Ruruku was engaged to oversee the construction phase of a complex seismic upgrade to the central “spine” of the Pātaka Art + Museum facility — a critical structural intervention carried out within a live, operational public building.

The project involved installing new foundations and rigid steel frames to bring the structure up to current seismic standards. This required careful coordination of ten specialist contracting firms, alongside close collaboration with Porirua City Council staff and ongoing users of the facility.

With extensive internal works including demolition, excavations, piling, site welding, and hot works, this was a technically demanding project. The presence of staff and the public throughout construction added an additional layer of complexity — requiring tight staging, clear communication, and strict health and safety oversight.

Through hands-on coordination and consistent progress monitoring, Ruruku successfully delivered the project on time and within budget, ensuring a safer, more resilient facility for the Council and wider community.