BUSINESS FEATURE

Shane Brownell has moved back to New Zealand to work on the Kapiti Expressway

Kiwi contractor returns from across the Ditch With investment now secured on a number of major infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand, the flow of skilled Kiwi labour across to Australia finally seems to be slowing. Shane Brownell of Brownell Earthmoving is just one of the many contractors being tempted home after a number of years operating successfully across the ditch.

stablished in 2004, Brownell ability to continue to use the same Earthmoving relocated to Australia equipment and attachments he utilised in 2011 quickly building a strong during his time in Australia. Ereputation in roading, rail and bulk “Using good quality, reliable equipment is earthworks projects. important because you don’t want any Plans to stay longer changed recently downtime,” says Brownell. though, when the opportunity to work on the “I use Doherty buckets because the shape Kapiti Expressway Project came up. allows for easy filling and the Hardox steel “I was in contact with Goodman Contractors keeps wear and tear to a minimum.” Ltd and was asked to join the team as a sub- Brownell Earthmoving also has a high focus contractor on the McKays to Peka Peka section on safety and insists on Doherty’s Snaplock+ of Wellington’s Kapiti Expressway,” explains Tilt for its double-locking safety feature. owner/operator Shane Brownell. “The new safety legislation in New The $630-million project will result in a Zealand and Australia has been an excellent four-lane expressway through Paraparaumu step forward for us all, but I also prefer this and Waikanae, including a new bridge over tilt because of its solid construction and the Waikanae River. Expected to take up to design integrity. It has a good range of tilt four years to complete, the new route will which allows you to cut a half to one batter improve safety, reduce congestion and at full tilt.” provide more reliable journey times through For more information contact phone the Kapiti Coast. 07 574 3000 or email sales@ Another important aspect of Brownell’s dohertydirect.net The tilt has a double- decision to return to New Zealand was his locking safety feature

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