Being involved in the transformation of Christchurch comes with a sense of responsibility and conscience.

“Ngā Puna Wai will change what is possible for young people across Greater Christchurch – giving them space to train and licence to dream. It is a privilege to be part of this development.”

As Area Manager for HEB Construction, Adolph Marmetschke attributes the success of the project to a sincere commitment by the entire HEB Team and their specialist delivery partners.

“Our team are now able to step back – it’s about leaving a legacy for generations to come.” 

When the site of the city's new southwestern sports hub was blessed in August 2016, the torch was handed to HEB Construction, to signify their role in the development of Ngā Puna Wai. 

Their role was always about more than construction. In partnership with the wider delivery team, they took on the contract and committed to project excellence and leaving a legacy.

According to David Bailey, Recreation and Sport Services Manager, Christchurch City Council, “This project involved significant time, cost, environmental and challenges with key interest from many and diverse partners including neighbours, future users of the space as well as natural wildlife considerations. HEB have been exemplary in the development of a collaborative and constructive culture that has enabled us to find solutions and achieve a construction experience and outcome that will be a case study of success. This has matched the partnership approach that exists between the sports, Sport Canterbury and Council.”

This weekend, the torch is passed to athletics, with the completion of stage one of the new home of sport in Christchurch.

“Opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport and physical activity deliver benefits for the wider community that can’t be measured. For this reason this project is close to our heart.”

HEB worked in a similar context with the Christchurch Adventure Park, inspired by community purpose and project excellence.

“We would not have done it without that commitment to a singular purpose.”

Marmetschke takes his genuine community interest beyond the bulldozer, into the board room. This month, he was elected to the Board of Directors for by Primary Sports Canterbury to help govern the organisation that drives organised competition for over 25,000 enthusiastic kids each year.

In February, HEB joined a group of generous sponsors who make the iconic Canterbury Sports Awards event possible, recognising sporting achievement across the region as well as the dedication of coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers. In 2018, the HEB Construction Sportsman of the Year was Tom Walsh.

This weekend, HEB Construction will join the celebration of Stage 1 completion, seeing the athletics track up and running, with hockey turfs, tennis courts and rugby league fields, community playing fields and facilities opening from Spring 2018 to Autumn 2019.

Bailey emphasises that construction of the city’s new southwestern sports hub is more than just another project for HEB; it is a way to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

“They have kids who play sport, and they understand the importance of this project and the desire that exists to see it come to fruition.”  

Marmetschke agrees. “We are playing a vital role in rebuilding a city, which is changing the opportunities young people will have for generations to come.”

About HEB Construction

HEB Construction Ltd is one of the leading civil construction companies in New Zealand. After helping build the Christchurch Adventure Park, HEB were selected to take the lead in the development of Ngā Puna Wai based on their collaborative approach and genuine interest in the value of community sport and recreation.