Te Whau Pathway

Te Kōwhai Nui is an innovative, award-winning gantry crane, fabricated, assembled and commissioned by the Te Whau Pathway project team.

The gantry crane, named by a local school for its bright yellow colour, won the Hynds CCNZ award for Sustainability and Innovation in 2025.

Judges commented that, “This clever travelling gantry system showcases the Mechanical Division’s expertise in steel fabrication and temporary works as well as Mechanical and Electrical systems.”

We were subcontracted by HEB to help design a crane that could move between headstocks and safely install precast deck sections, and later added functionality such as the ability to turn corners. The gantry was custom-designed to move between head stocks and safely install precast deck sections, and significantly minimised impacts to the sensitive tidal zone the pathway needs to cross.

During the value engineering stage, we worked with HEB to adapt the mechanical and electrical design, adding functionality such as the ability to turn corners. Services such as lifting equipment, power supply, and control systems were fully integrated, and the electrics are all controlled from a single panel. The streamlined system helps maintain a clean profile and eliminates the need for separate support systems. It also incorporates existing available hoist parts for the powered and unpowered trolleys, making repairs and maintenance simpler.

Te Kōwhai Nui has improved access, safety for the team working onsite and reduced reliance on cranes and other permanent access structures, an ideal solution for a constrained site. The steel framework was engineered for modular assembly, enabling rapid deployment and disassembly while accommodating variable span lengths and terrain.

The crane is built to a very high standard, and is certified under the Crane Regulations, AS/NZS 1554.1 and SFC CC3 compliant.