Capability Statement
Prepared for Kramer Asia Pacific
May 2026
Introduction General
Thank you for the opportunity to present this brief capability statement which details a cross-section of our skills and experience, and showcases a selection of our recent projects.
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..
Our Approach (typically use 2nd or 3rd)
We approach every project with a focus on creativity and certainty - seeking the right blend of innovation and safe, proven approaches so we can exceed our customers' expectations.
We also understand that construction today is as much about community and sustainability as it is about concrete and steel. Our unwavering objective and commitment is to deliver what we promise to our customers, while protecting and enhancing our people, the community and the environment.
Purpose & Values (typically use 2nd or 3rd)
We are a Purpose and Values driven organisation. These define what's important to us, guide our decision making and unite us behind a common goal.
Our Purpose is Providing a Better Life.
We do that through delivering projects that connect, sustain and enhance communities, and through providing career opportunities that challenge, reward and grow our people.
We also have five company values that guide our behaviours and decisions. Our values are:
Org chart - NZP
Our New Zealand and Pacific Islands business is headed by a group of passionate, skilled construction industry leaders who understand their local markets, customers and supply chains.
For more detailed information about our leadership team's experience, click here.
Org chart - BE
Built Environs is the building brand of McConnell Dowell and the business is led by a dynamic, agile and highly experienced group of leaders who have built their careers in the commercial building industry.
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.
Building Solutions
Built Environs, is a full-service construction company providing design management, through to construction and fit out. They specialise in complex buildings like hospitals, aged care and high-performance sports facilities.
Pacific Property System Project
In 2025, we completed infrastructure upgrades for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) in Tonga and Samoa, and this year, we are starting projects in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
In a joint venture with our vertical colleagues, Built Environs, we have been contracted to build new diplomatic facilities in Suva and Port Moresby.
Fast Facts
- new infrastructure, solar power and security in Tonga and Samoa
- new chanceries in Fiji and PNG
- a Representation Space in PNG
- and a new Official Residence in Fiji
Fanga'uta Lagoon Bridge
Improving community connectivity in Tonga
Our impressive track record of self-delivery in Tonga was a key factor in securing the new Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge contract on 10 September.
The new 720-metre-long bridge, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, will connect Nukuʻalofa to the southeastern side of Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island.
Fast Facts
- 720-metre-long bridge
- 2.1 kilometres of approach roads
- ancillary buildings
- drainage and lighting.
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
Tri-Marine Dock, Seawall and Wharf
Enhancing and expanding cannery facilities to increase capacity and operational continuity
We designed and constructed a new ocean wharf, seawall, and concrete and asphalt hardstands, to improve access and operations at this 70 year old tuna canning facility in American Samoa.
Our scope consisted of the design of all works, reclamation of just over 5,000 m2 of the foreshore, construction of a 125 m long new rock seawall and natural rock revetments, drainage works, pavement construction, and dredging of the seabed around the wharf to enable the fishing fleet access.
Fast Facts
- 30 m long wharf
- 125 m long seawall 4 m below mean sea level with toe armour
- 12 x 600 mm dia steel pipes, 20 m long
- 5,000 m² of foreshore reclamation
- 0 LTI and MTI
Pacific Maritime Security Programme
Supporting security and safety in nine nations
Improving marine infrastructure for nine Pacific Island countries as part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Programme (PMSP) fits perfectly with our vision: Providing a Better Life.
This project also demonstrated our ability to deliver logistically challenging marine projects across the Pacific.
Fast Facts
- wharf upgrades across nine Pacific Island nations
- custom construction activities at each wharf location
- includes piling, dredging, concrete and steel construction,
- facilities will accommodate new Guardian Class Patrol Boats (GPBs)
Kukum Highway Sewer Upgrade
Improving sanitation in the Pacific Islands
We've successfully delivered the new Kukum Highway Sewer Pipeline Project for the Solomon Islands’ Water Authority, dealing with traffic, hard ground and unexploded World War II ordinance.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Telekom to Fisheries’ project, the new pipeline alignment runs from the Ministry of Fisheries building through the Ranadi Roundabout to the Telekom building. The project is the first stage in a long-term plan to improve sanitation in Honiara, the nation's capital, which is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal.
Fast Facts
- 1070 m of 700 mm diameter HDPE gravity line
- 200 m of 500 mm diameter HDPE pressure main
- 120 m of 200 mm diameter PVC lateral pipe connections
- 19 No. concrete manholes
- excavations up to 7 m deep
- at its peak over 30 locals were employed
Pago Pago Airport Runway Overlay
We resurfaced the runway at Pago Pago Airport to improve its condition rating, and raise the shoulder edge by four inches to meet FAA requirements for international airports. Our work included a complete survey of the existing site; construction of Runway 5-23, the shoulder pavement, two taxiway and turning node pavements and paint-marking.
This was our eighth airport project in the Pacific Islands and followed our successful completion of the USD6.7 million rehabilitation and extension of Runway 8-26 in 2007 and the Taxiway Alpha Rehabilitation in 2011.
Fast Facts
- 18,000 tonnes of asphalt produced in the onsite plant in 6 months
- 850 tonnes of imported bitumen from Fiji
- 310,000 litres of diesel has been used to manufacture, transport and deliver the project
- 17,000 tonnes of crushed aggregate supplied by MCD internal quarry
- 5,000 m3 of old runway pavement removed
- Achieved an average PWL Score of 96/100 for Quality compliance
Pago Pago Runway Upgrade 5-23 Stages 2 & 3
Our American Samoa team completed the contract to resurface and rehabilitate the asphalt pavement on the primary runway at Pago Pago International Airport in mid-2025.
This is the ninth project we've completed for the Pago Pago International Airport. Other recent projects for the Airport included upgrading 915 m (3,000 feet) of the runway, for Stage One of Runway 5-23 completed in 2018, and the Apron Rehabilitation Project finished in 2020.
Fast Facts
- 45,000 tonnes of asphalt
- 3050 m (7,000 feet) long stretch of runway
- 100 – 153 mm (4-6 inches) thick layer
Fostering Māori and Pacific leaders for a greater Aotearoa
McConnell Dowell New Zealand (Aotearoa) offered two wāhine (women) Paige Leota and Leila Finau, the opportunity to attend Kia Tupu Kia Toa (To Grow to be Warriors), as part of our relationship with TupuToa.
We have been working with TupuToa since 2021 when our first Māori and Pacific graduates joined the programme and the inaugural Kia Tupu Kia Toa programme was launched in 2022.
The leadership programme Kia Tupu Kia Toa has been carefully co-designed with TupuToa Alumni and staff so the right voices are heard and contribute their insights to build robust learning outcomes. It was designed to extend Māori and Pasifika professionals in leadership roles or transitioning into a position with more responsibilities.
McConnell Dowell signed Paige and Leila up to the five wānanga (courses) over five months in late 2023.
To finalise and embed the learnings from the programme Paige and Leila with the other tauira (students) presented to their peers, tutors, invited quests, managers and whanau, about how the programme has helped them and its legacy in their lives.
Helping build a better future in Pacific Island communities
McConnell Dowell has a long association delivering infrastructure projects in American Samoa and other Pacific Islands. Our project teams working in the islands become part of these close-knit communities and they often see opportunities for the team to give back to the locals they are working with.
In a reciprocal relationship the local people provide projects with talent for construction and we in turn look for substantial ways we can use machinery, materials or skills to benefit the local people in return.
Some of the community projects the team find most rewarding involve upgrading school facilities for local children. At Tafuna High School this meant responding to a request from the Parent Teachers Association to fix up the school’s drainage and create an access road to the carpark using McConnell Dowell-donated plant, labour and materials. Here you can see the drainage works well on their way and the access road starting to take shape.
We also supported the Pavaiai High School's aim to create an all weather assembly area by donating recycled millings and asphalt to the project. Before the resurfacing students had to sit on muddy grass when they gathered during bad weather. As you can see from the photos, they now have an area they can use to gather or play whatever the weather.
Closing Text - General with contacts, no 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) below for advice or assistance with your project.
Contacts
Martin Devlin
Pre-contracts Manager - New Zealand & Pacific Islands
M: +64 27 807 5954
Martin.Devlin@mcdgroup.com LinkedIn