News
Work on the Opihi College Block B project is nearing completion. Progress on this handsome building has been steady and the building is looking good.
“This has been a big project for our team,” says General Manager, Heather Harding. “We are proud of the work we’ve done. This building is going to be a great asset to the school.”
Lee Eastmead has headed the team on the Opihi Project.
The interior design features strong lines and contrasting angles.
Panoramic view of the interior.
The LVL portals are swung into place at Opihi College
Work is well underway on building the new Block B at Temuka’s Opihi College. This is a substantial project for the school.
“We enjoy projects like this,” says Simon Harding, Managing Director of Harding Construction. “Not only is it professionally satisfying, but the team takes pride in building something that will benefit the local community for generations to come.”
The LVL portals for Block B were installed with the help of 360 Cranes of Timaru. Blustery weather and Covid-19 safety management have not been an issue, with all parties working seamlessly to ensure a safe and efficient worksite.
These are no ordinary times, so we are conducting business as (un)usual.
New Zealand has entered a period where there’s a new ‘normal’. The way society operates will be different – and together, we can make it great.
How does that affect Harding Construction?
Unusual Offices: We are practising safe social distancing protocols. All visitors to our offices need to complete the Contact Tracing form on arrival and maintain safe distances whilst on site.
We can be contacted by phone and email and will conduct ‘contactless’ meetings via Zoom or Skype whenever practicable.
Unusual Sites: We want our sites to be safe for everyone. That means taking extra safety precautions in this new post-lockdown environment. These will affect everyone working on or visiting our sites. We have developed specific procedures for ensuring excellent health and safety practices, and including:
Restricted site access
Site management procedures
Covid-19-appropriate PPE
Safe working distances
Sanitary work areas
Effective contact tracing
Expect the Unusual: Our goal is still to finish our projects on time, on budget, with no surprises.
The post-lockdown environment will bring new challenges - and new opportunities. Working with our clients and trade partners we will implement new ways of operating to ensure the success of our projects in this ‘new normal’ environment. We are excited about South Canterbury’s future.
Let’s get building!
Harding Construction was the proud winner of the South Canterbury Medium Business Excellence Award, 2018.
“This was undoubtedly the highlight of our year,” said Managing Director, Simon Harding. “We are very proud of our team and of the work we do. It’s a real privilege to have been recognised in this way.”
Judges commended the company’s systems development, company culture and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
“It’s a thrill to have won this award,” said General Manager, Heather Harding. “It’s a real credit to the whole team. But we are also very are that like Man, no business is an island. We wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for the other great businesses we work with and rely on. South Canterbury really is a great place to do business in.”
The Business Excellence Awards (BEA) are well supported in South Canterbury, with record entries this year. Janet Hogan, BEA coordinator for South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce said organisers were excited by the calibre and number of entries received.
The BEA recognise and celebrate business excellence, playing an important role in promoting and strengthening economic development in the region. The entry process requires businesses to review their strengths and weaknesses by providing information and commentary on company systems, performance and culture.
"Answering the questions requires careful thought from different perspectives," says Simon. "Staff discussions to answer questions can also offer great insights into the culture of the business and prompt ideas for growth and development."
“Entering awards is not just about testing ourselves against others,” says Heather. “It also encourages self-evaluation and business analysis from another perspective. It can really make you think about your business in a new way. That’s got to be a good thing.”
Adele Fogarty, Office Administrator for Harding Construction, is a finalist for Employee of the Year in the 2018 South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards.
"We are thrilled that Adele is a finalist," says Heather Harding, General Manager of Harding Construction. "Adele is fantastic at her job. She is a terrific team member and is not only an inspiring and motivating colleague, but is also a lot of fun."
Born and bred in Timaru, Adele has worked as Office Administrator for Harding Construction since November 2016. She has a wealth of experience in administration and book keeping, as well as having owned her own small business. "Adele's depth of knowledge and professional experience coupled with her great attitude and engaging personality make her very effective in her job," says Harding. "She's truly deserving of her place in the finals."
The winner of the Employee of the Year Award will be announced at the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on August 24, 2018.
"We're working some pretty dark hours, but the results are worth it." says Lee Eastmead, foreman on the latest large commercial project for Harding Construction.
5am starts have been the norm for the Harding Construction team. "By pouring concrete so early in the morning we gain as much drying time as possible throughout the day," explains Simon Harding, Managing Director for the company. Cold winter temperatures can mean concrete takes up to 24 hours to dry, so we have to maximise the time available."
Concrete and assorted general works will continue for several weeks before the next main stage of the project will begin. "Things are going really well," says Harding, "We're all enjoying being part of a large and interesting development."
Harding Construction was pleased to work on the new UHT building at Oceania Dairies Glenavy site. Working under Ebert Construction, Harding Construction was responsible for formwork, carpentry and fit out of the new facility and assisted with precast panel erection.
"We're proud of the high quality work produced by our team on this project" said Simon Harding, Managing Director of Harding Construction. "We were often faced with cold, unpleasant winter conditions, but our guys' commitment to excellence never wavered. It's another job well done."
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