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.

Northbank Road, Marlborough

Northbank Road, Marlborough

Client : Marlborough Roads

Head Contractor : Edridge Contracting

Recently Ground Anchor Systems was engaged by Edridge Contracting to complete some light scaling works on the 17km Northbank site in Marlborough.  The brief was to complete light scaling on the 15m high rock face directly above the road and also work through the vegetated north end of site to remove any lager rocks that posed a risk to the traffic below. 

Over two days our crew safely removed a significant amount of material, improving slope stability and reducing hazards along this key stretch of road.

Maitai Valley - Nelson

Maitai Valley - Nelson

Client : Nelson City Council

Work is progressing well in Maitai Valley for Nelson City Council, where our team is installing 30 rock bolts embedded 6‑metres into the slope to stabilise the hillside.

To complete the drilling safely and accurately, we’re operating from a drill basket suspended by a 60‑tonne crane. Before drilling could begin, the crew manually removed approximately 90m³ of material and vegetation from the slope, a significant challenge given the limited access and the inability to bring machinery onto the face.

Our rope-access team has carried out all clearing work by hand, ensuring the site is prepared to the highest standard.

Once the bolts are installed, they will anchor 180m² of shotcrete, scheduled to be applied as part of the long‑term stabilisation solution.

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.

Park Street - Queenstown

Engineering confidence for a Wakatipu lakeside home

Client : Scott Construction New Zealand
Scope of Works : Fully integrated ground-retention package

At Park Street, Queenstown our team has delivered a fully integrated ground‑retention package for a complex urban site. This project brought together everything from ground anchors and bored piles to shotcrete and rope‑access works under one coordinated contract.

This approach allowed us to manage the programme, quality, and risk throughout the early works phase of the project with one point of contact, which is one of the key advantages of working with Ground Anchor Systems.

Our work on this project included:
• Site scaling and preparation
• Installation of multiple anchor rows
• Construction of the bored pile wall
• Reinforcement and shotcrete works to meet high load demands
• Specialist rope‑access rock bolting on a steep, inaccessible cliff face

With the anchors locked off and the retention system complete, the site is now ready for Scott Construction to begin foundation works.

This project is a strong example of what we specialise in, delivering a fully integrated approach to the early works in a project. By working closely with the earthworks contractor, builder, and client, we’re able to provide an efficient, coordinated solution, particularly on sites with complex or challenging ground conditions such as this one.

Ultimately, our role is to give the client confidence, knowing the ground‑retention package is fully managed, technically robust, and tailored to the needs of their project.