Gisborne Airport Terminal

Challenge: Modernising an Aging Terminal

Gisborne Airport, a vital gateway for the Tairāwhiti region, was in need of a significant upgrade. The existing terminal, showing its age, no longer met the growing demands of the community and its travellers.

To address this issue, a decision was made for Eastland Group and Gisborne District Council to demolish the old terminal and construct a modern, efficient replacement.

Solution: Ensuring a Smooth Project Journey

Initially, we were tasked with compiling the construction contract, laying the foundation for a successful partnership.

Our primary role on this project was to ensure both parties understood their obligations and options at each stage of the project. This approach preserves relationships, reputations and ensures a great project outcome for all concerned.

This role required meticulous attention to detail and the ability to navigate complex contractual matters.

Project Insight: Managing High-Value Claims

As this project progressed, an additional challenge that emerged was the sheer volume of additional hours and administrative work being generated by a particular contractor. This included reviewing claims and overheads, addressing unexpected issues, and clarifying legal positions.

The ETC’s responsibility was to ensure the validity and accuracy of this contractor’s claims, some of which exceeded $100,000 per week. The ETC guided good decision-making, helping both parties exercise their contractual rights for successful completion.

Rather than resolving disputes or judging claims, the ETC focused on efficient fulfilment of obligations, proving invaluable in optimising time and costs.

Result: A Milestone for the Region

For Seven Rivers, this project remains a significant milestone for both our client and our team. It symbolises the importance of modernising critical infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the community, and also ensuring that resources are being effectively managed.

In our capacity as the Engineer to Contract, we oversaw the project’s successful delivery, ensuring that both the client and contractor maintained a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities — something that was integral to the project’s overall success.