20 February 2024:

There’s good reason for the smiles on the faces of Dan Parkes (left) and Brian Robertson. And it’s not just that they are about to click over 50 years, jointly, with Fulton Hogan.

The $605 million Takitimu North Link (TNL) project, where they’re construction manager and project director, respectively, is full steam ahead. After the last two years of what seemed like constant rain and multiple project obstacles, the bridge piling work is well advanced, the risk of unforeseen underground factors is diminishing, and the sun is shining.

TNL is a Fulton Hogan design and construct project and is a JV with Heb Construction on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Fulton Hogan’s Major Projects General Manager, Andrew Johnson, says it couldn’t be in better hands.

“Brian and Dan are part of a dream team up here – the two have vast experience, are highly capable, loyal and always calm and positive, even under pressure.  They are great Fulton Hogan people leading a great Joint Venture project team.”

TNL is also Brian’s swansong.

“What better tribute to Brian than to end his career with a project of the scale and complexity of TNL. I know he’s proud of the work the team is doing, and so he should be.”

TNL is the Bay of Plenty’s single biggest roading project to date. An alternative route to SH2, it takes trucks and other traffic away from local roads and supports a region expected to grow by 16,000 people in the next 20 years.