A major State Highway 29 intersection upgrade, new water treatment plants, a replacement bridge and a complex sinkhole repair were among the projects celebrated at the 2026 Civil Contractors New Zealand Bay of Plenty Hynds Construction Awards in Tauranga.

More than 250 people attended the awards dinner at Classic Flyers on Friday, recognising the region’s top civil construction projects and professionals for their contributions to infrastructure that supports community wellbeing and growth.

The Supreme Award went to Downer for its work on infrastructure supporting the future Tauriko West residential development near Tauranga.

Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) said the project, which also won the award for projects valued over $20 million, included a new roundabout at the SH29 intersection with Redwood Lane and Kaweroa Drive, a walking and cycling underpass, three-waters upgrades and extensive native planting.

Downer won the Supreme Award for the Tauriko Enabling Works. Pictured from left are Craig Mangos (GM Hynds Pipe Systems), Andrew Rose (Downer), Chris Benson (Downer), Bolarinwa Dejonwo (Downer), Isla Simmonds (WSP) with baby Kaia Simmonds, Tom Angus (WSP), Andres Bejarano (NZ Transport Agency), Rebekah Mason (Downer) and Sharon Smith (Downer).

Project award judges Nic Johansson and Allan McFall praised the project as an outstanding example of Bay of Plenty civil construction excellence, noting it was completed two and a half months ahead of schedule and 8% under budget.

Apex Water won the award for projects valued between $5 million and $20m for delivering five new water treatment plants servicing Athenree, Wharawhara, Waihī Beach, Tahawai and Ohourere.

Judges commended the strong collaboration behind the project and the successful delivery of multiple sites at the same time.

Fulton Hogan took out the category for projects valued between $1m and $5m for constructing a replacement bridge across Te Raparapa-ā-hoe Stream near Te Puke.

Fulton Hogan won the award for projects valued between $1m and $5m for its construction of a replacement bridge to restore access across Te Raparapa-ā-hoe Stream near Te Puke.

The 33.5m single-lane bridge, which opened in June 2025, restored a vital transport link used to move more than one million trays of kiwifruit each season, after the previous bridge was washed away during a 2023 storm.

Judges said the project overcame difficult ground conditions, challenging weather and complex design requirements to deliver a safe and resilient asset for the community.

CB Civil & Drainage received two awards. The company won the Environmental Award for wastewater infrastructure renewal work through the Johnson Reserve wetland in Welcome Bay and claimed the category for projects valued under $1m for repairing a failed wastewater pipe that caused a large sinkhole on Golden Sands Drive in Pāpāmoa.

Judges noted the repair’s complexity due to the sinkhole’s size and its proximity to a nearby pump station, school and residential properties.

Brian Perry Civil received the Health & Safety Award for its focus on worker welfare during the Omokoroa Water Treatment Plant upgrade and construction of a new 3500cu m reservoir.

Individual excellence was also recognised on the night.

Grace Pilkington of HEB Construction was named Apprentice of the Year, Wade Thomas of Downer received the Engineer of the Year Award, Dean Dixon of Downer won the Outstanding Individual Award and Glen Morris of CB Civil & Drainage was recognised as Emerging Leader of the Year.

A new Civil Trades Certificate Award was introduced this year to recognise high-performing workers holding the industry’s gold-standard Civil Trades certification. The inaugural award was presented to Blake Elers of HEB Construction.

CCNZ Bay of Plenty chairman Mike Speed congratulated the finalists and winners for their contribution to the region’s infrastructure and future growth.

“These projects show what’s possible when skilled teams, smart planning and a commitment to quality come together, delivering infrastructure that connects our communities and supports our region’s growth,” Speed said.

“Just as importantly, the individuals we’ve recognised are lifting the standard across our industry and setting a great example for those coming through behind them.”