Opawa school's redevelopment delayed after construction firm went bust
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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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