Commercial plumbing services in Auckland for NZICC convention centre & Horizon Hotel

Size & scope of project

This was a purpose-built, 5-storey conference and exhibition facility, complete with four levels of underground parking, a striking 9-metre-high exhibition hall that spans an entire level, and a 2,850-seat auditorium above. Within the building there is a large commercial kitchen, along with 3 servery kitchens and associated amenities. Alongside it, a 14-storey, 300-room hotel completed the precinct, establishing a seamless destination for large-scale events and visitors.

Services delivered

We delivered complete hydraulic services for both the NZICC and the adjacent 300-bed Horizon Hotel, designing systems with performance, reliability, and future capacity built in from day one. The work included a substantial 70m³ water storage tank with associated pump sets, along with separate domestic and flushing water reticulation to ensure smooth, efficient operation across the entire precinct.

We also installed the full hot water plant and key back-of-house infrastructure, including grease tanks and fully serviced kitchen and servery areas, all designed to handle high-demand events. To complete the project, Dolphin wash-hand units were integrated throughout the NZICC amenities, providing durable, hygienic solutions suited to heavy public use.

What made this project complex or high-risk?

The NZICC/HSH project came with significant challenges. In October 2019, when the NZICC was around 75% complete, a major fire caused extensive damage and changed the course of the build. Much of the plumbing infrastructure we had already installed had to be carefully removed and replaced - a substantial rework that required precise coordination and a methodical approach to ensure everything met the required standards.

After first commencing on site in 2016, the programme extended well beyond the original timeline and the works were ultimately completed in 2025 - a long-term project that demanded resilience, adaptability, and consistent quality at every stage, culminating in a successful delivery for the client.

Solutions & approach

All water supply pipework was installed in brazed copper right through to the fittings, reflecting a detail-led approach that required precision and a highly skilled crew on site. To deliver on programme without compromising quality, DLG deployed a mix of our own experienced team and trusted contractors, working closely with the main contractor to keep progress moving and workmanship consistently high.

Following the fire, DLG played a key role in enabling the rebuild to move forward. We helped create a temporary “roof” over the Level 5 floor slab and reconfigured existing pipework to divert stormwater away, protecting the lower levels and keeping the building dry. This work made a tangible difference on the ground - maintaining safe, workable conditions for trades and supporting the rebuild and remediation of intumescent paint throughout the building to continue efficiently.

Project results

Spanning nearly a decade from first site works to final completion, the NZICC and adjacent Horizon Hotel demanded resilience, technical depth, and an unwavering focus on quality. DL Good delivered the hydraulic package for this major precinct, coordinating complex plant and reticulation, servicing high-demand kitchen and back-of-house areas, and completing detailed amenities fit-off - including extensive brazed copper pipework that required a highly skilled crew.

When the October 2019 fire dramatically changed the programme, the team adapted quickly, removing and reinstating services where required, and helping enable the rebuild by protecting the structure and managing stormwater to keep lower levels dry and workable for other trades. After navigating the long road through fire recovery and delays, DL Good were proud to play a key role in bringing the NZICC across the line - and to see it finally ready for the public to enjoy.