Civil Engineering Stories

Kiwi Stories

Civil Engineering stories

Solution for slip-prone West Coast highway edges closer

Work to secure State Highway 6 at Epitaph Slip could still be years off, despite a completed case for a $102 million realignment.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last week

Radio New Zealand

New rocks for Hokitika seawall as mayor brushes off concerns

Larger stones are set to be installed after high seas sent driftwood and debris over the Hokitika flood barrier and onto the walkway.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 2 min read • Last week

Artificial Intelligence

Central Interceptor wins top NZ construction award

Auckland's $1.6 billion wastewater tunnel has been recognised for cutting overflows and boosting resilience, as contractors were honoured nationwide.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last week

Construction

Cambridge expressway resurfacing nears 75% complete

Motorists should brace for up to 20-minute delays as the next stage closes the Cambridge West northbound on-ramp and shifts traffic.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • This month

Civil Defence

Ohakune residents demand answers after reservoir runs dry

Residents were warned too late as Ohakune's reservoir emptied, leaving businesses and households without water on a busy winter weekend.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 5 min read • This month

Data Analytics

Water New Zealand hails STEM subjects to ease skills gap

The sector's 10,000-worker shortfall could widen unless more students see water jobs beyond engineering, Water New Zealand says.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • This month

Digital Transformation

Civil Contractors New Zealand conference heads to Wellington

With more than 600 delegates expected, the event will put transport, procurement and pipeline concerns in front of election-year politicians.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • This month

Auckland Transport

Auckland City Rail Link set to open on 13 September

After years of disruption, passengers will gain quicker journeys and better city access when the underground rail link begins service on 13 September.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • This month

University of Canterbury

Seequent's Visible Geology passes 200,000 users worldwide

New construction modelling and classroom sign-in changes are meant to make the free earth science tool more useful for teaching and engineering courses.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • This month

Procurement

New Zealand signs PPP for Northland Expressway link

The first 26-kilometre stretch is due to open in 2033, after the Government closed a NZD $3.649 billion deal for the route.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Last month

Tertiary education

Engineering enrolments rise but skills gap remains

The rise in graduates has not kept pace with demand, as New Zealand still needs up to 2,300 extra engineers a year.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Partner Programmes

KiwiRail drops the ball tracking bridge risk, relies on general procedures

A flood-scoured pier collapse left the Main South Line exposed because bridge-specific controls were missing and general procedures proved inadequate.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sun, 14th Jun 2026

Sustainability

Opportunity to piggyback on recycling contaminated soil

Victoria’s new soil-washing plant will let construction firms reuse polluted earth, easing landfill pressure as infrastructure demand rises.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sat, 9th May 2026

Sustainability

Paving Hawaiian roads with recycled plastics and abandoned fishing nets

Hawaii is testing whether roadbuilding can reduce landfill pressure by turning marine debris and household plastic into asphalt without extra shedding.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Sat, 28th Mar 2026