University of Otago
Contego • July 15, 2018
Refurbishment of the University of Otago St David 2 Building.
Contego were delighted to be appointed the Passive Fire Protection Co-ordinator & Contractor and to work with Cook Brothers on the recently completed $9M Refurbishment of the University of Otago St David 2 building.
This building was vacated in 2013 when it was discovered there were seismic issues. Cook Brothers completed this
re-strengthening work and a complete refurbishment which now house the university H.R team & other departments.
Contego undertook responsibility for all Passive Fire Protection elements on this project which was signed off by fire engineers Beca.
Contego’s project processes including pre-start QA documentation, trade co-ordination meetings, fixed price lump sum, site installation, QA checks, communication and handover compliance documentation ensured there have been no passive fire defects or issues at the vital stage of practical completion.
This project continues a great relationship Contego have with the key stakeholders including University of Otago, Beca, Cook Brothers Construction & Aotea.

The Passive Fire Protection Intumescent Coating Code of Practice suggests that this should be a collaborative effort between all design consultants to ensure all aspects are considered. This way of thinking is no different to any other collaborative effort in designing a building whereby multiple consultants need to talk & collaborate on a solution.
South Island passive fire protection contractor Contego today announced that it will continue its business expansion by opening a new base in the North Island in December 2021. Located in New Plymouth, the branch is expected to employ 10 persons over the next 24 months. The business currently employs 35 personnel between its bases across the South Island.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that is experiencing weekly headaches with freight delays and lead time materials. What was once available down the road, can now be a lengthy delay to get a hold of it. The feedback I am getting from suppliers and contractors is that the worst is not over, and we should be planning to deal with this for the remainder of this year.

With the current codes of practice and Passive products annual renewal being worked through the issue of Tested vs Assessed is constantly brought up in conversation. NZBC accepts the use of AS4072.1 Assessments as a way of showing compliance as an equal with a tested solution in accordance with AS1530.4.