The multiple-site rock bolting works above the NIMT line for Kiwirail has started well.

We are installing 32mm and 38mm GRP tendons into ignimbrite cuttings and cliffs to secure potentially seismic active columns.

Time constraints, overhead wires, and multiple locations have dictated our methodology using high-rail excavators, and a man-safe basket attachment.

Our elite climbing lizard (Clizarding) rescue division have been busy again. This time to the cliffs above the Sumner/Lyttleton road.

The team spent weeks ‘winkling & weedling’ out over 200 geckos and carefully handing them back to Marieke the lizard expert. Catching these wee beasties is harder than you think. Patience, a keen nose and a third eye are needed as well as an array of top secret devices designed for enticing them out of deep dark bottomless crevices.

All have been released into a predator free environment to enjoy their later years stress free. All except a select 20 which now sport the latest in radio transmitters to enable track and trace and monitoring.

We even made it onto national news: http://m.tvnz.co.nz/video/nz_news/ref:6259621

Another unusual painting project for the lighthouse crew.

This one has no land and all access and working platform was by boat. This concrete plinth beacon had not had a makeover since its installation 85 years ago. All rusty ferrous bolts and fitting were removed and replaced with shiny 316 stainless steel, a solid waterblast, a bit of Sika crack injection, some concrete repairs and a final glossy coat.

Looking good now and working hard to keep the boaties off the rocks!

Alex Wilmshurst has joined or team as James Barton’s better looking replacement in Wellington.

He has been involved in abseil projects in West Papua, Australia and New Zealand for the last few years, working in the oil and gas and mining industry. He has moved up from sunny Nelson to work as Project Manager in Wellington and is looking forward to many interesting jobs ahead.

James has followed his fiancé to the shark infested waters of Australia we wish him luck!