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Coffey delivers New Zealand pavilion at World Expo 2010 on time and on budget

Monday 19 April 2010, 11:36AM

By Coffey

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A rendering of the New Zealand pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, which opens on May 1
A rendering of the New Zealand pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, which opens on May 1 Credit: Coffey
Coffey Projects' Chris Bicknell, project director.
Coffey Projects' Chris Bicknell, project director. Credit: Coffey
The New Zealand pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 ready to be 'unwrapped' for the soft-opening from April 20.
The New Zealand pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 ready to be 'unwrapped' for the soft-opening from April 20. Credit: Coffey
A piece of NZ in downtown Shanghai: interior of the pavilion featuring the 'visitor experience' developed by Wellington-based Story Inc
A piece of NZ in downtown Shanghai: interior of the pavilion featuring the 'visitor experience' developed by Wellington-based Story Inc Credit: Coffey
Coffey Projects' Chris Bicknell, project director, at the pavilion in the lead up to the opening
Coffey Projects' Chris Bicknell, project director, at the pavilion in the lead up to the opening Credit: Coffey
Bill Aubrey, Coffey general manager New Zealand
Bill Aubrey, Coffey general manager New Zealand Credit: Coffey

Coffey International Limited (“Coffey”) subsidiary, Coffey Projects, has successfully delivered the NZ$20+ million New Zealand pavilion at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. On behalf of client New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (“NZTE”), Coffey Projects has been the lead project management firm heading up a consortium responsible for the design, build and removal of the pavilion.

With the theme “Better City, Better Life”, World Expo 2010 will be world’s biggest and it is expected to attract 70 million visitors during the six months it will be open, between 1 May and 31 October. In addition to the pavilion, built on a 2,000 square metre green field site within the Expo park, the consortium’s project brief also included full fit-out and development of all exhibition content.

The pavilion will offer New Zealand businesses the opportunity to develop and build international relationships in China, and host their guests in an environment that features a unique showcase of New Zealand culture, innovation and technology.

Coffey general manager in New Zealand, Bill Aubrey, said: “Creating a piece of New Zealand in downtown Shanghai was a truly extraordinary outcome. We are really proud to be able to partner with NZTE and use our specialist knowledge to deliver a world-class facility that will help New Zealand businesses to promote all our country has to offer to the Chinese market.”

Headed by specialist project managers from Coffey Projects, the consortium features a leading New Zealand team including visitor experience specialists Story Inc, architects Warren and Mahoney, cost controllers Rider Levett Bucknal, landscapers Dawnfinder, technologist Toulouse and engineers Beca, among others.

The project director, Chris Bicknell, said the innovative delivery methodology used has enabled Coffey Projects to deliver the project on schedule and within budget, while offering the NZTE flexibility where required.

“The consortium established to deliver this project has some of New Zealand’s top specialists in their respective areas working together, and that has ensured an efficient and economical delivery of this international project over the past two years.

“There has been a huge Kiwi input in the upfront conceptual work and in the final install and dressing to ensure we delivered a New Zealand product. We have even managed to bring over three chilled container loads of New Zealand native trees for the pavilion’s rooftop garden!

“To minimise cost and assist with the challenges of working within the Chinese and Expo regulatory environment, we have utilised Chinese contractors, consultants and a local design institute, which reflects the international nature and complexities of this project.”

Inspired by the Maori creation story of Tane (the forest god), who separated his parents Rangi and Papa (Sky Father and Earth Mother) to create the world in which we live, “Cities of Nature: Living between land and sky” is the theme of the New Zealand pavilion. NZTE is expecting about 40,000 general visitors each day– up to seven million visitors in total over the duration of the Expo.

Coffey Projects has delivered a variety of cultural and heritage projects around the world, including the Civic Theatre restoration in Auckland, Te Papa National Museum in Wellington, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, and Federation Square in Melbourne. The consultancy was also involved in the previous World Expo in Aichi, Japan.

Coffey has approximately 4,000 people working in more than 80 countries on projects ranging from transportation, buildings, pipelines, mines and sporting facilities through to economic development, education and training and health. In New Zealand, Coffey has approximately 150 staff working from offices in the North and South Islands and delivering services to the world. Coffey businesses operating in New Zealand include Coffey Geotechnics, Coffey Projects, Coffey Information, Coffey Environments, Coffey Rail and Coffey Commercial Advisory.

Visit coffey.com for more information.