Building briefs

Motorway revs up
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reached a major milestone in the development of Northland’s transport network with the invitation for expressions of interest in delivering the first section of the Northland Corridor Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana motorway. The Registrations of Interest invitation marks the start of the procurement process. The indicative design for the 26km four-lane highway includes an 850m tunnel in the Dome valley and three interchanges at Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana. The project will be delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP). A preferred bidder is expected to be announced early next year and contract finalised by the middle of next year. Detailed design and construction is expected to start in late 2026. NZTA is also advancing plans for the remaining sections, including an alternative route to the Brynderwyn Hills. Decisions on section 2 Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and section 3 Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei are expected soon.

Winning homes
Two Mangawhai homes have had the distinction of being named as finalists in the Home of the Year and Home of the Decade Awards. The Home of the Year finalist is a 60×6 home designed by Jose Gutierrez and built in the gated Sanctuary development. A finalist in the Home of the Decade is a house on the Mangawhai estuary, designed by Mahurangi architect Belinda George. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Home of the Year Awards – a programme that celebrates exceptional residential architecture. The winners will be announced next month.

Apprentice invitation
This year’s Apprentice of the Year will walk away with “a shiny new ute”. The Master Builders Association is inviting entries for the annual competition, which aims to recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices and raise awareness of career opportunities in the building and construction industry. In a change this year, entrants only need to have been apprenticed for at least 18 months, down from two years. The competition will test the candidate’s project management, business and presentation skills, as well as practical skills. Entries close on April 13.

To find out more, go to: https://shorturl.at/1FyM4