Gold Standard: Celebrating Our Role in the Award-Winning B19 Ministry of Education Project

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We are proud to celebrate our involvement in the B19 Ministry of Education Reference Design project, which has been honoured with a Gold Award in the Education Category at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.

This recognition is a testament to the collaborative excellence and technical precision that defined the B19 initiative – a modular, repeatable design for two-storey, six-classroom buildings implemented across multiple primary school sites in Aotearoa.

Developed by ASC Architects and delivered by a dedicated team of project partners, the B19 cluster exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to scalable, future-ready learning environments.

Our team played a key role in the successful delivery of this project, achieving the value-for-money target through focused value engineering and proactive cost management. As noted in the official award communication, the project’s success reflects the strength of its partnerships and the shared vision of delivering high-quality educational infrastructure.

The Gold Award is more than a mark of construction excellence – it’s a symbol of the values we bring to every project: integrity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of quality. We’re especially proud to see our work recognised alongside other outstanding projects that are shaping the future of New Zealand’s built environment.

We’d like to thank our project partners, including ASC Architects and the Ministry of Education, for their trust and collaboration. We also extend our congratulations to all the other winners and nominees who continue to raise the bar for commercial construction in Aotearoa.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering projects that not only meet expectations but exceed them – building spaces that inspire, support, and endure.

Waiheke Dream Home: Gray’s Residence

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Perched at the top of a bush field valley, overlooking the picturesque Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, the Gray Residence offers the dream start to a day, morning coffee looking out to the view as the sun slowly rises over the bay. Maria and Dale Gray had that exact vision and successfully brought it to life. In 2021, this uniquely shaped home with a budget of $3 million began.

The concept left no mercy for the builders, when settling on a 6,165sqm block of land that plummeted down a very steep slope of bush land. This resulted in the builders having to perform some engineering magic to create a complex foundation piece by piece. 50 concrete pillars were placed into the ground to stop the house from slipping down the steep hill below them. Resting on those pillars are concrete walls in-situ including a sprayed wall that is unusually thicker at the top than at the bottom. As if the task wasn’t challenging enough, this was done during New Zealand wettest winter and wettest July on record in 2022, meaning the foundations were laid in what could only be described as, a mud bath.

The foundation alone consumed nearly a third of the budget, with over $1 million spent before construction had even begun. This immediately raised red flags, making it clear that the total cost was heading well beyond $3 million.

White Associates was engaged in December 2022, during the early stages of the structural building construction. Our role in delivering this project was Project Finance Quantity Surveying (QS) services. Our engagement included budget development, cost planning, financial forecasting, and monthly drawdown reporting for the Project Funder. Acting on behalf of the funder, our team also ensured compliance with funding conditions and conducted cost-to-complete assessments. Beyond financial oversight, White Associates provided strategic commercial advice, scrutinising commercial and budget decisions to maximise value and support informed decision-making.

Our approach was marked by direct involvement from senior personnel, high responsiveness, and a commitment to “no surprises” outcomes. Key team members included Darin Bayer (Director), Justin Bearne (Associate), and Liam Crane (Project Finance Analyst), whose expertise ensured the project’s financial integrity and strategic alignment.

The residence features four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, thoughtfully spread across three architecturally designed levels. The living area was rotated conveniently towards the views, with barely a right angle in sight. The roof structure features a striking lattice design, composed of massive wooden beams intersecting at bold, jaunty angles. These beams span across the space in both directions, creating a dramatic architectural statement that anchors the entire structure.

The bottom floor is fully glass fronted with a compact indoor garden catching sunlight through the cracks of the staircase.

A pool and spa that propped out on a balcony from the second level, with the huge decking sprawled over the top level with views of the beach and the pool below. To further enhance the property’s luxury, a drive-on turntable was installed outside the garage.

Although this dream home ultimately came in at $5.5 million, shaped by weather delays, design refinements, and COVID-related setbacks, it truly brought the vision to life.

Recently, this home was featured an episode on Grand Designs New Zealand for its unique design and complex building conditions. The Gray Residence stands as a testament to vision, resilience, and architectural ingenuity. Despite the formidable challenges, Maria and Dale Gray’s unwavering commitment transformed a dream into reality. With its sculptural form, luxurious features, and breathtaking views, the home not only reflects their personal aspirations but also showcases the collaborative excellence of everyone involved. It’s a project that redefines what’s possible when ambition meets expertise, and one that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Two Major Milestones for White Associates

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Recently, we celebrated not one- but two significant milestones. Muriel Gondipon, Associate, is celebrating 10 years with White Associates. While Konrad Trankels, our Managing Director, is celebrating 20 years since co-founding White Associates. These important milestones are a testament to the dedication, leadership and impact that these two have had on our company.

To celebrate, our team came together for a fun DIY donut lunch, a way to show our appreciation for both Muriel and Konrad. Their support over the years has meant so much, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have two such inspiring leaders guiding us.

Muriel Gondipon

This April, we are proud to celebrate an amazing decade of Associate, Muriel Gondipon at White Associates. This milestone not only reflects her professional dedication but also her lasting impact across the business.

Joining in April 2015, coming from working in Malaysia, Muriel began her White Associates journey as a Senior Quantity Surveyor. Despite the overwhelming feeling she experienced of starting a new job in a new country, Muriel brought her wealth of experience with a collaborative approach that over the years has made her a trusted and valued colleague and leader. She has contributed to some of our most complex and high-profile projects including High rise residential projects, complex remedial projects and numerous complex Fit Outs.  Additionally, she championed quality assurance across the business.

Her leadership shone through as she undertook the role of mentoring our junior staff, creating a calm and nurturing environment for newcomers starting their career and giving them the opportunity to learn from someone with extensive experience. She recognised the importance of guiding young quantity surveyors and cadets, taking on a mentoring role by involving them in projects for hands-on learning.

Her commitment to excellence is evident in her personal development plans, consistently setting ambitious goals. From developing cost data frameworks and contributing to some of the QS manual, to mentoring cadets and junior quantity surveyors.

Outside of her positive influence on project delivery, she plays a key role in shaping our internal culture, participating in senior management meetings, supporting wellbeing initiatives and being a part of the social framework of the team. The warmth and humour Muriel brings to the workplace is just as appreciated as her technical expertise. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing her many more milestones ahead.

Konrad Trankels

Our second significant milestone is our Managing Director, Konrad Trankels. This milestone not only marks 20 years of Konrad, but also 20 years since co-founding White Associates, a firm that he established with Graham White in 2005.

What began as a bold vision to bring a fresh, robust approach to construction cost consulting has grown into a respected, multi-office consultancy with a national footprint. A huge achievement and testament to the leadership and knowledge Konrad has demonstrated throughout the last 20 years and the team that has helped him build the company along the way.

Over the past two decades, White Associates has completed hundreds of successful projects, grown a team of talented professionals, and developed a leadership structure that remains hands-on and deeply engaged. At the helm of this structure are Directors Darin Bayer, Justin Maritz, and Brett Zeiler, who lead the firm with vision and integrity. They are joined by Associate Director Jesse Conradie, who contributes to the leadership team and supports the continued growth and delivery of the firm’s services.

In a move that reflects both foresight and inclusivity, White Associates has also expanded its shareholder base beyond the boardroom. In addition to the directors, the shareholder group includes respected Associates Justin Bearne, Elliot Smith, and Richard Moore-Savage. This progressive step, welcoming associates as minority shareholders, demonstrates the company’s commitment to succession planning and empowering its people. Konrad notes that this initiative is not a one-off, but part of a broader strategy to provide meaningful pathways for growth and ownership within the firm.

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we honour Konrad’s enduring leadership, his collaborative and approachable spirit, and the legacy that he continues to build – alongside a leadership team that exemplifies the values and vision of White Associates.

Plastic Free July

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This July, White Associates is excited to join Plastic Free July, a global movement that empowers millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. With more than 100 million participants across 190 countries, the initiative encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to reduce single-use plastics and create lasting habits for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July began as a local government initiative in Western Australia. Since then, it’s grown into a worldwide campaign, inspiring people everywhere to make simple changes that collectively lead to big environmental impacts.

At White Associates, we believe small actions can make a real difference—so this month, we’re taking steps in our offices to support the cause:

  • ☕ Keep Cups are back! We’ve set up Keep Cup stations at reception in both our Auckland and Queenstown offices—grab one before your next takeaway coffee.

  • 💧 Reusable drink bottles are in—no more plastic water bottles!

  • 🍱 Lunches without plastic—we’re swapping out cling film for reusable containers.

We’re encouraging our team to build these sustainable habits, not just for July, but for good.

Want to get involved? Head to www.plasticfreejuly.org for simple ways you can reduce your plastic use every day.

Together, let’s be part of the solution.

Luxury Returns to Queenstown Hotel

Posted by Kim Bowden, Business South on

By Kim Bowden

To read from the original article visit Business South – July 2025 | Volume 34 | Issue 5 
Image: G2 Studio

Perched above the Shotover River in Queenstown’s Arthurs Point, the former Nugget Point Hotel is being redeveloped into Coronet Ridge Resort – a five-star alpine retreat set to bring a fresh level of luxury to the area’s accommodation market.
The transformation, spearheaded by owners New Bay Group, with management oversight from Capstone Hotel Management, represents a $30 million investment into the future of the site and Queenstown’s high-end tourism offering.

Clare Davies, the founder and managing director of Capstone, says this isn’t just a refurbishment – it’s a rebuild. “The hotel’s been taken right back to blockwork. The team has completely gutted and modernised every part of the asset: plumbing, electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning) and interiors – even the restaurant roof has come off. It’s essentially a brand-new build.”

However, despite the new chapter, the site’s legacy remains. Nugget Point Hotel once operated in the five-star bracket, though over time, limited reinvestment saw it shift to a more modest standing. The relaunch as Coronet Ridge marks not just a return to form, but a significant step forward.
Clare says she is proud to be working alongside New Bay Group, calling their investment a strong vote of confidence in the destination.

“We’ve got owners who see the potential in Queenstown and the wider tourism sector, and they’ve committed to a substantial investment back into the asset,” she says. Due to open in late 2025, Coronet Ridge will feature 41 boutique rooms, each with a private balcony or patio, and styled with natural textures, timber joinery, and curated landscape photography.

The resort will boast standout facilities, including a Roman-style day spa, private cinema, squash courts, and a new restaurant, Elevation, led by acclaimed chef Des Harris.
Positioned just minutes from the access road to the Coronet Peak ski area, the resort benefits from being just far enough outside central Queenstown to off er quiet luxury – yet still connected to everything that makes the region special.

“We’re really fortunate to have a location that offers the best of both worlds,” Clare says. “You’re close to ski fields, iconic attractions like Shotover Jet and Arrowtown, and world-class food and wine. But you also get to retreat back here – positioned up over the river, with what I’d say are some of the best views in the country.”

As for what the five-star guests can expect – it’s more than just high thread-count sheets. “They’re looking for personalised service, local knowledge, and a sense of arrival – being made to feel welcome. Our staff aren’t just hosts – they’re guides, curators of experience,” Clare explains.

“We’re here to help people really discover Queenstown and connect with it.”

Rooms at the soon-to-be-open Coronet Ridge Resort are bookable now for stays from late November onwards. Clare is confident the reimagined resort will attract both international and domestic leisure and business travellers – and also welcome locals seeking a relaxing spa experience or a special night out. “We can’t wait to relaunch the resort as Queenstown’s newest sanctuary for relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation,” she says.

Home ownership offered for iwi

Posted by Sue Russell on

Business North | Volume 24 | Issue 3 | June 2025
Written by Sue Russell

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei first settled in Tā- maki Makaurau (Auckland) in the 17th century, migrating from the north, and have kept their ahi kā (home fires) burning through continuous occupation in the central isthmus ever since.

Today, the iwi comprises nearly 8000 people from new-born to kaumātua all with genealogical links to their eponymous rangatira, Tuperiri.

Grounded to their land through their marae at Ōrākei, the iwi owns more than 150ha of land in Tāmaki Makaurau. Its commercial arm, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa, is charged with developing and growing these assets, including the creation of more opportunities for its whānau to live in good-quality housing on iwi land.

A recent example where this vision has been realised in bricks and mortar is the $20 million housing development at Hawaiki Street, their newest papa kāinga development enabling whānau to purchase a home in Ōrākei.

Located near the corner of Hawaiki and Kupe streets and sitting atop the Kupe ridge, which connects Takaparawhau and Pourewa, two significant whenua for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Hawaiki is a collection of 24 one-, two-, and four-bedroom townhouses.

Designed by leading architecture studio Jasmax and built by Vivian Construction, the homes reflect kōrero shared through workshops with whānau as part of the Ōrākei Masterplan.

The terraced houses are centred around a shared green space, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

“Hawaiki provides a more affordable path- way to homeownership for whānau in Ōrākei, where the average house price is around $2 million,” says Whai Rawa chief executive Grant Kemble.

“Without opportunities like this, many whānau are priced out of their papa kāinga.”

Projects of this nature, providing more homes to whānau, are considered as tremendously critical by the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board, who govern the affairs of the hapū. Put simply, the priority to build more homes gives whānau not only a warm and healthy home to live in, but also helps the hapū maintain its ahi kā, its long history and connection to the whenua (land).

Grant says it’s extremely gratifying to lead a commercial entity that is growing the hapū’s assets and seeing that realised into real out-comes for whānau.

To make homeownership more accessible, homes are sold under a 150-year leasehold arrangement. Leasehold payments have been removed, significantly reducing the purchase price. A shared equity scheme is also available to further support whānau on their path to homeownership.

“Sustainability was also front of mind. The homes feature sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, solar water heating, and systems to collect and reuse rainwater – all designed to reduce costs and align with the iwi’s commitment to kaitiakitanga,” says Grant.

Homes can only be on-sold to registered Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei members, ensuring that the development continues to serve the whānau and hapū for generations to come.

Hawaiki has been named a finalist in the 2025 Property Council New Zealand Awards in the Community and Affordable Housing category – a recognition of the project’s innovation, impact, and deep connection to place.

Servicing Capabilities Set to Expand

Posted by Bernadette Cooney, Business North on

By Bernadette Cooney 

To read from the original article visit Business North – Volumne 34 | Issue 3 | May 2025

A significant expansion is under way at the Christchurch Engine Centre in Harewood, which will add 14,000sqm of workshop and test-facility space in preparation for servicing the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine for the first time within New Zealand.

The US$150 million investment will ensure the centre’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities grow to handle the GTF™ engine that powers Air New Zealand’s AirbusA320neo aircraft.

To date, more than 2200 GTF-powered aircraft have been delivered to over 80 customers worldwide.

GTF engines enable up to 20% better fuel efficiency with a smaller noise footprint, and since entering service in 2016 have helped airlines save more than two billion gallons of fuel, equivalent to avoiding 20 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, compared to those aircraft having been powered by prior-generation engines.

Demand for the GTF engine remains strong, with 11,000 engine orders and commitments in total across all platforms.

Graham Jack, general manager at Christchurch Engine Centre, highlights the importance of the expansion.

“This project will increase our current space, and extend our engine services supporting the International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500 engine powering the Airbus A320ceo aircraft to the GTF-powered Airbus A320neo aircraft. It will be the only engine shop of its kind in New Zealand.”

The first GTF engine overhaul at Christchurch Engine Centre is expected in late2026, with capacity for up to 140 GTF overhauls planned annually by 2032.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in stages.

“With the new MRO capabilities, it will be added to Pratt & Whitney’s GTF MRO network and support the growing fleet,” says Graham.

“This facility has a proven track record of delivering exceptional performance and quality with a highly capable workforce, having overhauled more than 1500 IAE V2500 engines.”

With this growth, the Christchurch Engine Centre will add a couple of hundred staff over the next five years, increasing its highly skilled workforce from a current 400 people to around 600.

The Christchurch Engine Centre is a joint venture between Pratt &Whitney and Air New Zealand.

It was established in 1948 by Air New Zealand’s predecessor, the National Airways Corporation, and has a long history of servicing aircraft engines, from the Gypsy Queen engines to Rolls Royce Dart and Pratt &Whitney JT8D engines on Boeing 727 and 737 aircraft.

Expansion of Christchurch Engine Centre

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The Christchurch Engine Centre, a partnership between Pratt & Whitney and Air New Zealand, is undergoing a significant expansion to enhance its capabilities in overhauling Pratt & Whitney’s advanced GTF jet engines. This project represents a major investment in New Zealand’s aviation infrastructure, reinforcing Christchurch’s role as a key hub for aircraft engine servicing.

The expansion includes the development of a new 10m Engine Test Facility, covering over 4,000 sqm, purpose-built for testing state-of-the-art GTF engines. Additionally, the engine centre is being expanded by 14,000 sqm at an estimated cost of $150 million. Once completed, the facility is expected to handle up to 140 GTF engine overhauls per year by 2032, with the first overhauls set to begin in 2026.

Beyond increasing engine servicing capacity, the project will have a broader economic impact, injecting $249 million into the region. It is set to create 200 high-value jobs within Canterbury, adding to the existing workforce of over 400 employees at the facility.

White Associates is proud to be part of this ambitious project as the Quantity Surveyors, providing essential cost management and procurement expertise, working alongside Apollo Projects as the main contractor and JLL as the project managers. Lead by Justin Maritz (Director at White Associates), and our Queenstown office, Elliot Smith (Associate and Manager of Queenstown Office) plus Syranda Yukel (Quantity Surveyor). We are providing pre-contract, procurement, and post-contract services for this project. Our primary focus is on the strengthening work and Test Cell construction, with advisory and review support for the new Repair & Materials Facility.

The project, which commenced in November 2024, involves extensive design and construction efforts, including earthquake strengthening of the existing facilities and significant infrastructure upgrades. Working in a highly sensitive, operational environment like Christchurch Engine Centre, requires careful planning and attention to detail, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

As the project progresses, this expansion will position Christchurch as a leading centre for aircraft engine servicing, supporting the latest advancements in aviation technology. With a world-class facility, enhanced capabilities, and a skilled workforce, the upgraded engine centre is set to play a pivotal role in the future of aircraft engine maintenance in New Zealand and beyond.

White Associates Tour of Simplicity Living’s Mt Wellington Development

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Towards the end of last year, White Associates had the privilege of touring behind the scenes of Simplicity Living’s innovative Mt Wellington Development. Guided by Shane Brealey and his team, we saw their unique approach to planning, programming, procurement and delivery. Demonstrated by a blend of forward-thinking design, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability end solution.

Both Konrad (our Managing Director) and Shane begun their careers working in Civil & Civic / Lend Lease where a key philosophy of pre-planning projects leads to successful delivery on site. Simplicity Living’s model reflecting a forward planning mindset, continuously challenges traditional construction norms, embracing change and building trust across the project team to deliver exceptional outcomes.

The Mt Wellington development embodies a collaborative and efficient construction approach. Their team does not shy away from experimenting and trialling new structural systems which consistently refines as they progress. Suitably, the team achieves consistency in quality and efficiency all with a relatively small workforce. Subcontractors have embraced this unique style of delivering allowing them to be confident with the programmes that remain unchanged and therefore their resource commitment remains constant.

A stand-out feature of this development is Simplicity Living’s in-house Stackcell Structures walling system for in-situ concrete walls. This bespoke system designed by the team, is a telling example of innovative thinking as an alternative to traditional precast and in-situ concrete walls. The ability to effectively construct these walls without the traditional constraints of precast and in-situ construction, has allowed for reduced labour, along with efficiency in floor completion rates and reduction of unnecessary costs (i.e. cranage and logistical challenges). The Stackcell System allows general labour to install the system, ensuring greater certainty on the programme, productivity rates and economical wins.

The development as a whole, comprises 297 apartments, featuring a rooftop terrace, work-from-home spaces, a multi-use communal area, and a ground-level pavilion. The carefully planned landscape includes over 7,000 native trees and shrubs, transforming the development into an urban oasis. Simplicity Living has gone beyond the traditional development approach and are investing heavily in achieving a vision. The Build-to-Rent added value shows through providing enhanced public spaces for all tenants to enjoy.

Reflecting on our tour, it is clear that Simplicity Living’s Mt Wellington project is more than a construction triumph, it has challenged the norms of building historically. This collaborative model has been established from a well-planned vision of the team and how they can facilitate the build knowing all systems and processes are in place to allow for a win-win for both themselves and their delivery partners.

For White Associates, being able to work alongside the team and to be exposed to this way of project delivery, has allowed us to educate our own team, as well as clients, on the possibilities that it offers.

 

 

Strengthening Whānau Through Affordable Housing – Hawaiki Street Development

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White Associates had the privilege of being a part of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s visionary papakāinga housing project on Hawaiki Street, Ōrākei. The development is a testament to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s innovative housing framework, which allows whānau to purchase homes while the iwi retains land ownership. The project is further supported by the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), by offering hapū members who meet BNZ’s home lending criteria, a BNZ home loan to make, otherwise unattainable housing, more affordable. This model provides whānau with accessible pathways to home ownership, ensuring greater financial security and stability, embodying the principle of Mana Taurite, ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all hapū members.

Since August 2022, we worked alongside the design team and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to establish an initial cost plan to ensure the client requirements are met. We provided full quantity surveying services including pre contract, procurement and post contract, and embodied Kotahitanga by working together and maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with the main contractor.

With a strong focus on cost efficiency, this project was completed ahead of programme and under budget, allowing for more focus on the landscaping of the backyards and communal garden areas, located around and outside each apartment. There are now 24 terraced houses, including six with four bedrooms, eight with two bedrooms, and five with four-bedrooms with adjoining Kaumātua units. The dwellings successfully included solar energy and intend to achieve a Homestar (v5) 6 equivalent standard.

White Associates is honoured to have been a part of this aspirational project, helping to create high-quality, affordable homes that strengthen whānau connections to their whenua.

Sarah Moore (Quantity Surveyor) and Justin Maritz (Director), from White Associates who worked on this project, were fortunate to attend the opening karakia where they witnessed the excitement of move in day. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these homes will have on the community and celebrating the success of this collaborative and forward-thinking initiative.