The Royal Engineers built the Cullingworth and Al Tannumah bridges, which join Basra city to the northeast bank. Providing the main trade routes between the outlying rural villages and Basra's bustling markets, the bridges are vital to the local economy and the well being of Iraqi civilians. The New Zealanders worked alongside the UK engineers to build the bridges when they first arrived in Iraq in October 2003.
14 August 2006
The New Zealand Army was honoured by the New Zealand Institute of Building at the Industry Awards Dinner held in Auckland on Friday 11 August 2006.
The award, the first of its kind in New Zealand, was presented to the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers in recognition of their efforts in the field of humanitarian and development construction, in particular their recent efforts in East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan and the South West Pacific.
The award was accepted by Lieutenant Keri Anderson and Captain Neville Mosley on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Engineers. Both Lt Anderson and Captain Mosley have led construction teams in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Chief of Army, Major General Lou Gardiner, commended the Engineers; “The Engineers are a vital asset to the New Zealand Army and the humanitarian work they conduct overseas makes a real difference to people affected by unrest and hardship. To be recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building for this work has shown New Zealand that the Army Engineers are at the top of their profession”
The New Zealand Institute of Building holds an annual ceremony and function known as the NZIOB Awards for Excellence in the Building Professions. These awards are for individuals or teams who have excelled, pushed the boundaries and achieved some exceptional accomplishments above and beyond the norm.
The awards are recognised as the highest achievable in the New Zealand Building Industry for personal endeavour.
ENDS
Image caption: The Royal New Zealand Engineers built the Cullingworth and Al Tannumah bridges, which join Basra city to the northeast bank. Providing the main trade routes between the outlying rural villages and Basra's bustling markets, the bridges are vital to the local economy and the well being of Iraqi civilians. The New Zealanders worked alongside the UK engineers to build the bridges when they first arrived in Iraq in October 2003.
For further information contact Captain Rachel Riley, Assistant Army Public Relations Manager, on 021 487 980 or 04 496 0296.