From NZ Defence Force going woolly, to HB expressway progress, to state-of-the art sustainable office building, here are some notable items you might have missed.
Military chooses Norsewear wool
The New Zealand Defence (NZDF) has chosen to use socks made by New Zealand apparel company Norsewear.
From this month on, all new New Zealand Defence Force recruits will be kitted out in premium, durable, extra soft and super warm Norsewear socks, made from traceable merino and mid-micron wool sourced from New Zealand farms. The socks, which were put to the test against a number of other brands during a rigorous trial involving hundreds of real soldiers, sailors and aviators, are crafted by experienced sock engineers at Norsewear’s southern Hawke’s Bay factory.
Company owner Tim Deane says it’s a win for both New Zealand wool and local manufacturing, and a huge boost to the team at the heritage Kiwi business.
“It was a combination of factors that led to Norsewear’s selection, says Tim. “By using the best New Zealand wool and local manufacturing expertise, we’ve developed socks that are a step ahead of others – they don’t just last longer, they deliver great comfort and temperature control, help protect feet from injury, ward off bacteria, and are odour resistant too. That’s pretty important for our service personnel out in the field, battling the elements and in high pressure environments. The very last thing they need to be worried about is sore, wet, or cold feet.”
Expressway progress
Minister of Transport Chris Bishop has welcomed funding to proceed with groundwork and geotechnical investigations for the next section of the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway project.
“NZ Transport Agency’s board has confirmed $7.65 million for the work, which will enable the project team to begin early ground improvements alongside Ngaruroro River Bridge and geotechnical investigations in section 2 of the project,” Mr Bishop says.
“When that work begins, crews will repurpose safe, tested silt from the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, provided free by Hastings District Council to raise the level of the land and create a wide, flat surface – just like the work already completed alongside Tutaekuri River Bridge and the Kennedy Road overpass.
“That silt will then be left to settle for 12 months prior to additional construction work starting, subject to further approvals, consents and funding.
“The latest funding will also allow geotechnical investigations at Ngaruroro River Bridge and other locations. Geotechnical investigations are really important for this project – they help to determine the detailed design.
Section 1 of the project focusses on Taradale Road to Pākōwhai Road, which has been identified as the most congested section of the expressway.
“I’m confident that by starting early groundwork and investigations for the next part of the project soon, we can get section 2 shovel-ready for main works construction, pending further approvals and funding by the NZTA board,” said Bishop.
While this funding allows NZTA to get on with section 2 investigations and ground conditions, an investment case is in development for the remainder of the project (including section 2 improvements), which will determine decisions on next steps.
Hastings to get state-of-the-art sustainable office
A state-of-the-art, engineered mass timber-built office complex will soon rise at 300 Lyndon Road, transforming the former Heretaunga House site into a flagship for innovation, sustainability and local investment.
Owned and constructed by Tumu Property, the four-storey, 5,000sqm commercial building will deliver quality office space in the heart of the city.
Tumu director Hamish Frame said: “This is more than just a building – it is a platform to showcase the future of cost competitive sustainable construction. At its heart will be TimberSpan, our locally manufactured mass timber system. It will form the strong, sustainable skeleton of the building and contribute to creating spaces that look beautiful, feel natural, and support workplace wellbeing.”
Tumu purchased the property from Hastings Council and was awarded the development opportunity. The company will establish its new headquarters across 600sqm of space within the new building. HDC will also lease 1,950 square metres, consolidating around 80 staff currently located across the city in three separate locations into one central office.
Construction on the new building is expected to begin later this year.
