Frame Group Ltd

11/03/2025

Want to make the most of getting outdoors before winter arrives? Take a trip to Laird Thomson Track! While it's a short walk, it offers breath-taking views. The track ascends about 100 meters above the beach to Te Waha Point, where you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
Tip: Be sure to time your visit to catch the sunset—it's an unforgettable experience!
Frame Group was proud to handle the design and construction monitoring for the track's upgrade works.

Constructed by: Emerson Building and Construction

10/03/2025

Ever wondered how a Suspension or Swing Bridge is found to be safe for the public?
Here's a look at the process we follow at Frame Group to ensure that our suspension and swing bridges undergo rigorous safety measures before being opened to the public.

Load testing involves:
1. Setting up: Using a 2000L bladder and placing it in the middle of the deck of the newly completed bridge. As part of the setup Engineers inspect and collect important data and measurements.

2. Filling the bladder with water pumped from a nearby stream, river or Lake. In some remote locations water is flown in by helicopter. The filling of the bladder replicates the weight of multiple people standing on the bridge.

3. During the filling process Engineers monitor the bridge and watch closely for other signs of unwanted structural behaviour.

4. Once the Engineers have fully loaded the bladder with a pre-determined amount of water, the Engineer compares the original set-up data and measurements with the new fully loaded bridge data.

5. Finally, pulling the release valve (remotely) and enjoy the waterfall.
Next time you cross one of our bridges, we hope this gives you even more confidence in its safety!

Frame Group also works closely with our clients to regularly assess the safety of existing structures, ensuring they are fit for public use.

20/02/2025

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is New Zealand’s only botanic garden dedicated to native plants, making it a unique and valuable site. The sanctuary covers 100 hectares of native forest and 5 hectares of plant collections. Originally a dense podocarp broadleaf forest, it holds deep Māori significance, with "Ōtari" meaning 'Place of Snares' due to its use as a hunting ground. Early landowner Job Wilton preserved 7 hectares (17 acres) of the original forest, creating what is now known as Wilton’s Bush.

Frame Group carried out an Asset Condition Assessment of the structures within Wellington’s Western Ward Parks and Reserves, which included bridges, boardwalks, and viewing platforms. Based on our findings, several structures were recommended for replacement to Wellington City Council (WCC). Among these, the timber bridge at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush was identified as having safety and compliance concerns. This bridge, located between Wilton's Bush Road and the Northern entrance and Picnic Area, was flagged for urgent attention.

Frame Group has successfully completed the detailed design, building consent process, and construction management for the bridge replacement. During the design phase, careful consideration was given to enhancing the existing bridge while preserving its core features and existing concrete foundations. It is exciting to observe, during the final inspection, that cave weta and eels had already begun returning to the area. Additionally, we've stabilised the riverbed and securely reinforced the critical wastewater pipe below.

Constructed by: Edifice Structures

17/12/2024

It's fantastic to see the Te Araroa Trust continually striving to enhance the trail, both in terms of the overall experience and safety. These efforts will provide walkers with the chance to explore more of Aotearoa New Zealand, all while minimizing exposure to highways whenever possible. Check out the link below to read more about one of the Trusts latest projects.

This project provided an excellent opportunity for Erick Quinto, one of Frame Group’s Senior Draughtspersons, to showcase his exceptional 3D modeling skills. His expertise in Revit modeling, detailing, and rendering brings a dynamic, third-dimensional quality to both concept and detailed designs, elevating the overall impact of Frame Group’s projects.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/te-araroa-trail-bridge-over-whangaehu-river-will-remove-32km-of-road-walking/3OZBWFB4PVAKRIB4ASSEKC6KBQ/

13/12/2024

We're thrilled to share the successful completion of two stunning new swing bridges in Papakai Park, Taihape, located in the Rangitikei District of the North Island. These bridges enhance public access to the Taihape Domain, home to majestic podocarp forests featuring Kahikatea, Matai, and Totara trees.
Our team delivered the Concept Design, Detailed Design, Flood Modelling, and Construction Monitoring for the project, working closely with local community groups, contractors, and the council. A special highlight is the entrance bridge, which is fully accessible for wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this incredible natural space.
This project has been a testament to the power of community collaboration. With three more bridges planned for the Reserve next summer, it’s an exciting time for Taihape!
🚗 Next time you’re passing through, take a moment to explore these beautiful additions – they’re well worth the visit!

12/12/2024

01/12/2024

Frame Group is very excited to have played a key role in the successful reopening of land-based access to the extremely popular, and iconic, Cathedral Cove Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. Access had been closed for almost two years following severe weather events destroying parts of the walkway.

Frame Group attended the official opening on Sunday 1 December that was led by the Minister of Conservation, Tama Potaka.

Working with the Department of Conservation and Ngāti Hei, Frame Group designed and construction managed the approved temporary solution. The solution includes stairs, boardwalk (incorporating cultural design elements), boxed steps and track. Prior to this work, Frame Group worked with DOC and Ngāti Hei, together with Tonkin & Taylor in respect of geotechnical considerations, on a Feasibility Study to provide options in respect of both temporary and permanent land-based access solutions.

The opening on Sunday achieves the publicly stated goal of the Minister to have access reopened for this summer season. When you visit take a photo and be sure to tag us!

Construction was undertaken by Keir Landscaping & Structures

06/11/2024

Have you heard the news? Aotearoa has a new Great Walk! 😊 Tuatapere’s Hump Ridge Track.

Situated approximately 30 km from Tuatapere the track provides varied landscapes such as rugged coastline, sandy beaches, native forests, historic viaducts, and spectacular sub-alpine views. This region is steeped in narratives of mana whenua/iwi and rich history such as the old Port Craig Sawmill and three historic viaducts (Edwin Burn Viaduct, Percy Burn Viaduct, and Sand Hill Viaduct).
Frame Group had the opportunity to work with the Department of Conservation on the track and structures upgrades.

This work includes:
Edwin Burn Bridge: 61.2m long×0.6m wide swing bridge.
Re-shaping the existing track, grade adjustment and forming new track segments with aggregate surfacing.
Installation of track drainage, including side drain, grade dips and culverts.
Installation of timber boxed steps with aggregate surfacing and edge boards.
Installation of pegged timber boardwalk with stepped segments.

Frame Group also designed, and construction monitored the additional structures along the South Coast Track:
Angus Burn Bridge: 33.5m long×0.3m wide swing bridge
Aan River Bridge: 36.5m long×0.3m wide swing bridge
Wairaurahiri River Bridge: 55m long×0.3m wide swing bridge

Bridges constructed by Edifice Structures

29/10/2024

Looking for a new adventure? Want to see a part of Aotearoa from a whole new level? Well we have just the thing. Frame Group is proud to have worked alongside the team at Man O' War Vineyards to help bring to life the Man O’ War Forest Flight experience.

Three tandem ziplines (Zipline 1: 300m long, Zipline 2: 350m long, Zipline 3: 200m long) offer a unique way to view the Kauri canopies and picturesque Hauraki Gulf.

Frame Group was engaged for detailed design and construction monitoring for the tracks and timber structures for this amazing project. Due to the presence of kauri trees particular attention was taken in implementing mitigation measures to reduce the risk of spread of Kauri Dieback, caused by Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), a fungus-like disease that can kill kauri trees of any age.

Some Frame Group project highlights:
Formation of a hilltop meeting area consisting of an aggregate pad and 1.2m wide low timber boardwalk.
Formation of 0.75m and 1.2m wide aggregate walking tracks.
Timber kissing gate.
3x Zipline take-off platforms.
3x Zipline landing platforms.
0.75m wide and 1.2m wide timber boardwalks
1.5m wide timber wetland boardwalk, including 5m long bridge section connecting opposite the Vineyard Tasting Room.

https://www.manowar.co.nz/pages/forest-flight

Construction by: Milton Harward Construction and Make Tracks Ltd

24/10/2024

Frame Group is excited 🤩 to be a finalist in
Recreation Aotearoa - Te Whai Oranga,
2024 Recreation Awards