The Whaka Terrace project involved significant geotechnical, access, and safety challenges. The scope included soil nailing, shotcrete retaining systems, bored concrete piles, MSE wall construction, gabion basket structures, subsoil drainage, and full road reconstruction. Cadeo was engaged to provide early contractor involvement, procurement, and complete construction-phase project management.

Our Approach

Early contractor involvement

We were brought in while the design was still being developed. Our focus was on reviewing retaining wall options from a constructability perspective — assessing sequencing, methodology, and site-specific constraints before they became construction problems.

That early input helped align the engineering solution with what was actually achievable on the ground, reducing risk, improving efficiency, and ensuring the final design was buildable from day one.

Procurement and cost planning

We developed a first-principles estimate to establish a realistic project budget based on methodology, risk, and current market conditions. From there we engaged the market, assessed contractor capability and programme, and established a delivery strategy that balanced cost, quality, and risk.

Selecting experienced local contractors — people who knew the ground and the environment — was an important part of getting the outcome right.

Construction management

During construction, Cadeo provided full project management across a technically complex, multi-discipline scope. We maintained close oversight of contractor delivery, programme sequencing, cost control, and quality compliance — with regular client reporting throughout.

The 14-month programme required disciplined management of sequencing across earthworks, structural elements, drainage, and road reconstruction, with each stage dependent on the last.

Safety management

This was a high-risk project — work at height, confined space entry, and deep excavations in a live residential environment. A robust safety framework was in place from the start: permit-to-work systems, detailed construction methodologies developed during design, and ongoing hazard identification throughout delivery.

Safety leadership was active, not administrative. Controls were monitored and maintained on the ground, not just on paper.

Stakeholder and environmental management

Delivered over 14 months in a residential street, this project required sustained, proactive communication with residents. Traffic and access management was ongoing throughout, with works sequenced to minimise disruption to the surrounding community. Environmental controls were maintained across the full construction period.

Project Outcomes

Collaboration between client, designer, and contractor — supported by early involvement and disciplined construction management — delivered an outcome that held up at every stage.

• Full compliance with Christchurch City Council requirements

• Minimal defects at completion — only a minor snag list, resolved promptly

• High-quality workmanship across all disciplines, including structural, geotechnical and civil

• On-site client sign-off at practical completion

• No significant safety incidents across a 14-month, high-risk construction programme

• Community relationships maintained throughout an extended residential delivery