We’re incredibly proud to announce that Contech has been recognised with multiple top honours at the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards – a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and contribution in the New Zealand concrete industry.

🏆Winner: 2025 Premier Concrete Award &
🏆Winner: Excellence in Concrete for the Community Award
Project: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui
Partners: Clendon Burns & Park, and McMillan & Lockwood

Contech was proud to be part of the award-winning team behind the refurbishment and expansion of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. This nationally significant heritage building has been transformed into a world-class facility through the expert use of concrete — enhancing seismic resilience while preserving the building’s architectural beauty.

The project was awarded both the Premier Concrete Award and Excellence in Concrete for the Community, with judges praising its sensitive engineering, innovative concrete interventions, and lasting impact on the community.

This was a true collaboration between Clendon Burns & Park, McMillan & Lockwood, and Contech — and a fantastic example of concrete enabling both structural performance and cultural preservation.

Judges’ Citation: The judges praised the project’s outstanding use of concrete to deliver a discreet yet highly effective seismic strengthening solution within a sensitive heritage context. Over 300 stainless steel post-tensioned bars, new composite diaphragms, and meticulously executed concrete tie beams were employed to enhance resilience while maintaining architectural elegance. The result is a restored gallery that honours its past and safeguards its future—an exemplar of how concrete can respectfully modernise historic infrastructure, meet seismic standards, and deliver enduring value for the community and the nation.

🏆 Winner: Excellence in Concrete Remediation and Reuse Award
Project: SH25A Emergency Rebuild
Partners: Beca, NZTA

In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating impact, the rebuild of State Highway 25A was a critical infrastructure priority for the Coromandel Peninsula. We’re honoured to have received the award for Excellence in Concrete Remediation and Reuse – recognising our team’s commitment to rebuilding stronger, faster, and more sustainably.

From innovative remediation techniques to adaptive reuse of concrete materials, this project highlights our deep expertise in complex environments where performance, speed, and environmental impact matter most.

Judges’ Citation: The judges were impressed with the programme’s commitment to preserving and strengthening concrete infrastructure through innovative, low-impact techniques. By adopting FRP strengthening over full deck replacement, the project achieved dramatic reductions in embodied carbon, construction waste, and disruption—while enhancing durability and seismic resilience. The team’s ability to work under live traffic and tailor solutions across diverse sites speaks to outstanding technical skill and collaboration. This initiative sets a high standard for sustainable concrete remediation and future-proofing regional transport networks.

👏 Highly Commended: Excellence in Concrete for the Community
Project: Wi Neera Walkway, Raglan
Commendation given to StructureTech, in partnership with Contech

Our associated company, StructureTech, was highly commended in the Excellence in Concrete for the Community category for their work on the Wi Neera Walkway in Raglan – with Contech also involved in the project delivery.

This project exemplifies the value of concrete in creating enduring community infrastructure. In-situ concrete was used to strengthen an aging seawall, protect native pohutukawa, and deliver an accessible, low-carbon walkway that connects people with place.

Judges’ Citation: The judges commended this project for its thoughtful integration of concrete in a sensitive coastal environment. The team overcame tidal, environmental, and structural challenges through innovative in-situ techniques, adaptive reuse, and durable design. Fly ash reduced embodied carbon, while cantilevered elements protected native trees. The result is a graceful, long-lasting structure that honours heritage and improves public access. The Wi Neera Walkway exemplifies how concrete can enrich communities – enhancing safety, promoting active transport, and celebrating place through clever, site-specific design.

Pushing the Boundaries of What Concrete Can Do

These awards are a testament to the deep technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and innovative mindset that define both Contech and StructureTech. Whether it’s strengthening heritage landmarks, rebuilding lifelines, or delivering public infrastructure that enhances daily life, we’re proud to lead the way in New Zealand’s concrete construction sector.

A big thank you to our project partners, clients, and the broader industry for continuing to raise the bar – and to Concrete NZ and BCITO for recognising excellence that makes a real difference.