This award-winning project involved a major redevelopment at one of the most remote schools in New Zealand, located at the northern edge of the West Cost. The Ministry of Education replaced outdated facilities with new, modern buildings that could support both students and the wider community at Karamea Area School.
The redevelopment replaced the old school with three new buildings: a main learning block, a multipurpose gym, and a hard-tech block, supported by upgraded site and infrastructure works. Designed for durability and flexibility, the new facilities provide energy-efficient learning spaces, breakout areas for all year levels, and a gymnasium that also functions as a community venue.
WT was engaged to provide full Quantity Surveying services from early design through to completion. Our role was particularly important given the geographic isolation and the resulting cost and logistics risks. By providing clear cost planning, tender advice, and ongoing financial control, we helped the client and project team deliver a value for money new campus on programme.
Community involvement was integral throughout, with locals contributing to planning and students taking part in project milestones. The finished campus has been widely endorsed by stakeholders and was recognised with Gold and Special Awards at the 2023 NZ Commercial Project Awards.
Services provided
We were engaged in the cost management role, providing full QS services throughout the project, including:
- Estimating at Preliminary, Developed and Detailed Design Stage
- Cost planning and value management through design
- Priced attributes tender evaluation and recommendation based on price
- Post contract cost control and monthly financial reporting
- Assessment of the main contractor’s payment claims and preparation of payment recommendations
- Assessment and negotiation of main contractor variation claims
- Final account negotiation and agreement
Challenges
Delivering a major redevelopment in one of the most remote parts of New Zealand brought unique challenges. With the nearest supply centres many hours away, transport costs and logistics were a major factor from the outset. Materials had to be carefully programmed and procured, as delays or shortages could cause disproportionate impacts on cost and schedule. WT’s cost planning allowed for these risks early, and our reporting gave the client clarity on the commercial implications of different supply strategies.
To manage seismic resilience and ensure build quality, and given the limited local industry, many components of the development were manufactured offsite and transported across long distances. This introduced risks around timing, handling, and additional costs. WT played a key role in monitoring these allowances and advising the client on trade-offs between prefabrication efficiency and transport-related risks.
Weather also had a direct impact on delivery. Karamea’s coastal location meant that extended periods of heavy rain created site access and programme delays. WT incorporated allowances for weather disruption into forecasts and kept financial reporting current as these risks materialised.
Construction had to proceed in a live environment to maintain continuity of education for students. To do this, the redevelopment necessitated temporary classrooms and staged works, both of which added cost pressures that WT had to monitor closely. We collaborated effectively with the contractor to manage variations.
Successes and value added
WT adapted its QS services to suit the realities of working in a remote location with complex logistics. Our flexible approach to cost planning and reporting meant the client had clear oversight of transport, prefabrication, and weather-related risks throughout delivery.
Collaboration across the consultant and contractor teams was a key factor. By providing transparent financial advice and keeping all parties aligned on budget implications, WT helped maintain progress and avoid unnecessary disputes.
The project was recognised nationally, receiving Gold and Special Awards at the 2023 NZ Commercial Project Awards. This outcome reflects not only the quality of the new school but also the effectiveness of the cost management processes that supported it.
Awards
- Gold and Special Awards at the 2023 NZ Commercial Project Awards
