Connell Contractors - Winner of Category 2 in the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards

Connell Contractors won Category 2 in the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards 2023 for the Poutu Intake and Tunnel Erosion Repair Works.
The riverbed intake and 2.7 km tunnel for taking water from the Tongariro River to power the Tokaanu Power station had suffered significant erosion damage caused by river gravels, sediment and rock over the course of its 50
years of operation.
This complex restoration project for Genesis Energy was remote, in a restricted confined space, in high-risk working conditions, with strict environmental controls to protect the Tongariro from any pollution. Connell
Contractors had to be nimble to do the work during a brief six-week period of low power demand when the facility could be closed down.
Due to high water in the tunnel, Connell Contractors adapted initial plans to create water diversions around each repair and use a rock bond bagged concrete mix for the repair. The client found the team showed excellent
passion, innovation, commitment and collaboration to get the job done.
This was truly an excellent effort to restore a vital part of NZ’s vital power generation system.