Firth contributes to award-winning projects
Over the past year, projects both large and small - some glamorous, others more understated - were considered by Concrete NZ with winners announced at the Concrete NZ Construction Awards in June. These awards celebrate excellence across individual, technical and sustainability achievements within the concrete sector.
A recurring theme among many of the winning projects was the prominent use of Firth concrete. Here are some of the projects Firth contributed to.
Wai Ariki wins the ‘Excellence in Architectural Concrete’ award
Firth’s Architectural Consultant, Bernice Cumming, attended the event and accepted the ‘Excellence in Architectural Concrete’ award as part of the project team behind Rotorua’s Wai Ariki Spa.
After more than five years of development Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, a luxury spa built on the shores of Lake Rotorua, opened in 2023 to local and international visitors. This majestic facility was inspired, by local iwi - Ngāti Whakaue - with the aim of curating a uniquely Te ao Māori experience for guests.
The project team receiving their award: Left to right: Bernice Cumming (Firth), Alex Liang (RCG), Sindu Morrison (Trustee of Pukeroa) and Des Wai (RCG).
Designed to take into account the geothermal nature of the area, the use of concrete throughout the stunning spa complex was a deliberate choice for Architects RCG due to its versatility, strength, and beauty … with Firth delighted to supply the technical expertise and specialist mixes required to ensure longevity of this cultural gem.
Discussing the design of the right concrete mixes for Wai Ariki, Tim Bulmer, Regional Materials Manager (Bay of Plenty) for Firth says, “The key thing for us was the XA3 requirements. This zone being geothermal is at the extreme limit of aggressive environments.”
“Concrete was used in many parts of the building in different ways and finishes,” adds Alex Liang, Associate Director of RCG. “Decoratively, there are six types of precast panel finishes.”
“A special mention needs to be made of the amazing job that Nauhria Precast did of all of the precast panels,” says Bernice.
Mānawa Bay wins the ‘Excellence in Commercial Concrete’ award
The new Mānawa Bay premium outlet shopping centre in the Auckland Airport’s precinct opened in September 2024.
One of the key features on show at Mānawa Bay is the striking polished concrete floor laid by loyal Firth customer Conset Construction - using Firth EcoMix® Low Carbon Concrete.
“Firth was on the winning project team again with this project,” says Bernice. “A special mention also needs to go to Polished Floors Ltd who polished this beautiful floor.”
Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre, Hastings wins ‘Excellence in Concrete Landscaping’
Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre in Hastings transforms a critical water infrastructure site into an inspiring public space that celebrates environmental stewardship and community learning. Central to the landscape is the expert use of permeable and decorative concrete - delivering complex pathways, riverscapes, amphitheatre steps, and drainage systems that emulate the natural journey of water, blending technical precision with cultural storytelling.
The judges applauded Waiaroha for its outstanding use of concrete to shape a community landscape with a strong environmental and educational purpose.
The project team for the Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre included AMC Contracting, Gemco Construction, Hastings District Council and Firth.
Roller Compacted Concrete wins ‘Excellence in Sustainable Concrete for the Planet’
"Late last year planning began for stages three and four to complete the forestry hardstand log storage area at Shakespeare Bay in Picton with Rolco,” says Carl Trollip, Blenheim Plant Manager for Firth. “Our new pugmill had been installed and we started trials in October.”
Over 36 days of production between November and February, the Firth Blenheim team produced 5,800m³ of concrete mix which was delivered in 480 truck loads, which was laid by the Rolco team and covered a massive 22,000m².
The project team that took out the ‘Excellence in Sustainable Concrete for the Planet’ award for Roller Compacted Concrete was Rolco NZ, Gill Construction, Ports of Marlborough and Firth.
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