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Visitor asset management is a sector of the environmental management industry that has
undergone considerable change within the last decade. These changes relate to a general
increase in visitors wanting to access parks and reserves, along with the need for such
access to be safe for the user, cost efficient of the longterm and sensitive to the
environment values of the site.
The development of detailed construction standards such as the NZ Handbook: Tracks and
Outdoor Structures (SNZ HB 8630:2004), produced by NZ Standards, establishes a consistent
New Zealand wide standard for the design, construction, and maintenance of recreational
assets. This document is based upon a combination of previous standards, including the
track standard developed by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC), and the track standards
for parks and reserves prepared by Auckland City Council (ACC),
both of which were very closely aligned with the existing Department of Conservation
standards.
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Te Ngahere
Te Ngahere has been at the forefront of visitor asset construction since the inception
of the company in 1996.
Early projects undertaken and completed by Te Ngahere include; the
construction of the summit boardwalk and viewing platform on Rangitoto Island (DOC),
the Canopy Walkway in Whangarei, the Great Barrier Island link track (DOC) and the restoration of the Kaiaraara Kauri Dam (DOC)
on Great Barrier Island.
Although these initial projects were all undertaken for the
Northland Conservancy of the Department of Conservation, Te Ngahere's client base quickly
expanded to include other DOC conservancies along with various Regional, City and District
Councils throughout the Auckland and Northland regions.
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Mt Somers Hut
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Experience and Environmental Sensitivity
The accumulation of extensive practical construction experience, underpinned by a commitment
to quality workmanship and regard for the sensitive environments into which structures,
boardwalks and tracks are often placed, has seen Te Ngahere becoming increasingly involved
in a variety of challenging and rewarding projects.
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, built under contract to the Hump Ridge Track Charitable
Trust, is a good example of the logistical challenges and remote nature of the work
frequently undertaken by Te Ngahere. While at the other end of New Zealand the Whangarei
Canopy Walkway, serves as an illustration of Te Ngahere's resourcefulness and ability to
work with challenging design concepts.
With a branch of Te Ngahere now established in Christchurch the company has an increased
presence in the South Island, and this has enabled the company to secure various contracts
for DOC in Nelson and Arthurs Pass.
View further examples of Construction Projects undertaken by Te Ngahere.
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