Waitomo District Council has received prestigious recognition for a recent large-scale roading project.

The storm damage repairs on Mangarino Road in Te Kūiti was nominated for a national award by IPWEA NZ. IPWEA is an association for infrastructure professionals.

The project - completed last year - was shortlisted as a finalist in the "Under $2 Million" category and stood alongside strong contenders from across the country.

A section of Mangarino Road was considerably damaged during a storm event in September 2023 and required significant works to reinstate the road back to two lanes.

Construction started in May 2024 and included drainage improvements, reconstruction of the slope with an earthfill buttress, and reconstruction of the road pavement.

About 19,000 tonnes of material was used including 8,850 cubic metres of rock to reconstruct the slope.

General Manager Infrastructure Services, Shyamal Ram says although WDC didn’t take home the award on the night, the project was very well received by both the judging panel and attendees.

“It’s a real testament to the quality of work we deliver here at Waitomo,” he says.

The roading team attended the awards evening in Auckland earlier this month, with Council’s partners on the project – Pinnacles Civil, HD Geo, and Nicholls & Uttinger.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the calibre of our work and to see how we measure up against much larger councils. We should all be proud,” says Shyamal.

“I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to our storm recovery efforts since Cyclone Dovi in 2022. Whether you have been part of the Roading, Projects or ISBU teams, or supported through Finance, Admin, Customer Services, or Communications – your contributions have been essential.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort and commitment of our entire organisation. Thank you all for the part you have played and continue to play in helping us deliver for our district.”