New Zealand’s civil construction industry has celebrated the outstanding achievements of leaders, innovators and groundbreaking staff development initiatives at the prestigious Z Energy People Awards and Connexis Civil Training and Development Awards in Tauranga.
The awards, presented at Mercury Baypark today during The Civil Contractors Conference, honoured individuals and companies driving excellence and growth across the industry.
“These awards celebrate the outstanding people and companies raising the bar for our industry,” said Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard.
“Their achievements drive excellence across civil construction and build a stronger, more capable workforce and economy for New Zealand.”
Waiotahi Contractors, founded in Ōpōtiki in 1957, was honoured with the award for companies with turnover between $10M and $100M. In the past year Waiotahi Contractors has placed a major focus on training and development with 20 per cent of its workforce now training in formal civil construction qualifications. To support this, the company developed a visual Career Progression Roadmap, using the familiar concept of roading to clearly show the pathway from labourer through to project manager, including average industry pay rates.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger highlighted the importance of industry training and recognising those who invest in upskilling their people through the infrastructure apprenticeship pathway.
“Training and development are crucial for safety, quality infrastructure outcomes and a sustainable locally skilled workforce for the future of our industry. These award winners set the benchmark for excellence in workforce development.”
Civil Training and Development Award for companies with turnover between $10M and $100M
Winner: Waiotahi Contractors Ltd
Waiotahi Contractors Ltd was founded in Ōpōtiki in 1957 and has grown to become a trusted name in Bay of Plenty, employing 180 people in transport, roading and infrastructure projects. In the past year Waiotahi Contractors has placed a major focus on training and development with 20 per cent of its workforce now training in formal civil construction qualifications.
To support this, the company developed a visual Career Progression Roadmap, using the familiar concept of roading to clearly show the pathway from labourer through to project manager, including average industry pay rates. The goal is to show individuals what’s possible and to inspire them to take the next step in their career. Waiotahi believes training boosts morale and confidence and gives individuals the recognition they deserve.
