WoolWorks Awatoto, Flood Remediation

In November 2022, HPM were engaged as project managers to oversee the development of a new woolstore and office building on land owned by our client in Awatoto, Napier. The project was underway as a design-build option, and earthworks—including the raft—had been completed. It was at the end of the developed design stage with a staged building consent when, in February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle struck, flooding the site, including the client’s existing business premises and operations. The new build project was put on hold indefinitely.

We immediately re-engaged with the client, collaborating with lawyers and insurance assessors to ensure the existing buildings and operations were remediated and operational again as quickly as possible. Within two weeks, we leveraged our local contacts to safely remove 4,500 contaminated wool bales (averaging 600 kg each) in accordance with Napier City Council Health and Safety standards.

We were then appointed as project managers for the $70M building and operational remediation, which commenced in March 2023 under a tight timeframe. Without a main contractor, we managed and coordinated closely with subtrades, electricians, engineers, and carpenters. Regular and detailed site meetings ensured that every team member understood the importance of their contribution to the overall project program, fostering strong engagement and positive buy-in from all parties.