1847 days ago

Opawa school's redevelopment delayed after construction firm went bust

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Rebuild work at a Christchurch school – which was already behind schedule – was further delayed when the construction firm went bust, owing more than $5 million.

Christchurch-based Corbel Construction went into liquidation in December 2018, owing $4.5m to unsecured creditors, $266,000 to BNZ and $960,000 to a private trust.

The company was part way through the first stage of Opawa School’s post-quake redevelopment at the time.

The project – which included new teaching spaces and an administration area – was originally scheduled for completion by September 2017, but did not finish until June 2020, at a cost of $4.5m.

Corbel Construction was founded in 2000 and employed about 80 full-time staff.

It secured several Ministry of Education contracts as part of the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme, including $5m for Shirley Primary School’s refurbishment and $2.2m for the construction of a classroom block at Tai Tapu School.

It was also chosen to deliver the $16m upgrade for North Canterbury schools, expanding or improving facilities at Oxford Area, Rangiora Borough, Ashgrove and Southbrook schools.

Head of education infrastructure service Kim Shannon said the ministry was made aware of the firm’s liquidation at the time, and Opawa School was kept “fully informed”.

“The project was delayed by about five months while a replacement contractor, Contract Construction, was appointed,” she said.

Sally Ormandy, principal ​of Opawa School, said they were continuing to work with the ministry to complete their remaining building work.

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More messages from your neighbours
24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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1 day ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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