New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has this week opened various wharf and ramp structures built by Sunshine Coast dredging and civil construction company Hall Contracting in the remote territory of Tokelau, a dependent territory of New Zealand in the southern Pacific Ocean.
The wharves – funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – take into account the expected impacts of climate change in the area over the next 50 years and will enable more reliable ship-to-shore operations.
Hall Contracting CEO Cameron Hall said that he was honored to have Ms Ardern officially launch the important pieces of infrastructure on the Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo atolls.
“The New Zealand Government provides significant support to developing countries, particularly those in the Pacific Islands, and we’re delighted to be playing a role in delivering these important aid projects,” Mr Hall said.
“In addition to constructing the wharves, we’re also widening and deepening the reef passage leading into each atoll, enabling fishing boats and inter-island vessels to navigate these areas more easily and safely.
“Works began in Atafu in mid-2018, with the project expected to conclude in Fakaofo later this year.”
Hall Contracting specializes in climate change adaptation and infrastructure delivery in remote locations and has offices in Australia, the Pacific Islands and Asia.