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June 2023 – December 2024
This contract involved upgrading 2.26 kilometres of the northern stopbank, including constructing a new, 900-metre section along the Waiho River’s true right bank. These works involved raising the existing stopbank height by approximately two metres and constructing a completely new stopbank, built five metres above the existing riverbed, providing robust protection against a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event.
This project was a finalist in the Civil Contractors New Zealand Canterbury Westland Contractor of the Year Awards 2025, competing in Category E for projects valued between $5 million and $10 million. This recognition highlights the project’s outstanding delivery in a challenging alpine environment, where precision engineering and resilience-focused design were critical to protecting the Franz Josef township from river migration and flood risk. Being a finalist reflects not only technical excellence, but also strong collaboration, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to safeguarding local infrastructure and community wellbeing.
"MBD Contracting were engaged to construct an upgrade of the Waiho/Waiau Flood Protection Scheme at Franz Josef Glacier. The network of stopbanks is critical to the ongoing viability of the Franz Josef community including tourism businesses, farms, and critical infrastructure such as the heliport, school, wastewater treatment plant and State Highway 6. MBD Contracting fulfilled their role in the project team admirably, working collaboratively with the client, project managers, designers and contract manager to deliver a contract in a timely fashion, under pressure from repeated weather/flood events and a high level of scrutiny from multiple stakeholders all while achieving the quality standards required for this complex, high risk set of flood hazard defenses. "
- Capital Programme Manager - West Coast Regional Council
"The project was complex and delivered in a dynamic and evolving environment. MBD Contracting demonstrated professionalism, capacity to deliver a large volume of work, adaptability and a strong quality focus throughout the project. Their innovative and collaborative approach, along with effective communication and teamwork, were key to the project’s success. We directly observed MBD’s commitment to excellence, their proactive problem solving and their ability to deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure."
- Engineer's Representative - WSP
"MBD Contracting delivered outstanding results on the West Coast Regional Council Waiho Stopbank Protection project at Franz Josef Glacier, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to safety, collaboration, and professionalism in a uniquely challenging environment. Working alongside the busiest heliport in New Zealand, their team maintained uninterrupted helicopter operations while carefully managing complex construction activities beneath active flight paths. From the outset, MBD Contracting engaged openly with heliport management, pilots, and stakeholders—listening to concerns, adapting plans, and prioritising safe outcomes. Their proactive approach to communication and safety planning ensured that all work was carried out without incident, disruption, or loss of income to heliport operators. Even in high-risk areas typically restricted to vehicles and pedestrians, their team operated with precision and respect for aviation safety requirements. What initially presented as a significant operational risk was transformed into a seamless, well-coordinated project. MBD Contracting’s professionalism, responsiveness, and strong safety culture enabled the successful completion of the floodwall works with zero safety issues reported. Their performance stands as a benchmark for working in sensitive, high-traffic environments."
- Operations Manager - Glacier Country Heliport
