16 June 2022:

At the signing (L to R): Mark Evans, HEB Construction; Marja Lubeck, MP Kaipara ki Mahurangi; Doug Johnson, Tonkin + Taylor, Brett Gliddon, Waka Kotahi; Hon Michael Wood; Michael Baker, Ngaati Whanaunga; Tracey Ryan, Aurecon; Ben Hayward, Fulton Hogan; Te Warena Taua, Te Kawerau ā Maki; and Mook Hohneck, Ngāti Manuhiri

The successful tenderers for Penlink, the two-lane motorway and shared path between SH1 and Whangaparāoa in Auckland, have signed the alliance agreement.

The $830 million project will be undertaken by an alliance of Fulton Hogan, HEB, Aurecon and Tonkin + Taylor. The structure is similar to Fulton Hogan’s Norther Corridor Improvements (NCI) and Te Ahu a Turanga (Manawatū Tararua Highway) alliances.

General Manager Construction Justin McDowell says Penlink, like Te Ahu a Turanga, is a challenging project, with risks ranging from adverse ground conditions to consenting and procurement unknowns. If not managed appropriately, these can cause delays and increase costs.

“The advantage of an Alliance model is that the client, designer, stakeholders and contractor all have ‘skin in the game’, which encourages everyone to work together to solve problems and issues quickly for a best-for-project outcome,” Justin says.

“It is also a fantastic way to develop people and set them up for the future.”

The seven-kilometre project is part of the Government’s $8.7 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP), and will provide better, safer, more reliable transport options for communities across Whangaparāoa, Hibiscus Coast and Silverdale. The project is likely to reduce commuting time between Whangaparāoa and Auckland’s CBD by around 20 minutes.

Initial works are due to start later this year and are scheduled to be completed by late 2026.

“Penlink is a highly-anticipated project that will enhance the lives of those living and working in these growing communities,” says Mark Kinvig, National Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Waka Kotahi.

“That’s why we needed the best in the industry, and this alliance brings that skill set and experience to the table.”