Services for this landmark public facility included cost planning, estimating of construction packages as they were designed, preparation of pricing documents, tender evaluation, contract negotiation and contract administration.

RDT Pacific was instrumental in selecting the procurement method and the Value Management and Partnering Workshop process.

Driven by the need for a 200-year design life and the location on reclaimed land close to a major fault line, the site for our national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa was ‘dynamically consolidated’ and the foundations ‘base-isolated’. The marine environment also required a complex cladding system in durable materials.

Mechanical services were of a high standard to protect priceless exhibits and provide a comfortable visitor environment. Te Papa broke new ground in the museum experience, including interactive exhibits, which required a corresponding technological response.

Bi-culturalism and strong links to tangata whenua were expressed in the design.

Te Papa was completed on time and within budget – a significant achievement for such a high-profile public-sector project. This success was even more conspicuous owing to the absence of any significant claims.

This landmark project was recognised with an NZIA – Resene Northern Regional Award for Architecture in 1999 and a DuPont Antron Design Award in 1999.