McConnell Dowell Operations Manager Joe Edwards has been elected a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers New Zealand, in recognition of the significant contribution he has made to the engineering profession.

Presented at a Gala Awards dinner on Friday 7 April, his citation read:

"Joe Edwards is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his leadership and service in the construction industry, particularly in relation to tunnel safety. He has made an impressive contribution to setting industry standards and developing best practice guidance, especially in the area of extractives industry safety and training. This includes time as President of the Civil Contractors New Zealand, continued involvement with mining safety organisations and input into legislative changes in relation to tunnel construction. Much of this work has been on a voluntary basis while simultaneously holding the role of Operations Manager for McConnell Dowell, which has involved oversight of many large, complex projects."

Throughout his 40 year career, Joe has achieved senior operational management roles and his extensive experience and expertise spans most aspects of engineering and construction, particularly in the tunnel and underground sector, where he is regarded as an industry expert.

His contribution to the civil construction industry has included numerous positions in industry groups and Boards including the Pike River Implementation Industry Group, responsible for the drafting and review of the new Health and Safety Act 2015, the Mines Rescue Board, as well as providing expert advice on health and safety in underground construction to WorkSafe as a member of the WorkSafe Advisory Council. Last year he was recognised with a CCNZ Life Membership for his services to what is now Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ). Joe served on the National Executive of CCNZ for 13 years including two years as President.

“Joe is held in high esteem in the construction industry, not only by fellow contractors, but by consulting engineers and clients alike,” says McConnell Dowell Managing Director Roger McRae.

“In all the time I have known Joe, he has always been highly ethical and professional and has never wavered from this in everything that he does. He maintains very high personal professional standards and has always displayed honesty, transparency and integrity in his approach to engineering and construction activities.”

A new stormwater outfall to be constructed at Army Bay near Whangaparaoa north of Auckland will be a construction first for New Zealand.

McConnell Dowell will be installing the 2km onshore section of the 3km outfall pipe using Direct Pipe®, a construction methodology never before used in the country.

Direct Pipe® is a relatively new trenchless technology that combines the advantages of micro-tunnelling and HDD to install prefabricated steel pipe strings 120m at a time. The pipeline is installed well below the ground surface, posing a much lower environmental risk than other methodologies. (Watch a video of Direct Pipe® here)

McConnell Dowell adds this latest project to our extensive track record in offshore pipe installation, including marine outfalls at Rosedale, Pegasus Bay, Clandeboye and Tahuna, marine works at Taharoa, and the successful use of Direct Pipe® by McConnell Dowell on the 4th Parallel pipeline in Thailand.

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McConnell Dowell Australia has strengthened its local leadership team with two key appointments.

Sasho Anastasieski has been appointed to the role of Operations Manager effective April 3. Sasho brings in excess of 25 years construction experience across a diverse range of projects and locations. He has held senior management roles with Fulton Hogan; John Holland and Laing O’Rourke, and was most recently Business Manager, Construction for Burton Construction. Sasho will be based in Sydney and will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of projects across Australia where his skills and experience can deliver the greatest value to our customers.

David Sims also joins the leadership team in the role of General Manager New Business and Strategy. David comes to McConnell Dowell after nine years at John Holland where he held both strategy and new business roles. He was most recently the Executive Manager – Strategy & Business Planning, and General Manager – Engineering Innovation.  Prior to John Holland, David worked in the defence industry. David will be based in Melbourne and his appointment becomes effective May 29.

In commenting on the two appointments, Australian Managing Director Jim Frith said

”Sasho and David bring outstanding local industry experience to McConnell Dowell, covering everything from how we add value to our customers in the early development phases of their projects, through to delivering those projects safely, on time and on budget.

I look forward to working with Sasho, David and the rest of my leadership team to continue to deliver the creative construction solutions customers expect from McConnell Dowell.”

McConnell Dowell's building arm, Built Environs has been awarded the contract to deliver the U2 on Waymouth project on behalf of developer Datong Australia.

The development comprising 27 levels, will deliver 257 apartments into the heart of the Adelaide CBD.  Located at 114 – 122 Waymouth Street, the JPE designed building will incorporate many aspirational features including a fitness studio, sauna, spas, outdoor lounge with BBQ facilities and ground floor restaurant and retail.

The project commences onsite in March 2017 with completion anticipated for in early 2019.

This project was secured after a competitive tender, followed by an exclusive negotiation period, where Built Environs worked with Datong to advance the building design, whilst meeting budget and program milestones.

“The U2 on Waymouth project was identified by our business as a priority project to secure. The skill and proactivness of our team and the willingness of the client to work collaboratively in achieving this milestone is extremely pleasing. We look forward to working with Datong to deliver this exciting project for Adelaide.” Built Environs Managing Director, Daryl Young said.