1465 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
2 days ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.3% Yes
    76.3% Complete
  • 22.3% No
    22.3% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
1871 votes
18 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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L
2 days ago

Wilding St, ST MARTINS (multiple houses in street). Sat 30/11/2024. 8.30am (no earlier)

Lu from Opawa - Saint Martins

Wilding St, ST MARTINS. A few households in the street are holding garage sales today. Signs out at 8.30am (respectfully no earlier please). Between the households there is Furniture, Sleepyhead Matrix double BED (excel cond), household items, electricals, bric-a-brac, FRUIT Trees & BERRIES plants, unwanted gifts, new items (suitable presents), clothing, books etc... Between the households (4x confirmed so far) too much to mention. Something for everyone. Cancelled if raining but spit & wind ok!