Monkeytoe 2023 Wrap-Up
G’day everyone.
We’ve done it. Another year (almost) in the bag. We hope that your summer plans are taking shape, and you’ve planned plenty of well-deserved relaxation time and precious moments with those who matter most.
2023 has been a real mixture of challenges. We’ve been able to work on amazing projects across the country, welcomed new faces to the Monkeytoe team, and set new standards for the industry – so it’s impossible not to be brimming with gratitude.
How do we do it? The people. Our success has been because of excellent people in every department and the unwavering support of our incredible clients and industry peers. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, making this year one for the books. We’re gearing up for an even more exhilarating 2024!
So in this year-end edition, we’re talking about stand-out projects and stand-out people who have joined us along the way.
Stay safe, enjoy your break, and we look forward to reconnecting with you early in the new year for more exciting innovations.
Cheers,
The Monkeytoe crew
Forest Glen Apartments with Heinrich Pretorius
An impressive recent project with Coordinated Homes and Cassidy Construction – the stunning Forest Glen Apartments in Orewa/Silverdale, Auckland.
Cassidy Construction needed a set of stairs for safe access to the different levels of the apartments while the various subcontractors completed the project. Soon after connecting with them, we had prepared some concepts – and once these were signed off, we quickly got on to preparing parts for the site.
Monkeytoe PM Heinrich Pretorius was the man behind the project at our end, making sure that it went smoothly from start to finish. “We assembled most flights and modules into five different pieces and got it on the road. Everything looked great, and the installation crew was ready for handover – but when the truck driver arrived on site, he wasn’t confident he could get into the site around a tight cul-de-sac.”
It took half a day to secure a HIAB on site, but the time wasn’t wasted – and within a few short hours the stairs were taking shape and getting used.
Heinrich had high praise for the teams at Cassidy Construction and Coordinated Homes. “John Lava at Cassidy is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever worked with, and made this site a breeze. The installation team, led by Bayden Paraha, smashed it out – Bayden’s so patient and he doesn’t get flustered, so we know we can trust him with the great projects and to stay calm in all situations. These are the kinds of projects where I have full confidence that things are going to be delivered on time and on budget, with no stress.”
Everything about this project has been “bang on”, says Heinrich, even down to the accuracy of those first estimations. The only downside to this project is that the stairs might be taken down at the end of the fit-out!
“We had a massive celebration about this at the team meeting,” says Heinrich, “because it was a huge project that went well at every step. We heard great feedback from the client; I loved it, and am really proud of the team. This is the kind of stuff we dream of as a PM.”
Big Chill Staircase Project with Todd Wakerley
Big Chill, a massive coolstore project in Hamilton’s new land port, needed access stairs for the outside of the building – and Monkeytoe were more than happy to help out.
What was started by our Auckland team was handed over to PM Todd Wakerley, who oversaw Monkeytoe’s design and fabrication of 11 small sets and one massive set of stairs, including handrails and pipework support, for client Team Apollo.
Todd was eager to nail this project, especially since Team Apollo and Big Chill have exacting standards for this big project. The scope of the design changed a couple of times – moving from the right hand side to the left, and then back to the right of the building, necessitating subtle changes to the design to make sure it would fit precisely where it needed to be.
“Big shout-out to Lincoln Wayne, the Big Chill PM. He was one of the most awesome to deal with,” says Todd. “I dealt with him for most of the project, and he made the job really easy for us. He’s one of the guys you respect because he just makes it happen.”
Todd adds that this project, like so many Monkeytoe projects, felt like a big collaboration between Apollo, Big Chill and the Monkeytoe team. “Everyone was working as one team – and the result was pretty incredible.”
Thanks Apollo and Big Chill for having us on another great project. We can’t wait for the next one.
Here’s just a few of the Monkeytoe crew who have had your back this year
Admin Manager Kylie Crawford (left) with Batman
Toby Broomhall (right, Senior Project Consultant) isn’t fazed by Fernando Prestige (left, Business Development) and his half-hearted Arnie impression
Factor Manager Mason Laing and the crew having a laugh over morning tea
Project Support Team Leader Ange Thompson, here doing her best bumblebee cosplay.
Jamieson Prestige, a stellar consultant, keen hiker, and talented musician who definitely did not write this caption.
From the SPCA Charity Day, where we gave a helping hand to SPCA New Plymouth. Lots of walking and feeding animals, scrubbing and cleaning, and doing our bit to support this great group.
The business development team enjoying a cheeky snack on the road
2023 at Monkeytoe
Check out this video for a showcase of some of the projects Monkeytoe have been involved in throughout 2023.
Including honest feedback from Robert Hodgkinson, Charles Ulmer and Simon Chambers.
Monkeytoe are wrapping up for the year on the 22nd of December, so make sure you get any questions to us beforehand – and then put your feet up!
The crew will start coming back from the 9th of January – fully charged and ready to tackle 2024.