Life Aboard the TBM
Derek Whelan - TBM Construction Manager
The specialised work of our teams operating the Dame Whina Cooper tunnel boring machine (TBM) is in the spotlight as part of a national campaign to inspire more people to make careers in the infrastructure industry.
The EPIC Careers in Infrastructure campaign led by Civil Contractors New Zealand interviewed some of the TBM’s operators to highlight one of the industry’s more unique jobs.
The EPIC profile likened our TBM to one of the giant sandworms that feature in the sci-fi novel and film, Dune. But unlike Dune’s sandworms, our TBM relies of human assistance to get around.
“It’s the ultimate team sport,” said Derek Whelan, the Link Alliance’s Construction Manager for the TBM. “Everything each team member does is linked and critical to the project’s success. I’d compare the machine to an underground factory.”
CRL’s powerful “factory” not only mines the rail tunnels, but it also removes all the dirt and installs the concrete panels that line the tunnels.
Another member of the crew is Shift Engineer Taio Pou. He spends most of his days working onboard the machine, looking after the guidance systems, monitoring soil conditions and the hydraulic thrust jacks that keep it moving, and ensuring the quality of everything they do.
“It’s like a new world down there. We are underground for 12-hour shifts and you don’t see the sun like your mates do, but it’s the people who make it. You create a great family dynamic – that’s important because you can be down there with the team for seven days straight, seeing them more than you see your girlfriend,” Taio joked.
A recent addition to the TBM team is Jack Reidy. He is in the fourth year of a mechanical engineering degree with the University of Auckland and has landed a role many of his fellow students would be envious of.
“The whole thing is just awesome…there are so many moving parts. The team has been very good, there are no dumb questions and I can always go to them for help.”
His daily duties include working in the mechanical division of the TBM team to provide support and to help coordinate teams and tasks essential to the project.
CRL Chief Executive Dr Sean Sweeney said it’s people like Derek, Taio, Jack and the whole team of 2,000 working across the project who will ultimately make it a success.
He said a “massive shortage” of infrastructure workers in New Zealand creates opportunities for people who want to make a name for themselves and progress a career quickly.
“The industry is a meritocracy … if you work hard, you will be rewarded, and it can take you around the world. The shortage of infrastructure workers is a global issue, not just in New Zealand,” Sean said.