Tongariro Prison
About the Project
Following the successful delivery of Building C at Mt Eden Corrections Facility (MECF), Leighs completed a significant prison development in Tūrangi.
The project involved finishing a new modular prison block that required comprehensive remediation, completion of outstanding works, and full commissioning to Code Compliance standard.
Department of Corrections
Client
2021
Completed
Tūrangi, Waikato
Location
The scope included extensive fitout works to cells, programme spaces, and support facilities, alongside commissioning of all building systems. Working from a partially built structure, Leighs mobilised rapidly to the remote Waikato location, assembling a multi-disciplinary team drawn from both local and Auckland-based specialists.
The remote location required strategic workforce planning. Leighs established site management oversight from our Auckland office, with key supervisory staff regularly travelling to Tongariro to lead the works. We assembled a mixed team of locally-based subcontractors—such as electricians—alongside Auckland-based specialists like painters, all selected based on their proven track record with us at MECF and their security clearance qualifications. This approach ensured we could mobilise quickly while maintaining the trusted relationships and reliability essential for corrections environments.
Taking on completion works required thorough analysis of the existing structure and quality of previously completed works. Leighs undertook comprehensive measuring and QA inspections, including innovative techniques such as drilling inspection holes and inserting cameras to examine concealed building components. This detailed assessment informed our remediation strategy and ensured that all work met the required standard.
Leighs successfully completed the facility to Code Compliance standard, delivering a fully operational secure building within the remote Waikato location.
