New Waikiwi Tavern Recognised At National Awards

The Invercargill Licensing Trust’s Waikiwi Tavern has earned recognition on a national scale.

The construction quality of the tavern and adjacent restaurant The Foundry received a silver award in the retail category at the prestigious New Zealand Commercial Project Awards staged in Auckland recently.

Built by Henderson Construction and opened in November 2016, the project was rated across all aspects, including design functionality and aesthetic, durability, quality, cost, health and safety, environment and timeframe.

The total score of 890 out of 1000 was just 10 points shy of a gold award.

Managing director Brent Henderson said the award reflected the pride the family-owned business had in its projects.
“It’s a chance to go up against basically the best buildings in New Zealand and see how you rate in comparison so to earn a silver award is fantastic,” he said.

“Everyone on our team put their heart and soul into the Waikiwi project and this is a great reward for that. I think it’s an awesome place and the people of Invercargill should be very proud of what can be achieved right here.

“It’s an award-winning building that exceeds national standards. It just goes to show that people in Invercargill can take the bull by the horns and make things happen which compete strongly on a national scale.”

Henderson Construction has previously also received a silver award for construction of the Northern Tavern.
Trust marketing and sales manager Angee Shand said the revamped Waikiwi had proved a popular addition to the organisation’s portfolio of hospitality venues.

“The aim of the build was to create a great dining and entertainment option for the Waikiwi area,” she said.

“This additional accolade is wonderful recognition for everyone involved with the project.”
Of the 88 projects nominated for the national awards, the Rydges Restaurant and Bar refurbishment by Naylor Love Construction in Queenstown was the only other southern success, earning a gold award.