Takaka Hill, Nelson

Takaka Hill Works Completed

Client : NZTA

Head Contractor : Fulton Hogan

Six months of hard work on Takaka Hill are now complete!

Following the major storm event in 2025, Ground Anchor Systems was engaged by Fulton Hogan and NZTA to deliver the anchored shotcrete and horizontal drainage works across multiple sites on Takaka Hill. The slips caused significant ground movement, elevated groundwater pressures, and a loss of road width, requiring a fast, coordinated response to stabilise the hillside, dewater the slope, and keep this vital State Highway route open.

Ground Anchor Systems, working alongside Fulton Hogan and Stantec, has delivered all site works on this critical project strengthening the only route between Golden Bay and Nelson.

Across the programme we installed 1000m of ground anchors, 350m² of shotcrete, 1700m of horizontal drains, and 2000m² of coconut matting, all while keeping traffic moving through the site.

This was a huge effort from the crew and a project we’re proud to deliver, improving long term stability and resilience on this vital corridor. Even better, it’s been great to see the works performing exactly as intended. Effective, stable, and already proving their value to the route.


A big thank you to all collaborators for their teamwork and commitment throughout this project.

Dodson Valley / Scotia St Waterways - Nelson

Dodson Valley / Scotia St Waterways - Nelson

Client : Nelson City Council
Head Contractor : Kūmānu

Ground Anchor Systems has been engaged by Kūmānu and Nelson City Council to complete three stream bed upgrade projects across Nelson this year. Dodson Valley and Scotia Street have been completed already with Alton Street scheduled for the end of the year.

Each site has its own challenges and varied ground conditions. Both permeated and temporary 600mm casing was used to mitigate collapsing waterlogged ground and allow for the timber poles to be installed. This was driven using our high torque drive unit.

The design includes both timber pole retaining walls and anchored shotcrete acting as scouring protection during flood events.

These projects have been completed in tight time frames and weather windows to reduce the time in the streambeds and minimise the environmental impact and disruption to local residents.

Princes Road - Nelson

Securing stunning views above the Tasman Bay

Client : Private Residential Development
Scope of Works : Anchored Reinforced Shotcrete Wall Construction

Set high above the Tasman Bay, this residential property has been a long standing project for us, with ongoing stabilisation works carried out since 2009.
Following a significant rain event and subsequent slope movement, our team was engaged to deliver the next stage of remediation. The scope included drilling and installing 21 × 8m ground anchors, reinforced mesh and 16mm steel, and a sprayed concrete finish to provide longterm slope stability.
With steep terrain and restricted access, the use of our skid rig and a spider crane was critical, allowing the works to be completed safely, efficiently, and with significantly reduced manual handling.

After more than a decade of staged works, we’re proud to see this final phase completed and the site secured for our client, all while working in one of Nelson’s most spectacular locations overlooking the bay.

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.