Across the South Island, Downer’s work is defined by resilience – infrastructure that can stand up to the toughest environments and continue delivering for the people who rely on it.
For example, we’ve maintained the Milford Road corridor for more than 17 years, through our partnership in the Milford Road Alliance – a vital route supporting tourism, freight, and emergency response in one of the country’s most remote areas. Our maintenance of the Homer Tunnel, and critical resilience upgrades such as the Homer Tunnel Portal Extension Project help keep this iconic journey safe and open year-round.
We also deliver essential services across the island, from managing Defence facilities at Burnham Camp, to upgrading water treatment systems in partnership with the Tasman District Council, where we operate and maintain over 1,200km of three waters networks across five urban centres and surrounding rural communities.
In partnership with councils, iwi, and government agencies, we’re focused on outcomes that matter – infrastructure that supports the South Island’s environment, economy, and people. Whether it’s restoring services after a storm, investing in local water infrastructure, or supporting local readiness, we’re here for the long haul.
Our footprint across the South Island is supported by strong local teams and a network of delivery partners enabling communities to thrive through reliable services, local employment, and infrastructure that lasts.
Milford Road Alliance
Downer is a founding partner in the Milford Road Alliance, maintaining one of Aotearoa’s most iconic and remote journeys, the only sealed access to Milford Sound.
Queenstown Airport
Downer delivered two pioneering upgrades, setting new standards for safety and sustainability in aviation infrastructure. We resurfaced
he aircraft parking area using TonerPave™ – a sustainable asphalt mix that reduced emissions, reused over 1.5 million glass bottles and 330,000 toner cartridges. And to enhance runway safety, we also installed Australasia’s first Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS): a cellular concrete bed designed to safely stop overrunning aircraft.
Tasman District three waters
For more than 20 years, Downer has operated and maintained Tasman’s three waters infrastructure serving 58,000 people across five urban centres.
Transport Tasman Alliance
Downer is a founding partner of the Transport Tasman Alliance, a collaborative, boundary-to-boundary road maintenance and renewal programme serving the entire Tasman District. Now into its second term, the Alliance has delivered smarter, faster outcomes across the region from road reconstruction and resurfacing to culvert renewals and safety upgrades.
Burnham Defence Camp
Downer has supported the South Island’s largest military base for nearly a decade. Our role spans 13 satellite sites, providing everything from asset and data management to facilities maintenance, fire and security, and even swimming pool operations.
Christchurch Court Theatre
Hawkins has delivered the new Court Theatre in the heart of Christchurch’s Performing Arts Precinct, a major milestone in the city’s cultural regeneration. The purpose-built facility features a 375-seat main auditorium, 130-seat studio theatre, rehearsal spaces, workshops, and vibrant public areas.
Kā Huanui a Tāhuna Transport Alliance, Queenstown
Downer is a key delivery partner in Kā Huanui a Tāhuna, the Queenstown Transport Alliance delivering a coordinated programme of upgrades across one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions. From revitalising the town centre to improving arterial roads and building safer cycling networks, the alliance is transforming how people move around Tāhuna.
