On a roll
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Massive developments are underway everywhere you look
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On a roll
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Currently the population of Tauranga is about 109,000, with an average of 53 people moving here every week. It’s predicted that within a few years it will become the fifth largest urban area, overtaking Dunedin.
To keep up with this extreme growth, Higgins Contractors’ skills are in demand and quality machinery is sought after. Higgins is using the German-made Hamm rollers to tackle diverse soil and road compaction projects.
They are being utilised in one of the most prominent developments in the region, The Lakes, at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges. Higgins is responsible for site roading, which is an extensive 10-year project with seven years to go.
This is where 254 hectares owned by Grasshopper Farms is being transformed into a town the size of Te Puke. It’s set to accommodate 7000 people with residential and commercial areas, retirement village, parks and reserves.
Another high profile roading project in which Higgins has a leading role is Harbour Link. A four-lane expressway is being put in to provide quicker access between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, while reducing congestion on the existing harbour bridge.
It’s not just roading and big projects keeping Higgins (and its Hamm rollers) busy, you will see them at subdivisions like Kilgram Heights in Pyes Pa.
Higgins has a 10-week assignment here preparing 12 sections for building. Two Hamm rollers are being used daily for earthworks compaction. One has Pad Foot Shells bolted over the roller, which allows for ease in heavy compaction. Project Foreman Stan Goodrick is pleased with results achieved by the roller.
"It’s an awesome machine from an operational point of view – very comfortable, good visibility… so far it has proven to be very good at its job."
This is an opinion backed by Higgins Contractors Bay of Plenty Workshop Manager Nathan Montgomerie (Monty). There are currently four Hamm rollers being used in the Bay and Monty is most impressed with the machine’s versatility and strength. They are proving an asset for every project, whatever the scale.
"They’re sturdy and reliable – we’ve used them for a wide range of earthworks, including an athletics track at the Tauranga Domain."
The Hamm rollers are supplied to Higgins by Roadquip Ltd. Territory Manager, Waikato, Coromandel and BOP, Phillip Ryan, frequently receives positive feedback from those putting them to the test.
Hamm is renowned for using the latest manufacturing technology to achieve innovative design. The focus is on ease of manoeuvrability, driver comfort, generous visibility, small turning radius, low noise and intelligent handling. Another appealing aspect is that parts are readily available at Roadquip.
"With over 85 different models to choose from, Roadquip can offer a complete package for all aspects of the construction and roading industry," Phillip said.
The Higgins Group, with over 50 years of experience, knows all these aspects inside out. An extensive and wide-ranging programme of works is undertaken throughout the North Island every year. The Higgins Group employs 750 people (65 in the Bay of Plenty), have strict training programs, use quality equipment and maintain a reputation for excellence.
The Higgins Group of companies developed from a civil contracting company established in Palmerston North in the 1950s. The Group remains a family owned and run business directed by Bernard Higgins.
Core business activity is horizontal civil construction, including earthworks, subdivisions, drain-laying, pavement construction, spray sealing and asphalt paving.
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