Article written by Matthew Stuart – Service Leader – Rail Engineering

The Lower North Island Integrated Mobility Project (LNIRIM) is a major investment programme aimed at improving freight and passenger rail performance, safety, and operational resilience across the lower North Island. The Yards Package forms a critical component of the programme, supporting the introduction of the new fleet of Tuhono Battery Electrical Multiple Units (BEMUs) to allow for increased stabling capacity, charging, maintenance, and futureproofing of rail yard infrastructure.

Vitruvius and Beca are engaged to support the planning, design development, and technical assurance of the Masterton and Palmerston Noth rail yards within the LNIRIM programme. Working with several major stakeholders, including, KiwiRail, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Masterton District Council, Palmerston North District Council, Alstom and Transdev to name a few.

The purpose of our engagement is to provide specialist rail and civil engineering design expertise and provide solutions to complex upgrades of existing rail yards requiring coordinated multidiscipline design. The project involves interfaces with third party landowners, a new maintenance depot D&C Contractor, council assets, GWRC leased land and integration with an existing freight yard and signalling upgrades.

Through the optioneering and detailed design stages, we are tasked with ensuring solutions are:

• Operationally robust
• Compliant with KiwiRail standards
• Practical to construct and stage
• Aligned with programme budget and delivery constraints.

Our exceptional team are delivering the track, civil and geotechnical design, integrated with signal designs and working with our stakeholders to ensure seamless integration with all design, delivery, maintenance and operational requirements. We are excited to work with Beca to showcase excellence in the digital delivery space and ensure this complex multidiscipline design is integrated into one federated model accessible to all stakeholders.

Our team of specialists bring a depth of experience working in live rail yards and other complex operational environments, combined with a strong, practical understanding of KiwiRail standards and assurance processes. Our integrated approach, bringing together civil, track, and constructability considerations, enables us to develop solutions that are not only technically robust, but practical to deliver. This, together with our pragmatic, solutions focused mindset, meant we are well placed to support the yards package and add value throughout the design and delivery process.

The LNIRIM yards package reflects Vitruvius’ role as a trusted rail partner, adding value through integrated design, early risk management, and solutions that support network performance, safety, and long term resilience of the Wellington Metro.

Article written by: Nigel Holman – Service Leader Road Engineering

Vitruvius is proud to be supporting the delivery of the Putauaki Kawerau Container Terminal (PKCT). This is a landmark infrastructure project that will establish a new rail freight hub for the Eastern Bay of Plenty and unlock long‑term economic benefits for the region.

We are currently assisting PKCT by overseeing construction supervision and providing surveying set-out services for a complex and tightly scheduled build. Our role spans end‑to‑end engineering and planning services, including rail design, stormwater assessment, traffic impact assessment, civil and roading design, integrated stormwater management, and working closely with Engeo to undertake the specialist geotechnical investigations and design.

Supported by the Provincial Growth Fund, this initiative represents over five years of planning and serves as a pivotal driver for enhancing regional supply chains and supporting local industry within the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Once operational, PKCT is expected to remove up to approximately 18,000 heavy truck movements from surrounding roads each year, reducing congestion, improving safety, and delivering meaningful reductions in CO₂ emissions.

The project is now well into its construction phase. Over the Christmas break, Vitruvius worked closely with the Contractor and the Principal to deliver the important first stage of the programme, setting the project up for a strong start. Taking advantage of the Christmas block of line, we reinstated more than 200 metres of existing track.

As the project progresses toward its planned opening in mid‑2026, our team will continue working alongside the contractor and PKCT to deliver:

• a new 750 metre long loading platform
• approximately 1.2 kilometres of new heavy duty rail track
• more than one hectare of new container storage area
• around 100,000 cubic metres of earthworks and imported fill
• new stormwater storage and road access infrastructure.

The PKCT project reflects Vitruvius’ broader capability to deliver complex infrastructure projects that will make a real difference to the region and local community. We are proud of the progress achieved to date and look forward to continuing our contribution as this important project reaches its next milestones.

Vitruvius was proud to be involved in the Links Avenue project, a high‑profile programme of works for Tauranga City Council (TCC). The project was not without its challenges, and following a number of issues over several years, Vitruvius was engaged to undertake the design and MSQA works for the troubled corridor. 

The corridor along Links Ave is crucial for the local community, particularly with its proximity to several schools and the high volume of pedestrian, cycle, and bus traffic. Recognising this, Vitruvius designed and implemented a shared use area that prioritises safety for cyclists of all ages. This was achieved through the strategic placement of separation islands and hit sticks, ensuring a secure passage for commuters traveling to school and work. 

Throughout design TCC identified the corridor as strategically significant and consequently a dedicated maintenance budget was allocated to comprehensively rehabilitate the pavement with concrete. This enhancement not only strengthens the corridor but also supports the anticipated growth of the bus network and increased bus movements in the future. 

Key achievements of the project include: 

• Innovative Design Solutions: Incorporating advanced design elements to create a safe and accessible environment for all road users. 
• Timely Execution: Managing site activities efficiently, including design adaptations and rapid solutions delivery, to meet stringent construction deadlines. 
• Integrated Approach: Seamlessly integrating pavement rehabilitation and cycleway installation over a 1.3km stretch during a critical two-week school holiday period. 

Article written by: Mitchell Alley – Project Delivery Manager

The Smith Street Development is an ongoing greenfield residential subdivision at the eastern edge of Waihi, transforming 6.1 hectares of former pastoral land into a 68 lot neighbourhood designed to support long term community growth.

Vitruvius has been involved from the outset, providing civil engineering design, surveying, and MSQA services through planning, consenting, and construction. Our team is working closely with Classic Developments Ltd and a multidisciplinary consultant group to resolve site constraints and deliver coordinated, buildable design solutions.

The project presents a range of technical and environmental challenges, including flood hazard management, stream and wetland interfaces, embankment stability, fish passage requirements, contaminated soils, and stormwater discharge effects. Vitruvius has undertaken early infrastructure and flood assessments, prepared Assessments of Environmental Effects, and led the civil design process through District and Regional Council consenting.

Earthworks have been completed over two construction seasons, establishing the final landform and enabling staged delivery of civil infrastructure. Stage 1 works are currently underway and include internal roading and servicing, significant retaining structures, a new neighbourhood reserve, walking tracks along the internal stream, and integrated wetland and stormwater systems that enhance both functionality and amenity.

Through close collaboration and a rigorous design approach, Vitruvius is continuing to unlock value on a complex site, delivering a resilient and well-considered development that balances engineering performance, environmental outcomes, and future liveability.

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Article written by: Mitchell Alley – Project Delivery Manager

The transformation of Links Avenue Reserve represents a major step forward for local sport and recreation, delivering a high-quality football destination designed for all ages and abilities.

Vitruvius played a central role throughout the project, leading all design phases and providing comprehensive MSQA and Engineer’s Representative services from inception through to delivery. Our team worked closely with project partners and stakeholders to ensure the final outcome met rigorous standards for quality, safety, and long-term community value.

The upgrade included a FIFA-grade artificial football pitch, supported by significant improvements to stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. Over 2,000 metres of advanced Megaflo drainage help maintain playing performance year-round, complemented by a soakage system beneath the car park to effectively manage runoff. Improved access, parking, and modern amenities ensure the Reserve functions as a welcoming and practical space for both players and spectators.

Since opening, the Reserve has become a key hub for football and wider community activity, supporting increased participation and providing a safe, well-designed environment for organised sport and informal use alike. The quality of the finished asset reflects a strong collaborative effort and a shared commitment to enhancing Tauranga’s sporting infrastructure.

Today, Links Avenue Reserve stands as a premier sporting asset for the region – one that supports grassroots sport, enables high-quality competition, and delivers lasting benefits for the Bay of Plenty community.

Vitruvius has been proud to partner with the New Zealand Housing Foundation (NZHF) to deliver 100 affordable homes for families. NZHF’s innovative ownership model enables families to initially purchase 60% or more of their home, with the opportunity to acquire the remaining share over time. Throughout this journey, NZHF provided comprehensive support, including mortgage assistance and ongoing guidance to homeowners.

Delivered across four stages, the project demonstrates a successful approach to medium‑density residential development in Ōmokoroa. As the area’s first development of this kind, it presented unique challenges due to departures from standard council requirements. These were addressed through close collaboration with local authorities, ensuring full compliance and a high‑quality outcome.

Beyond the technical and logistical challenges, the project is achieving its core purpose of delivering much needed affordable housing for New Zealand families. Vitruvius was honoured to contribute to this meaningful initiative and to help create a lasting positive impact for the community. Vitruvius played a key role throughout the project lifecycle, leading the Detailed Design phase, overseeing Construction Monitoring, and is managing the acquisition of legal titles for all housing lots. These responsibilities were critical to the project’s overall success and were delivered to a high standard.

Creating resilience within communities

Small jobs making big impacts.

Sometimes the smallest things can get forgotten about, and that’s often the case with stormwater. Its big siblings’ potable water and wastewater get a lot of attention and that’s understandable. If your tap didn’t turn on or your toilet didn’t flush, you would be telling everyone you could so it could get fixed right away! -But a puddle on your driveway, or flooding on your lawn – it’s annoying, but not the end of the world, you know it will eventually go away. With climate change making rain events become more extreme and frequent we are noticing more and more of this nuisance flooding occurring.

We have been working alongside Tauranga City Council on their stormwater renewals programme. This programme of works looks to identify stormwater assets that are not performing as intended. This could be due to the pipe being undersized, or old and in poor condition leading to pipe failure and blockages.

An assessment of the available data is undertaken, future investigation sometimes recommended, and the best solution put forward for implementation.

The first renewal off the line has recently been completed in Gobray Crescent – this was approximately 170m of new 375mm and 450mm diameter concrete pipe, replacing the existing undersized and in poor condition pipe. The new pipe is designed with climate change rainfall events in mind – and as concrete has a 100year life span we want to maximise the usefulness of the new pipe from both a functionality perspective and a sustainability perspective.

The next project is Grove Ave with construction of 122m of new 375mm and 300mm diameter concrete pipe and increased capacity catchpit inlets going to kick of November 2023.

Designs for several others are also currently away with a few of them hopefully fulfilling the option to daylight some pipes into green space allow a natural system to better manage the stormwater while mimicking the original natural environment.

Stormwater is often looked at as the ‘poorer cousin’ in the 3 Waters family and historically has not had the focus or investment it has deserved. In recent times, effects from urban intensification and climate change have become more noticeable through frequent and larger flooding events and the decline in quality of our waterways. This is further exacerbated by the fact that a large proportion of stormwater assets within Tauranga are near the end of their design life and are at risk of failing, as well as falling significantly behind current performance standards. As a result, Tauranga City Council (TCC) are ramping up it’s investment in the renewal of stormwater assets.

Vitruvius have been assisting TCC in the investigation, assessment, and prioritisation to renew existing stormwater assets, based on condition assessments and network criticality. TCC have identified a number of existing assets that are at risk of failure through a city-wide CCTV investigation programme. Vitruvius were involved in the initial screening of these assets and provided a more in-depth assessment for each asset to answer questions such as “Is the condition really as poor as first thought?”, “When is this asset likely to fail?” and “What are the consequences of it failing?”.  As well as the pipe condition, the performance of the pipe was also assessed to answer further questions such as “How under capacity is this pipe?” and “What does the size of the pipe need to be to meet future climate and development demands?”.  Options were then considered to “do nothing”, repair or upgrade – with the design, constructability and general project risks being taken into account.

With this key information we were able to grade the condition and performance for each asset, assign a risk rating as well as cost to undertake the works. This enabled each asset to be compared objectively and allow TCC to determine what assets need to be prioritised, and where the opportunities are to integrate with wider TCC future or planned upgrades.

This work is to form the basis of a future renewals programme that ensures a targeted and planned upgrade of stormwater assets, medium to long term budget certainty, a pipeline of work for Contractors, and a smoother transition into the new Water Entity B.

The aim of this project was to better connect Northland to the national rail network and stimulate the regional economy. Catch up renewals were required, and tunnels and bridges needed to be upgraded to achieve modern standards and accommodate high cube container wagons. Due to funding from the Provincial Growth Fund, this project had an accelerated delivery programme to reduce the length of time that the line needed to be closed.

Vitruvius used laser scanning to survey 13 tunnels and six bridges. Spatial assessments were undertaken to determine the scope of civil works required to meet the demands of high cube container wagons.  

We then undertook the detailed design for six tunnels and five bridges and worked with engineering partners to deliver the models for track alignment, design and drainage.

We provided track construction technical services for set out, and constructability advice, working alongside KiwiRail and the contractors.

Following construction, we completed as-built surveys and post-construction spatial assessments as part of the verification process to ensure clearance requirements were achieved. 

The line was upgraded to a safe and modern standard that can accommodate high cube containers, and the line was re-opened in January 2021. 

Vitruvius was engaged based on our extensive track knowledge, enabling us to deliver value across the many phases of this project and meet the client’s objectives.