“Greville Road Stormwater Culvert Upgrade” is a finalist for the 2025 Āpōpō Asset Management Excellence Awards.

McConnell Dowell, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters Flood Resilience, Awa Environmental and Hynds didn’t let the pressure of an emergency works project stop its sustainable outcomes occurring. A sustainability workshop ensured all parties were aligned on successful delivery. This trusted environment meant New Zealand’s first low-carbon jacking pipe was implemented, creating positive environmental outcomes with any uncertainty addressed through early collaboration.

All involved: McConnell Dowell, Auckland Council Healthy Waters & Flood Resilience, Awa Environmental & Hynds Pipe Systems

From adversity comes sustainable opportunity. In January 2023, Auckland experienced six months rainfall in four days, submerging part of the city’s Northern motorway. A stormwater pipe, stretching across Greville Road, an arterial road averaging 19,000 cars daily, failed at the Northern inlet. The collaboration between McConnell Dowell and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience prioritised a permanent solution over a temporary fix, enhancing the project’s sustainable outcomes.

The commitment led to innovation, and minimal environmental disruption within a highly risky site. It enabled New Zealand’s first use of low-carbon jacking pipes, more than 95% waste diversion (exceeding company targets), and saved potable water from the mains supply. Despite the project’s complexity these outcomes didn’t compromise quality, cost, programme, instead creating social benefits for the local community. The collective commitment to an innovative permanent solution is proof that sustainable outcomes, even under emergency conditions, can provide a resilient solution.