Corcon celebrates historic Māori land blessing for new Environment Canterbury depot

The official construction site opening kickstarts an exciting depot development for the regional government organisation, which has serviced and supported the Canterbury region for many years.

Headed by Corcon's director, Stephen Fitzgerald, the design and build project will provide modern working spaces for ECan staff, allowing them to smoothly transition from field to office.

The essential mudroom with showers, lockers and a drying area will create ease and practicality. At the same time, the spacious office will accommodate approximately seventy staff with breakout areas and adjacent meeting rooms.

Representatives of Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tūāhuriri conducted the land blessing in the location where the working office will soon be and described the celebration as "absolutely sensational".

"We are pleased to engage with the local marae to honour mana whenua tradition and their connection to land, which makes the project's origin especially meaningful," shares Stephen.

The sound of a whakamoemiti carried across the landscape before key leaders turned first soil. The attending group heralded the significant juncture with a standing waiata.

Afterwards, Environment Canterbury hosted a spread of kai in the historical building on-site, where there was plenty of mingling, laughter and discussion over the new construction drawings.

With decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing and constructing large-scale commercial and industrial steel buildings, Corcon's team collaborates closely with ECan and the Christchurch City Council to ensure the new buildings meet the desired deadlines, sustainability requirements and efficiency ratings.

Stephen explains, "We have assembled a tailored building solution with utilitarian philosophy and eco-friendly principles at the forefront. The proposed design ticks the boxes for a high-spec, energy-efficient facility with an insulated slab, solar panels, and exposed HVAC. The project will economically benefit local companies and tradespeople that Corcon has partnered with for many years."

"We will deliver a thoughtful commercial design and build that suits ECan's needs and creates an enjoyable workspace for staff, clients and visitors," he promises.