INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION SURVEYING FOR DOWNER NZ
Delivering housing in our evolving urban areas is the biggest infrastructure challenge in New Zealand today. Hamilton, for example, is expected to grow by 50,000 people by 2035. The city will need at least 18,000 new homes to accommodate these residents.
The $12.6 million Peacocke project aims to alleviate this problem by expanding one of Hamilton’s largest greenfield areas. This includes not just new homes, but also improved transport infrastructure, green spaces and integrated commercial and recreational zones.
Downer, the largest provider of services to asset owners in New Zealand and a major contractor on the Peacocke project, chose SEAM Spatial as their surveying partner for Stage 2 because of our focus on operational excellence and safety.
CHALLENGE
For a priority infrastructure project with tight deadlines, Downer’s needed to deliver key assets on time – without compromising on accuracy. This included a 66 m east gully bridge and an 85 m central gully bridge. Their surveying partner would have to:
Get up to speed very quickly – to ensure that the project remains on track and free of mistakes.
Take over all earthworks, drainage and utilities – to allow Downer to focus on the two bridges.
Work with designers, engineers and ground teams – to improve coordination on site.
SOLUTION
Although initially asked to only provide a site surveyor to assist the on-site team, SEAM quickly identified that Downer required a more integrated approach. SEAM Surveyor and Project Manager, Estian, quickly adapted. He:
Took on a Survey Manager role, working with external teams to deliver consistent outcomes.
Scaled the number of site surveyors to assist with project catch-up and meet changing workloads.
Provided diverse services as needed – including real-time monitoring, UAV, LiDAR and laser scanning.
OUTCOMES
The Peacocke project is transforming Hamilton into a more accessible place to live by enhancing connectivity, making it easier for residents to access essential amenities and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. SEAM’s contribution has:
Set up multiple systems to lower survey costs and increase communication over the site.
Leveraged extensive knowledge and experience to reduce handover time and potential errors.
Provided site leadership over 6 months, minimising stand-down periods and improving productivity.
Because of SEAM’s strong support throughout Stage 2, negotiations are underway for the partnership with Downer to continue into Stage 3.