Capability Statement
Prepared for Prepared for Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
May 2026
About Us (typically use first)
For over 65 years customers have been coming to McConnell Dowell with complex projects that require innovative solutions. That's why we're known as the Creative Construction company.
From remote resources and energy projects to city-shaping infrastructure, we've built thousands of quality assets and facilities.
Engineering-led, our expertise has grown steadily to span building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction..
Ports & Coastal Solutions
With over 330 marine projects completed across six decades, McConnell Dowell is synonymous with marine infrastructure.
From wharves and jetties to ocean outfalls, breakwaters, and submarine pipelines — we bring coastal confidence to every project.
Our modular approach to construction has helped create productive ports for clients like Rio Tinto, FMG, Vale, and BHP, where over 1.2 billion tonnes of iron ore are shipped annually from wharves we built.
Queen Sālote International Wharf Upgrade
We upgraded the Queen Sālote International Wharf in Nukau'alofa for the Tongan Ministry of Infrastructure between 2023 and 2025, on time and on budget, with zero LITs during the one million hours worked.
The wharf is Tonga’s only international port, a lifeline for the country, processing 95% of the country's imports and exports. This critical infrastructure upgrade modernised and climate-proofed the facility, increased capacity, and improved power, drainage and water services.
Fast Facts
- Wharf reconstruction and extensions to cater for larger vessels
- Construction of four new berthing and mooring dolphins
- General port improvements, including paving, drainage, lighting, and firefighting facilities
Energy Solutions
We help create safe, sustainable and efficient power infrastructure that supports today’s energy hungry and environmentally conscious communities. We deliver civil, electrical, mechanical, pipelines and tunnelling works across all power generation types.
Recent projects that reflect our capabilities in sustainable power generation include the engineering, procurement and construction of the 166 MW Te Mihi Geothermal Power Station in New Zealand; the refurbishment of the 75 MW Ambuklao and 100 MW Binga Hydropower Plants in the Philippines; and the current Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Queensland.
Cook Islands Solar Power Project
Bringing renewable energy to the Cook Islands and Tuvalu
This project comprised two separate sub-contracts and involved civil and building works for this solar power project. Works were undertaken in eight remote locations in the Cook Islands, and in four locations in Tuvalu.
Our scope of works included construction of power station buildings, complete with a marine grade aluminium roof cladding for the extreme local weather conditions, and solar panel array foundations.
Civil
Our multi-disciplinary experience encompasses every type of civil construction, including bulk earthworks, foundations, hardstands, precast concrete, piling, roads, runways, and bridges.
Our ability to solve technical challenges creatively, means we find ways of delivering complex civil structures with minimal disruption to the community and our customers' operations.
Goro Nickel Port Package Project
One of the world's largest industrial mining projects, the Goro Nickel Project involved the construction of a nickel processing facility, a power plant, a dam, wharves, and a conveyor system.
Our scope of work comprised the construction of a new 180 m long general cargo berth, a new 270 m long bulk berth, three new dolphins, general port area earthworks, and earthworks for the conveyor system.
Fast Facts
- 6 ha of clear and grub works
- 140,000 m3 of cut/fill
- 70,000 m3 of rock core fill
- 102 vertical piles
- 24 raking piles
- 200 staff at peak
Civil
Our multi-disciplinary experience encompasses every type of civil construction, including bulk earthworks, foundations, hardstands, precast concrete, piling, roads, runways, and bridges.
Our ability to solve technical challenges creatively, means we find ways of delivering complex civil structures with minimal disruption to the community and our customers' operations.
Te Mato Vai water infrastructure project
Delivering fresh water to Rarotonga
Working across 10 different work sites, from private land to remote mountain terrain, we delivered a multi-staged upgrade of the water supply network on Rarotonga. Engaging a significant number of locals on the project, we've left a legacy of new skills and world-class water infrastruture for the Cook Islands.
As the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Cook Islands, Te Mato Vai (meaning 'source of water') delivers fresh drinking water to all residential and commercial properties connected to the existing network. The project was an integral part of the Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Plan.
Fast Facts
- 10 intake structures
- 20 m diameter storage tanks
- 25 ford / river crossings
- 12 km of 315 OE PE pipe connects the new facilities to existing ones
Creative Construction
Creative Construction at McConnell Dowell is the inspired engineering behind the complex infrastructure we deliver.
It's the technical problems and challenges solved behind the scenes by people empowered to think creatively and work collaboratively. It’s the alternative idea or innovation that saves time, reduces cost, makes us safer, and delivers more value.
It might not always be evident when you look at the end product, but it's there, inside every McConnell Dowell project.
World first wharf modularisation
We helped revolutionise the design and construction approach for large-scale marine infrastructure on Rio Tinto's Chith Export Facility project in remote Far North Queensland.
The 350m wharf structure was split into seven, first-of-a-kind ‘jacket’ modules (the substructure) and six topside modules. Weighing approximately 680 tonnes each and standing 30m high, the jacket modules, with integrated dolphins, reduced the number of permanent wharf piles required from 100 to just 28, minimising environmental impact to marine life – a core focus for the Chith Export Facility team.
The wharf topside modules, placed on the jackets, ranged from 600 to 1400 tonnes and were fabricated complete with all services, conveyors, concrete roadways and access walkways.
In true ‘plug and play’ fashion, the modules were delivered and installed by a heavy-lift ship in a safe, clean and efficient operation.
The project, completed in just 10 months, was awarded the Australian Construction Achievement Award by Engineers Australia and the Brunel Medal by the Institute of Civil Engineers (UK).
NZP Intro (typically use 4th to 8th)
With over 65 years of history in the region, and as the birthplace of the company, McConnell Dowell is well known in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands as an accomplished, engineering-led, multi-disciplined contractor.
We have a proven track record in delivering complex projects in remote and difficult locations, and have extensive in-house resources, specialist plant, and experienced support teams that enables us to self-perform much of our work.
Closing text - with contacts and Video
Summary
Thank you for taking an interest in McConnell Dowell's skills, capabilities and approach. Additional information is available on our website, including additional project case studies.
Contact us through the link(s) at the bottom for advice or assistance with your project.
Contacts
Brendon Barnett
Environment Manager - New Zealand & Pacific Islands
M: +64 21 527 461
brendon.barnett@mcdgroup.com LinkedIn