"I wanted to take a moment to commend KENAI and the team for the outstanding work they’ve provided, particularly on the Cider Countdown underground pipe repair project.
KENAI’s exceptional expertise and dedication have truly made a significant impact.
For the most part, I’ve had the pleasure of working with David. David’s knowledge, experience, and guidance have been instrumental in ensuring the success planning and delivery of this project.
His keen eye for detail, holistic approach, ability to critically think and problem-solve, and proactive ‘can do’ mentality have been invaluable. These qualities have significantly contributed to effective risk mitigation and have ensured that us as the client feel confident and trust that we are in capable hands.
We deeply appreciate the hard work and commitment demonstrated throughout the whole engagement. It is a pleasure to work with a contractor who consistently delivers high-quality results and exemplifies such a strong work ethic.
Thank you once again for your excellent service. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership."
JV Enriquez
Facilities Manager
Oyster Group
Projects
* Total Project Value
** Total Contract Value
Puketutu Island Rehabilitation
Watercare Services Limited Auckland Council
2014-2020
$180M
Kenai managed the delivery of this project, including 1,000,000m3 of earthworks, 35km of drainage installation and the maintenance of 5 pumpstations. Works also included minor works such as soft and hard landscaping, ground stabilization and roading. Kenai installed geo-synthetics liners and dewatered ponds capable of handling 200 litres per second. The project also demanded geotechnical engineering, fluid and hydraulic management, drainage, and the installation of monitoring and recharge bores, underpinned by rigorous environmental and site planning to meet ESC consenting requirements.
The large site involved 80-100 personnel, requiring careful coordination where Kenai managed the different zones, toolbox meetings and regular addressing of crossovers and joint site issues.
Kenai’s forward-thinking approach to resource planning, which averted supply chain and SoT risks, assures that Kenai is capable of ensuring material availability and delivery of projects. Kenai’s proficiency in managing complex logistics, environmental considerations, and infrastructure adjustments, like those needed for power pole relocation and rock protection installation, makes Kenai an impressive suitable contractor.
Kenai’s director Caleb Male is an Environmental Scientist with a strong background in implementing sustainable construction methodologies in all projects Kenai take on.
For the Puketutu Island project, Kenai stood behind their promise to uphold careful eco-friendly methodologies during construction and recycled and reused over 200,000 tons of rock and crushed concrete on site. They eliminated the need for extensive material transportation and saved over 7,150 truck trips that would’ve contributed to 520,000 kg of CO2 being released into the atmosphere. Additionally, Kenai were able to stay within the set budget, incorporating innovative ground stabilisation techniques, such as the use of geogrid, and efficiency management of complex elements like the construction of pump stations and extensive drainage systems.
Kenai met Watercare’s expectations and successfully delivered the project on time, on-budget and to the required specifications.
The following is Kenai’s performance review from Sven Harlos, Program Manager for Watercare Services:
“Score of 85 – Excellent Rating. Kenai effectively managed a significant portion of the works, including critical tasks such as earthworks, drainage, and project management. For H&S, a large team of 80+ staff were well managed, and they brough strong commitment to environmental targets.”
Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Project
Watercare
2022
$1.75M
The project’s scope included constructing a new wastewater treatment plant, diverting existing wastewater flows, decommissioning the current plant, and implementing extensive tunnelling and excavation activities. This involved tunnelling more than 5 kilometres of new pipeline and excavating 40,000 cubic meters of material under the water table, along with installing a new outfall. The project deliverables were delivered to all HSEQ requirements. This was despite the challenges around Covid-19, wet weather and contaminated materials found in the ground. The client was very satisfied with the work delivered. The delivery was on time and on budget.
Project Aims:
The project aims to enhance water quality and support population growth in the Warkworth and Snells-Algies communities. Currently, the project is on target to achieve this. For Kenai’s remit, the benefit of the earthworks and enabling works we provided enabled the site to be set up and for the foundations work and other construction tasks to commence.
Kenai’s Delivery:
Kenai has effectively managed to keep this project on schedule. Critically to maintaining the timeline, Kenai have efficiently managed complex tasks such as decommissioning the existing Warkworth and Snells-Algies WWTP, laying a new five kilometre pipeline, and installing a new outfall off Martins Bay. Strong collaboration with partners like Brian Perry Civil and Watercare were crucial to success. For health and safety, we operated in a deep excavation site with rain and mud. Despite this, we managed to make quick proactive decisions in bringing in machines that restricted swinging to reduce risk of injury and also maintaining a robust, strict health and safety risk assessment protocol. Regular site photographs and weekly drone flyovers for progress assessment further testified to Kenai’s meticulous approach. On the environmental side, Kenai also used Lamella tanks to ensure our discharges to the environment were clean with the continuous removal of solids. Despite the project’s scale and the challenges of working in a live environmental setting, Kenai’s expertise in coordinating extensive construction activities and our adept handling of logistics have ensured the project remains on track.
Mokoia Pa Project
Auckland Transport
2023- Current
$3.50M (Total Project Value)
Scope: Kenai are currently contracted to provide essential services including fencing and site security at the Mokoia Pa project, located on a rich site in cultural history as the former Ngāti Paoa Pa settlement. The project involves erecting 250 meters of a 2-meter-tall panel fencing to serve as a semi-permanent barrier protecting the eastern section of the park, which holds significant archeological value and includes a site of Koiwi internment, a grave sacred to local Māori. The installation of secure gates around critical areas further enhanced site safety. Further project scope includes timber and concrete retaining walls up to 2 meters high and up to 8 meters long. Adjustments made to accommodate existing services such as Chorus for fibre optic and Vector for power, stormwater, water, and wastewater lines.
Extensive traffic management due to the project’s proximity to busways, cycleways, and pedestrian crossings. Installation of concrete stairwells, park lighting including feature lights on street furniture and trees, and the replacement of old streetlights with new installations including underground power lines. Planting of 4,500 native plants and executing hardscaping works along with stormwater installations. Kenai also are required to collaborate with Heritage NZ and Archaeology Solutions to ensure compliance, given the site’s significance as a Māori pa.
The project has been instrumental in enhancing public safety and protecting critical council infrastructure as well as local Māori cultural sites. By installing secure fencing, the project effectively restricted unauthorized access to sensitive areas, managed traffic, reduced littering, and safeguarded essential infrastructure, fully realizing its intended benefits.
Programme Adherence: The project continues to progress on schedule due to Kenai’s meticulous project management and strategic resource planning. Key personnel like Caleb Male (Director of Kenai), and Dave Kersten (Contract Representative) have played crucial roles in resource allocation and coordinating with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring timely progress.
Quality Standards: Kenai’s commitment to quality was upheld through the implementation of our Quality Management Plan and regular tracking of quality metrics. Daily toolbox meetings ensured team alignment with quality objectives, helping the project not only meet but potentially exceed quality standards.
Lagoon Drive
Auckland Transport
2023- Current
$1M
The Lagoon Drive project aims to enhance community infrastructure and ensure safety along the scenic Tamaki River. Through strategic landscaping and the construction of new pathways, cycleways, and driveways, the project is set to improve accessibility and enrich leisure activities in the area. A key component is the preservation of the historical bluestone abutments near the Tamaki River Bridge, reflecting Kenai's dedication to respecting and safeguarding Auckland's cultural and environmental heritage.
Kenai's Responsibilities
Kenai Limited has been entrusted with critical hardscaping and fencing work for Auckland Transport on Lagoon Drive. The comprehensive scope of Kenai’s work includes:
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Concrete and Hardscaping: Laying 1400m² of 200mm thick reinforced exposed aggregate concrete and constructing a 27m² concrete pedestrian bridge over historical bluestone elements to link with a heritage viewing platform. This initiative supports the conservation of key historical features while facilitating modern infrastructure development.
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Safety Enhancements: Constructing a pedestrian fence along a 250-meter stretch of the access ramp, where there is a 1-1.5m drop. This feature is critical for ensuring public safety and managing the significant height differential presented by the varied terrain along Lagoon Drive.
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Water Management: Implementing extensive concreting work to create a washed concrete surface adjacent to a boat ramp, effectively managing runoff into the Tamaki area. This effort is vital for protecting the local ecosystem while accommodating recreational and transport activities.
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Structural Features: Erecting retaining walls and additional fencing to further secure the area and enhance the structural integrity of the newly developed spaces.
Achievements and Challenges
The primary achievement of this project so far is the significant enhancement of pedestrian safety through the placement of protective fencing along the access ramp. This initiative, informed by community input and designed to complement the Rotary walkway, fulfills dual objectives of safety and aesthetic enhancement.
Programme Adherence
Kenai’s strategy to ensure timely completion includes robust project management, marked by strong collaboration with the client and advanced planning tools. Clear milestones have been set and agreed upon with the client establishing a concrete timeline that facilitates on-schedule progress. Frequent and transparent communication with all stakeholders allows for agile responses to emerging challenges, ensuring the project remains on track.
Whātapaka Urupa Slip Repairs Project,
Auckland Transport
2023- Current
This project was initiated in response to damage from the February Cyclone even in 2023. Kenai, in collaboration with HD Geo, were tasked to restore and reinforce the embankment near Whātapaka Marae. Located just 10m from the sea and involving complex geotechnical challenges, this project is critical for the protection of the culturally significant urupā and adjacent structures.
Kenai's Responsibilities
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Remediation Design and Execution: Designing and implementing effective slip remediation strategies that align with both cultural sensitivities and technical requirements. This involves stabilizing the slipped embankment to protect the whare located at the toe of the embankment.
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Collaborative Assessments and Planning: Working alongside HD Geo for detailed geotechnical assessments and collaborating with Whātapaka Iwi to ensure that all remediation efforts respect the cultural significance of the site.
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Complex Earthworks: Executing 5000m³ of earthworks, integrating both low-cost solutions like planting deep-rooting vegetation and more advanced techniques such as soil nails, mesh, and hydroseeding.
Challenges and Innovations
The proximity to the shoreline posed significant risks, including potential further erosion and environmental impact. Kenai addressed these challenges by:
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Innovative Earthwork Solutions: Employing a range of earthwork strategies to stabilize the land while minimizing environmental disruption.
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Cultural and Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex regulatory and cultural landscapes, securing necessary approvals from Heritage NZ, and ensuring all activities were compliant with heritage and environmental standards.
Achievements
Kenai successfully implemented remediation strategies that were culturally respectful and environmentally sound, which included preserving the integrity of the urupā. Through strategic planning and value engineering, Kenai also saved the client significant costs, enhancing budget efficiency without compromising on quality or safety.
Whakarewarewa Wallaby Containment Fencing Project
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
2022- 2023
$180M (Project value) / $2.9M (Contract Value)
Earthworks
Managed 10,000m³ of slip repair earthworks to restore and stabilise land.
Containment Fence
Installed a 13km fence to manage and control wildlife, contributing significantly to local biodiversity efforts.
Tree Planting
Enhanced ecological balance by planting 10,000 trees, supporting reforestation and habitat restoration.
Infrastructure Repairs
Executed scour repairs, installed subsoil toe drains, and stabilised toes with gabion baskets, using cut-to-fill materials to reconstruct ramps and roads.
Additional Features:
Developed 100m² of footpaths, installed 8 reinforced concrete gate beams, and implemented over 200m of minor swales for effective water management. The project also included riprapping for scour protection, minor culvert installations using concrete and UPVC, underscoring Kenai's expertise in creating durable roads, drainage systems, and reinforced concrete carparks.
Achievements
Kenai completed the project on programme through effective project management, collaborating with Te Arawa iwi to manage ecological risks in sacred areas, and efficient traffic management along SH5. Kenai established permanent presence early on site, and utilised regular reports and site daily diaries to keep track of safety reports, project risks, forecasts, and environmental regulations.
Results
The client was satisfied with Kenai’s performance. Please see a direct quote below from BOPRC Programme Leader Davor Bejakovich regarding our performance on this project.
“Excellent Quality of delivery was ensured by Caleb and his team. Very adaptive management and collaboration with all parties ensured best possible outcome.”
