New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards

Two Taupo projects make NZ Engineering Excellence Awards finals

17 October 2007

The Taupo Motorsport Park and the Tenon Direct Geothermal Heat Project were announced as finalists in the 2007 New Zealand Engineering Excellence (NZEE) Awards.

David Elms, Convenor for the NZEE Category Awards judging panel said the calibre of finalist projects highlighted the contribution that professional engineers make to New Zealand on a social, economic and environmental scale.

“These projects made the finalist cut because they each are outstanding examples of engineering innovation”, says David Elms, Convenor for the NZEE Category Awards judging panel. “This year’s finalists impressed the judges by demonstrating how their projects contributed to the national economy and the reputation of New Zealand engineering and impacted on quality of life in their communities”.

Taupo Race Track – The Taupo Motorsport Park has multiple track configurations including an international licensed race track and an international drag strip, as well as having two pit lane areas which enables concurrent racing on two tracks. It is considered one of the most comprehensive motor racing facilities in Australasia.

Tenon Direct Geothermal Heat Project – Prior to 2006, Tenon’s Taupo-based wood processing facility burned up to 500 terajoules of natural gas every year to provide the heat for its nine wood-drying kilns. The project provided Tenon with up to 30 megawatts of direct heat – enough to fully power its kiln drying operations and one associated shed. The project has been a success, helping Tenon develop a competitive advantage. Tenon no longer burns natural gas, saving the company in fuel costs and preventing the release of about 24,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere every year.

The projects are two of 22 projects making the final cut.

The third New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards are the premier awards for the engineering professionals of New Zealand. The awards are presented in two major areas: Individual Awards, that recognise leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and our young engineers; and Category Awards, that recognise achievement in the various industry areas, together with a Supreme Award for the best of the Category winners.

Winners will be announced at a black tie gala dinner hosted by legendary entertainer Frankie Stevens. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, 21 November 2007 at TE PAPA, Wellington.

The New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards are hosted by a consortium of five partners and 10 contributing organisations. The partners are: Centre for Advanced Engineering (CAE); Association of Local Government Engineering New Zealand Incorporated (INGENIUM); Electricity Engineers Association of New Zealand (EEA); Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (ACENZ); and the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand Inc (IPENZ).

Media enquiries contact:

Verona-Meiana Putaranui, NZEE Awards Media Co-ordinator

Email: media@ipenz.org.nz

Phone: +64 4 473 2028 or Cell: +64 21 479885