Speculation as construction slows at Mangawhai Central

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BY JULIA WADE

 

19 Dec, 2022

 

After the excitement of two much-anticipated branded companies – New World and Bunnings – finally launching in Mangawhai Central [MC], the large development has appeared to be in a lull, with locals commenting on social media about the lack of activity perpetuating rumours about disputes and contractor redundancies.

Construction company MDL Civil & Engineering Ltd, who are governed by property investment and land development firm Viranda Partners, are responsible for delivery of the massive project which began in 2020 with a hiss and a roar when huge multi-million-dollar machinery rolled into town along with a sea of hi-vis workers.

In recent weeks however, the site has become notably quiet and a source close to five tradies previously contracted to the company (who asked not to be named) allege that up to 14 people have been laid off in the past four weeks after being told there was no more work available.

One of the men, who has been working at the site since day one, says he was promoted to ‘a top job’ complete with a vehicle only a week before the redundancies began. However, as he was concerned immigrant workers could be laid off only a month shy of gaining their New Zealand residency, he decided to take voluntary redundancy.  

Most of the men moved to the area with the prospect of long-term employment at MC and say they feel they have been done over badly, adding ‘we thought we had eight to ten years of work, we were sold a dream’.

 

MDL committed to project

MDL Civil’s role at MC is to ensure maximum control over delivery of the development, including managing expectations, meeting required timelines, cost management and overall quality assurance. MDL Civil project coordinator, Tim Chen, says the overall plans for the development have not changed and the company is committed to completing construction in full as planned.

“But like many others in our sector we're dealing with supply chain issues and a lot of sickness with new rounds of Covid, so there have been some delays. In the meantime, we're planning carefully to manage these delays and look forward to progressing things in 2023,” he says.

“Regarding team structure, this was part of a change in the contracting arm of the business, to make sure the size of the team in place matched the actual work we had on. We had completed a large phase of civil works, and the team is now the right size for what we have on in the next stages of work. This won't have any impact on the wider development plans moving forward,” he says.

“In terms of general updates, phase one in the development is nearly complete and planning for phase two will be progressing in the new year. New World and Bunnings were excellent milestones for the development and we're keen to having more businesses joining them soon.”

 

Four Little Birds takes flight

Along with real estate agent Bayleys, a liquor store and eateries are some of the businesses speculated to be heading toward MC.

One retail outlet who is destined to be open in early 2023 is boutique patisserie Four Little Birds, however the journey to move into the new central township, which was originally set for mid-November, has been challenging says founder/owner Diana Langton.

“There have been many delays and hold ups at their end due to various reasons so it’s been very frustrating waiting for the shop to be finished. I swear I have a few more wrinkles, ha.”

A family business, Four Little Birds first took flight in Mangawhai on day one of 2020s first lockdown, starting out as a coffee cart at local markets – named after Diana and Anthony’s ‘greatest inspirations’, four children Ariela, Reece, Jasper and Matilda. Business soared after the launch of the now-famous gourmet donuts, entailing an upgrade into a large food truck and only six months later, further expansion into a Kaiwaka shop along SH1.

“Turning desserts into donuts was how it all started and it very quickly became clear this was the start of something pretty awesome. Two years down the track, I am still pinching myself, can’t believe this is all happening and we are again expanding into a bigger shop in Mangawhai Central.”

Designed by Diana, the new bakery/cafe is ‘very much my heart and soul’ with ‘something for everyone’, from a brand-new dessert line and dessert degustations, to zones to meet different customer needs.

“Family is my number one focus so having a space suitable for parents to relax in while their kids are happy and safe in a special children’s area with a library, creativity and even movie mornings, was very important,” she says. “Also, at the other end of the shop will be a comfy beautiful space complete with a window bar for those who just want to sit in a comfy lounger and enjoy great coffee and amazing food while perhaps working or just enjoying some quiet time.”

The cake designer/head pastry chef and proud mum says she is excited about opening the new store which also specialises in custom event cakes and chocolate sculpture, ‘back in Mangawhai where it all began’, as well as the business future.

“After all of the delays and frustration, it will all work out and be the beautiful space I’ve dreamed off, it's all part of the ride and journey and I feel very lucky. I’m over the moon to be able to bring this vision to life all in our home town of Mangawhai,” she says. “Bring on reopening and a huge family party with loads of fun events where you are all invited.”

 

 

“The team is now the right size for what we have on in the next stages of work. This won't have any impact on the wider development plans moving forward.”

– Tim Chen, MDL Civil project coordinator

 

Mangawhai Central, a development which has seen a fair amount of controversy, is still ploughing forward, with businesses set to move in despite recent construction worker redundancies. PHOTO/JULIA WADE

 

Four Little Birds owner/operator Diana Langton outside her soon-to-be store, is excited to open in the new year after experiencing multiple delays. PHOTO/JULIA WADE

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