Author: Daria Fechney


Historic Village – B26 Upgrade Nearing Completion

The B26 upgrade at Historic Village is almost complete! This project has focused on strengthening the building with seismic upgrades, refreshing the interiors with new framed walls and plasterboard finishes, and securing the frontage parapet with a stay-back solution to improve safety.

It’s been rewarding to see heritage and modern standards come together to ensure the building remains safe, functional, and welcoming for years to come.


SPCA Animal Welfare Centre in Wiri, South Auckland

Preparation works and initial slabs are now underway for the new SPCA Animal Welfare Centre in Wiri, South Auckland. This purpose-built facility will offer a state-of-the-art, low stress environment for animals in need and support SPCA’s vital work across the region.
We’re proud to contribute to this important project, providing quantity surveying services to help ensure smooth progress as the site takes shape.


Restoration of the Historic Village Chapel

Our involvement included financial oversight throughout the project including management of variations during construction.

Inside, the chapel’s timber finishes, and intricate detailing were carefully preserved and enhanced, creating a warm and welcoming space. Structural and functional improvements were also made to extend the building’s lifespan, ensuring it remains both safe and fit-for-purpose.

It’s always special to see a heritage building restored with such care, and even more so knowing it will continue to be enjoyed by families, visitors, and the wider Tauranga community for generations to come.

Copthorne Palmerston North Project Wins Excellence Award at NZCBIA

We’re delighted to share that the Copthorne Palmerston North project has been recognized with an Excellence Award at the recent NZCBIA event. A huge congratulations to Great Success Construction (Frank Xu), Millenium & Copthorne Hotels, and our team here at BQH. It’s been such a pleasure working alongside such talented people, and we’re really proud to have played a part by providing our quantity surveying expertise on this award-winning project.


Copthorne Hotel Project in Palmerston North – Modernizing a City Landmark

Our role covered everything from cost planning and procurement to NZS3910 engineer to contract. We also assisted with value engineering to keep the project on track and within budget. The work involved a full exterior upgrade, including new cladding, a new roof, and updated joinery.

Inside, the hotel was redecorated throughout, and air conditioning was added to every guest room. Behind the scenes, the building’s central services were upgraded to improve efficiency and comfort. To maintain a clean and modern look, condenser units were hidden behind perforated aluminium screens, both practical and visually striking.

We worked closely with the project team to directly source key packages and bring on board selected subcontractors. This approach gave more control over important design elements and helped deliver the quality and detail the client was looking for. Our team stayed involved throughout the project, providing cost advice and support to help guide decisions along the way.

This project is a great example of how strong collaboration and early QS involvement can make a real difference. The result is a modernized hotel that feels fresh, works better, and delivers long-term value, both for the client and for everyone who stays there.


BQH Contributes to One of Auckland’s Largest New Industrial Developments

BQH Quantity Surveyors is proud to be playing a key role in the delivery of this large-scale project. Our team is providing comprehensive quantity surveying services, with a strong focus on procurement and ongoing cost control throughout the construction phase.

Perfectly positioned between Puhinui Road and State Highway 20, the site supports the broader Southern Gateway vision, which aims to transform this part of South Auckland into a centre for logistics and commercial growth.
The Puhinui Peninsula is quickly gaining a reputation as a hub for industrial development. With demand for space continuing to rise, this project addresses that need while enhancing the area's capacity to support large-scale business operations.

The development also aligns with Auckland Council’s plans for smart, sustainable growth in the Manukau area. It connects with local environmental initiatives, such as restoring the Puhinui Stream and improving public green spaces, a balance of progress and preservation.
Once complete, the development will stand as a landmark for South Auckland, purpose-built for the evolving needs of warehousing and logistics. It’s a bold investment in the region’s future, and BQH is proud to be supporting it through the procurement and construction phases, helping to ensure commercial certainty as the project takes shape.


BQH Supports Landmark Green Build at Wiri Logistics Estate

From rooftop solar panels capturing Auckland’s sunshine to a rainwater harvesting system that recycles water with precision, every inch of this building has been crafted with sustainability in mind. Even the concrete tells a story - eco-mix blends were used throughout the structure to reduce environmental impact without compromising on strength or durability.

Smart features continue inside, where high-performance acoustic ceilings and insulation create an energy-efficient internal environment while providing a comfortable workplace. Outside, EV chargers are ready to power up the next generation of low-emission vehicles, making green transport a practical choice for all who visit or work on-site.

BQH was proud to be the Quantity Surveyor on this standout project, making sure everything stayed on budget and ran smoothly. ESR Building 7 isn’t just a regular logistics hub – it’s a great example of smart, modern design, and we’re glad to have been involved in making it happen.


Historic Village Complex 2 Restored: Balancing Heritage, Safety, and Functionality

Constructed in the early 1980s primarily by volunteer tradespeople, Complex 2 houses essential facilities, including the commercial kitchen used by the village's café and the Balcony Room, a key venue for events. Its central location makes it a focal point upon entering the village.

Renovations began in December 2022 with plans to upgrade the kitchen, elevators, and toilets. However, during construction, significant structural issues were uncovered, such as discontinuous studs, absence of a boundary joist around the first floor, and inconsistencies in roof strapping. These findings led to a comprehensive structural overhaul to ensure the building's safety and integrity.

A crucial aspect of this project’s success was the careful financial and resource management carried out by the Quantity Surveying team. By ensuring accurate cost estimation, budget control, and financial oversight, the QS team played a vital role in delivering the renovation efficiently and within the allocated resources. Their work ensured that the balance between preserving historic integrity and meeting modern standards was achieved without unnecessary expenditure.

With the work now finished, Complex 2 stands restored, blending historical charm with modern functionality. The upgrades have improved safety, accessibility, and usability, ensuring the space continues to serve the community effectively. The project highlights the challenges and rewards of preserving historical structures while meeting contemporary standards.
The Historic Village is now fully operational, with Complex 2 once again playing a vital role in hosting events and supporting local businesses. The successful completion of this renovation ensures that the Historic Village remains a vibrant community hub for future generations.


Middlemore Hospital Revamps Mental Health Ward for Safety and Comfort

One of the most eye-catching features is the library-themed corridor, which has a bookshelf mural to make the space feel warm and inviting. Patient rooms were also updated with beautiful nature-inspired murals to bring a sense of calm and relaxation. These thoughtful touches help create a healing atmosphere that supports both patients and staff. The combination of soft, natural colours and engaging visual elements makes the environment feel less clinical and more comforting.

The outdoor courtyard was completely transformed into a peaceful and secure retreat. It now includes seating areas, greenery, and easy-to-navigate pathways, allowing patients to safely enjoy fresh air and nature. Access to outdoor spaces is known to improve mental well-being, and this redesigned courtyard offers a relaxing environment that supports recovery and social interaction.

Overall, the Ward 22 refurbishment has created a modern, safe, and comfortable space for mental health care. With a strong focus on safety, healing, and well-being, this project ensures that patients receive high-quality care in an environment designed to support their recovery and overall wellness.


Richard van Zyl on Executive AI for Business Mini-MBA – Spark NZ Experience

Reflecting on the experience, Richard shared:
“The program was transformative. It went beyond traditional leadership frameworks, focusing on emerging trends, adaptability, and a transformative mindset. It’s not just about managing people—it’s about unlocking potential through innovative leadership.”

The course also connected Richard with like-minded professionals, offering enriching discussions and practical tools for tackling real-world challenges. These insights have already reshaped his perspective on team dynamics and innovation at BQH.

“The lessons I learned are invaluable, and I’m excited to see how they’ll drive positive change within BQH,” says Richard.