Howard Narrows - State Highway 63, Nelson
Client : Fulton Hogan and NZTA
Scope of works : Rockfall Mitigation Works
Back in May 2025 Ground Anchor Systems was contracted to Fulton Hogan to complete rock fall mitigation works at the Howard Narrows for NZTA.
The works consisted of scaling across 4 sites on the narrow stretch of road. The installation of 86 rock bolts was completed over 15 days of drilling, then a total of 650m2 of Tecco mesh was used to secure the face.
All the drilling was completed using a Crane Basket suspended off a 60ft crane. This allowed for high production and a safer approach compared a traditional A-frame drilling rig.
The onsite geology dictated that a layer of sacrificial Tecco mesh be installed prior to drilling. This then allowed for a top-down approach to stabilise the area with production rock bolts and mesh allowing the drilling crew to work safely below.
This project was successfully completed over a short time frame and in some very challenging weather conditions. The success is due to a strong collaborative approach between Ground Anchor Systems, Fulton Hogan, WSP NZ and NZTA.
Takaka Hill Site B - Nelson
Takaka Hill Site B, Nelson
Client : Fulton Hogan and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Scope of Works : Anchored Shotcrete
Ground Anchor Systems was engaged by Fulton Hogan and NZTA to deliver the anchored shotcrete works at Takaka Hill Site B following the major storm event in mid 2025. The slip caused significant ground movement and loss of road width, requiring a fast, coordinated response to stabilise the hillside and keep State Highway traffic moving.
Our scope included a 350m² anchored shotcrete wall, two 20 metre ground beams, and 120 nine metre ground anchors. Working directly beneath the highway in an extremely tight corridor, our team sequenced the works to maintain traffic flow while managing multiple active work fronts.
The project began with a four metre strip of shotcrete beneath the highway, followed by construction of the ground beams. This allowed us to track our 23.5 ton excavator onto the beam with a long reach DTE mast to drill the upper anchors, before lowering our 400kg hydraulic skid rig to complete the lower anchors 13 metres below. Shotcrete was applied using our excavator mounted robot where possible, transitioning to hand spray as we reached the limits of machine access.
Despite challenging ground conditions, extreme weather, and a tight pre Christmas deadline, the team delivered a high quality result through strong planning and collaboration with Fulton Hogan and other contractors on site.
Takaka Hill is a lifeline for the region, and we’re proud to be trusted with work that directly supports the daily movement and safety of the local community.
Takaka Hill Site C2 - Nelson
Takaka Hill Site C2, Nelson
Client : Fulton Hogan and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Scope of Works : Horizontal Drain Install
Ground Anchor Systems was engaged by Fulton Hogan and NZTA to install the horizontal drainage across multiple sites on Takaka Hill following the major storm event in 2025. With significant ground movement and elevated groundwater pressures, deep dewatering was essential to stabilise the slope and keep the highway open.
Using our Casagrande C6 XP2 rig, we’ve been drilling drains up to 70 metres through complex ground conditions, requiring temporary casing and adapted drilling techniques to maintain progress. To date, more than 1,700 metres of drains have been installed across two sites, with works expected to wrap up in mid‑April.
Early results have been extremely positive. Continuous flows from the arrays and monitoring of nearby piezometers show a clear drop in groundwater levels.
Takaka Hill is the only route over the range, relied on daily by locals, freight operators, and visitors. It's a privilege to contribute our expertise to a project that underpins that reliability.