Faces of Te Kaha
More than 2.4 million work hours have gone into building the stunning One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, this is a snapshot of just a few of the people from behind the scenes.
Providing the city with an exciting and dramatic new focal point, the new multi-use stadium at Te Kaha is the culmination of a lot of sweat and no doubt a few tears because delivering a project like this, on time and on budget, is no mean feat. While we can’t showcase all of the many workers on the project, we have chosen a few to show the range of skills involved in this unique and world-class build.
Leo Chen:
Assistant Site Safety Supervisor, Jinggong Steel
Day to day I… walked around site supervising a team of around 80. I made sure everyone has the right PPE and was following procedures. I checked logbooks and gear like the welding gas cylinders.
The best part of my job is… getting to talk to so many people. I connect with suppliers and machinery technicians, other trades, and lead contractor BESIX Watpac.
Outside of work I… like motorcycling and hiking.
Stella Banks:
Roofing Labourer, Newfield Roofing
Day to day I… installed the roof in the west stand. This included drawing up, cutting and laying the flashings, and putting on gutters as well.
The best part of my job is… the people I work with. We have a team of 30. Everyone is good to work with and great people.
Outside of work I… like sport. I play rugby and do surf lifesaving.
Richard Clio:
Site Manager, Alpha South.
Day to day I… worked with my team on the interiors of the stands. We’re installing walls, ceilings skirting and doorways in the corporate boxes and stands.
The best part of my job is… working with other trades. It makes me better, expanding my knowledge.
Outside of work I’m… a dad and enjoy hiking and fishing, even though I never catch anything, I still love it!
Jenny Divers:
Construction Survey Lead, Graham Surveying.
Day to day I… was in charge of all the survey work on site. Basically, we bring the designer’s vision to life by building a full 3D model, which shows where everything should go. The steel is manufactured to these specifications. Once it’s built, my team also does quality assurance to make sure everything is right. I was on site right from the beginning of the project, working through the stages of piling, foundations, hold-down bolts, the bowl structure, and the roof stage.
The best part of my job is… Having the opportunity to work indoors and outdoors. I get a really nice mix of being on-site and in the office with the team. It’s also great getting to work with people from all different backgrounds and specialities. I’ve learnt so much about other trades and seeing how all the elements come together.
Outside of work I… have a three-year-old daughter, so lots of time is spent on family trips to the beach or park. I’m also into smoking meat and craft beer, and we’re in the middle of some home renovations.
Brent Leversedge:
Site Foreman, Faulks Investments Ltd .
Day to day I… looked after a crew and made sure we got as much work done as possible. I was on site since day dot, so about four years. We started by digging out and preparing for the concrete for the stands. We completed all the civil works around the outside of the stadium and finally prepped for the last pathways to be poured at the north end.
The best part of my job is… working with everyone on site. I’ve made some really good friendships. This is an unreal project, it’ll be a buzz when it opens.
Outside of work I… love motorsport. My son races speedway.
Richard Gibbs:
Senior Project Manager in the Parks unit at Christchurch City Council.
Day to day I… focused almost entirely on the completion of the field of play. My work included assisting with the setting up of equipment, machinery and turf management operational systems that were needed when our own staff took over the management of the field of play.
The best part of my job is… working with a great team of supportive colleagues, seeing past students rise to positions of great responsibility within the turf profession and seeing the enjoyment on the faces of players, spectators and stakeholders when they start to use a new facility for the first time.
Outside of work I… enjoy tinkering on my lifestyle block with my wife, playing music (the live version) and indulging in the quirky form of English folk dance known as Morris dancing.
Harrison Smith:
Rope Access Technician at Goleman Group.
Day to day I… hung from ropes to access hard to reach locations. The main projects we worked on were the post construction cleaning and installing the smoke baffle around the bowl. This is a PVC material designed to slow the spread of smoke in the event of a fire.
The best part of my job is… definitely the people. We hire a lot of people from all over the world, and everyone brings diverse skills.
Outside of work I… have two young kids, so I’m always trying to find new ways to keep them entertained and maintain some sort of order around the house.
