WAITEMATA DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD, TOTARA HAUMARU
Northshore Hospital, Takapuna, Auckland
CLIENT: Hawkins
PROJECT VALUE:
• Concrete and Carpentry Work: NZD 32.7 million
LOCATION: Northshore Hospital, Takapuna, Auckland
Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā undertook a major development at North Shore Hospital to address the growing healthcare needs of New Zealand's northern region. The Tōtara Haumaru building, a modern four-storey facility spanning 17,000m², was designed to Importance Level 4 (IL4) standards, ensuring operational functionality during major disasters. This state-of-the-art facility includes eight operating theatres, 150 beds, and four endoscopy suites, significantly enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver medical and surgical services.
As a subcontractor for this major project, Livefirm played a pivotal role in delivering critical components of the construction. The enabling works were completed to prepare the existing surgery building for seamless integration with the new facility. Extensive foundation works were undertaken, involving concrete pours to create a stable and durable base for the structure. The carpentry works, completed using sustainable timber, addressed seismic requirements, provided acoustic treatments to reduce noise levels, and ensured fire rating standards were met. Finishing works, including the completion of walls throughout the facility, were executed to a high standard, contributing to both the functionality and aesthetics of the hospital.
The project presented several challenges due to its location and operational sensitivities. Adjacent properties, including a kindergarten, clinics, retirement villages, business districts full of patients, and heavy daily traffic of vehicles and people, required stringent control over noise, dust, and working hours. Maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations throughout construction added another layer of complexity. These constraints were carefully managed through proactive planning, ensuring minimal disruption to daily activities.
Space limitations posed another key challenge, as different stages of construction had to proceed simultaneously within a restricted area. Careful coordination and staging of works were essential to ensure smooth traffic flow, maintain access to critical zones, and meet project timelines.
With nearly 200 workers on-site during peak periods, maintaining safety was a top priority. Rigorous safety protocols were implemented, and weekly inspections from various organisations were successfully passed, ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.
The impacts of COVID-19, including workforce shortages and disruptions to material procurement, were effectively mitigated through close collaboration with Hawkins and proactive resource management.
Livefirm successfully delivered high-quality work on this technically demanding project within the specified timeline. Towards the final stages, Livefirm undertook additional civil and finishing works, working closely with the client to ensure project goals and standards were met.
This achievement highlights Livefirm’s ability to excel in challenging environments, reinforcing its reputation for precision, professionalism, and expertise in delivering large-scale healthcare infrastructure.