CKL is proud to announce that the Ayrburn Hospitality Precinct project has been named Best in Class for Property and Buildings (Projects under $10 million) at the 2026 Arthur Mead Awards, presented by Engineering New Zealand Auckland Branch at MOTAT on 15 May.
The Arthur Mead Awards recognise significant contributions to environmental sustainability and improvement, celebrating projects that demonstrate engineering excellence while delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.
The judges praised Ayrburn’s “multi-layer, nature-based solution” for delivering measurable water quality improvements and ecological restoration to Lake Hayes (Wai Whakaata), while also highlighting the project’s exceptional stakeholder collaboration.
At the heart of the project was a philosophy of going beyond compliance.
Rather than simply meeting baseline stormwater requirements, the Ayrburn development adopted a best-practicable, catchment-focused approach designed to actively improve water quality entering Mill Creek and Lake Hayes — a nationally and regionally significant waterbody.
The project’s integrated treatment train combines raingardens, wetlands, swales, sediment retention ponds and infiltration systems to progressively treat stormwater while also addressing historic sediment issues within the wider catchment.
This approach has delivered measurable outcomes, including:
• Significant reductions in sediment, heavy metals and nutrient loads
• Long-term turbidity improvements through NIWA telemetry monitoring
• Native riparian planting and habitat restoration
• Enhanced protection for ecological, recreational and cultural values
Importantly, the project was shaped through deep collaboration with Winton, Fluent, Friends of Lake Hayes, Ngāi Tahu, Fish & Game, ecologists and regulatory bodies — ensuring environmental, cultural and community outcomes were embedded from master planning through to delivery.
For CKL, the award reflects a broader commitment to engineering solutions that create enduring value.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when engineering is used not just to enable development, but to actively restore and improve the environments we work within.”
CKL also acknowledges fellow finalist GHD for the Auckland Airport Temporary Ramp project, and congratulates all entrants recognised at this year’s awards.
As development pressures continue to grow across Aotearoa, projects like Ayrburn help set a benchmark for how infrastructure, sustainability and environmental stewardship can work together.
About the project:
The Ayrburn Stormwater Management Project was designed to redefine how development can protect and enhance sensitive receiving environments, combining nature-based engineering with landscape-led design to support the long-term health of the Lake Hayes catchment. Grounded in collaboration, innovation and measurable outcomes, it represents a model for future-focused environmental engineering. Click here to learn more.
