth in the local Eastern Bay of Plenty economy, This includes through the quarterly Civil Construction Forum with attendees from across the industry, Whakatāne District Council, Kawerau District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. This forum generates proactive discussions around coordination, innovation, and efficiency within the industry, strengthening sustainability and growth for contractors as well as future employees. 

I sincerely believe that the closer collaboration that is happening between local contractors through their involvement in the Forum is reflected in how well prepared they were to present winning tenders in this significant project". Ms Perese adds, reinforcing the words of Damian Lawsen, Managing Director of Alpha Pipelines, “Through collaboration we all succeed.”    

Three Waters portion of the works:

·       Draintech - Local contractor (Main contractor)

·       Kiwi Waste - Local contractor

·       East Bay Thrusting - Local contractor

·       Electro Care - Local contractor

·       East Bay Survey - Local contractor

·       Alpha Pipelines - Local supplier

Civil and Roading portion of the works:

·       Waiotahi Contractors - Local contractor (Main contractor)

·       Fulton Hogan – Tauranga-based specialised contractor.

·       Horizon Networks - Local asset owner and contractor

·       Whakatane Fencing - Local contractor

·       Tree Transplant Services – Tauranga-based specialised contractor.

·       JRK Concrete Services - Local contractor

·       Kerb Tech - Local contractor

·       Gideons Stabilisers – Hamilton-based specialised contractor

·       Spraymarks – Tauranga-based specialised contractor

·       Manawahe Quarries - Local supplier

·       Allied Concrete - Local supplier

·       Waiotahi Quarries - Local supplier

To summarise, the Landing Road Roundabout Renewal and Upgrade showcases the transformative power of collaboration and flow on effect for local contractors who have successful secured tenders. These local businesses have benefited from increased business­­­ capacity and strengthened economic resilience within the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

“As we celebrate the benefits for our region, it’s important to recognise the local councils for their unwavering support of the Civil Construction Forum. This collaboration and support allows a continued commitment to championing economic development in our industry and region,” Ms Perese concludes.