Just 12 months after the arrival of 510 metres of large diameter HDPE pipework from Thailand, the Daldy Street Outfall has been handed over to Auckland Council’s  Healthy Waters. Wynyard Edge Alliance (WEA) consisting of McConnell Dowell, Downer, Beca, Tonkin & Taylor and Auckland Council carried out the work.

Relocation of the existing outfall within Wynyard Basin was required to improve water quality within the basin after the breakwaters had been installed that provided tranquility for the forthcoming 36th Americas Cup.

The new extension runs along the entire length of Wynyard Point, an area formed nearly 100 years ago by reclamation from the Waitemata Harbour. A basalt breakwater was formed around its perimeter and infilled with hydraulic fill and excavated arisings from the CBD development. Historically, the area had been used for heavy industry – gas works, fuel storage and was heavily contaminated.

The design of the new pipeline determined the pipe to be 3 metres in diameter for its upstream half, expanding to 3.5 metres diameter for the downstream half. HDPE pipe, in 15 metre lengths was ordered from Uponor in Thailand and delivered onto Wynyard Wharf last September.

A 5 metre deep excavation was required for the new pipeline which was tidally influenced. Key to the successful outcome of the project was the ground stabilisation required to support the western face of the excavation, the eastern face being the existing 100 year old basalt breakwater. The design finalised on the “Cutter Soil Mix” methodology (CSM) which injects grout through rotary cutter heads driven into the ground, forming panels of stabilised ground to a depth of up to 8 metres, locking in place the contaminated material typical of the site.

Excavation for the pipeline was carried out between the CSM stabilised wall and the basalt breakwater, typically 2-3 metres below tide level. A sophisticated array of temporary works schemes were designed to hang concrete cradles at each pipe joint position, lower the pipes into place, flood the annulus of the HDPE pipe to sink the buoyant pipes, pour flowable fill under the pipe to provide support, then adding cement to the excavated material to produce mudcrete and backfill the pipe. This installation cycle was repeated typically every 4 days.

A new outfall end structure was constructed at the northern end of the pipeline, on the tip of Wynyard Point. Pre-cast panels with a featured pattern and black oxide coluring help blend the new structure in with the existing basalt breakwater were used for this structure. A steel frame was set 1 metre below lowest tide, with the aid of divers, to support the precast outfall units. A flap valve was added across the outlet to prevent unauthorised entry up the pipeline.

McConnell Dowell has been engaged by APA to construct the Murrin Murrin Looping Pipeline (MUE) Stage 1, east of Leonora in Western Australia.

The pipeline will transport natural gas from APA’s Goldfields Gas Pipeline (GGP) to the Eastern Gas Pipeline (EGP) Offtake Station, enhancing supply capacity of the Murrin Murrin Lateral (MML) for APA’s customers.

McConnell Dowell’s work scope consists of a DN200 offtake connecting to a 13.8-kilometre DN300 high pressure gas pipeline, which terminates with a tie-in to the EGP Offtake Station. The MUE will be installed parallel to the MML, within the Laverton–Leonora Road reserve.

This award continues our strong relationship with APA, which we have developed on projects such as the smaller diameter Agnew Gas Pipeline, shown under construction in 2019.

McConnell Dowell has strengthened its Australian Leadership Team to support its recent growth and to enhance its customer focus and business operations nationwide.

Recent appointments include:

	Martin Wood had joined the organisation as General Manager - NSW & ACT. Martin joins the company from CPB where he held various general management roles over the last four years. Throughout his extensive career in the construction industry he has provided executive leadership, governance and strategic direction to businesses and major projects across Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand. Click here to connect with Martin on LinkedIn
	David Sims has been appointed to the position of General Manager – Victoria & Tasmania. David joined McConnell Dowell in May 2017 and over the last three years has reorganised and reenergised Australia’s New Business & Strategy team. Prior to joining McConnell Dowell, David held new business and strategy roles at several large construction and engineering firms, and has a background in operations and project delivery.  Click here to connect with David on LinkedIn.
	Daryl Young has been appointed to the role of General Manager – Qld & NT. Daryl was managing director of our Built Environs business since November 2014 and led that business through a significant period of change, including returning the business to profitability and successful expansion into New Zealand. Prior to this role he held senior operations management and project director roles in Australia and overseas. Click here to connect with Daryl on LinkedIn.
	As announced in June, Mario Russo has been appointed to the position of General Manager – SA & WA. Mario joined McConnell Dowell over 15 years ago and has held a number of positions within Group including project management and, most recently, State Manager for South Australia. His appointment in June is positive recognition of his accomplishments in growing McConnell Dowell’s South Australian business Click here to connect with Mario on LinkedIn

Commenting on the changes, Jim Frith, McConnell Dowell’s Australian Managing Director, said…

“Our business has delivered steady and consistent growth over the last few years and we’re extremely positive about our future outlook. These regional general management appointments bring significant industry experience and knowledge to our leadership group. Each General Manager has full accountability for leading their local team and securing and delivering projects within their area of responsibility.  These appointments will improve our agility and enhance our connectivity with local customers and business partners.”

McConnell Dowell with its Alliance partners, has been selected by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to deliver the Westhaven to Akoranga section of the walking and cycling pathway.

Hugh Milliken is proud to be involved with a project that will provide choice for people, on both sides of the harbour, as to how they get to work, connect with family and friends and access services.

“The walking and cycling link will not only encourage people to use active modes when travelling between the city centre and the North Shore but will enhance the liveability of our communities and increase access to the region’s walking and cycling network.”

McConnell Dowell will deliver the Westhaven to Akoranga package as part of an Alliance with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, Aurecon, and Freyssinet. The alliance delivery model, which requires the partners to work closely together, has proven successful on other Waka Kotahi projects including the Waterview Connection and Auckland’s Northern Corridor Improvements project.

The Government is investing $360 million in the first section of the Northern Pathway over the Waitematā Harbour between Westhaven and Akoranga as part of the $6.8 billion NZ Upgrade Programme. The walking and cycling link over the Auckland Harbour Bridge will eventually connect all the way to Albany, opening up the whole of the North Shore for people using active modes of transport.

Subject to consent and funding approvals, we expect to commence construction in 2021 and open this section of the Pathway in 2024.

See more on the Northern Pathway at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/northern-pathway

With the current COVID-19 restrictions the contact signing was conducted virtually - here is an image from the signing.