Gleniti School Case Study

School Case Studies

Cost Control and Independent Oversight for Gleniti School

Project Portfolio

Delivering essential remediation work within a live school environment requires careful planning, clear cost control, and close coordination.

At Gleniti School in Timaru, approximately 80 percent of the school buildings were affected by asbestos-containing cladding that needed to be safely removed and replaced. The Ministry of Education engaged CM-NZ to provide independent quantity surveying services, financial oversight, and Independent Certifier services throughout the project.

From tender evaluation through to construction, CM-NZ helped maintain control of costs, assess claims and variations, and provide the Ministry with clear, independent advice.

The project finished on time and under budget, with all identified asbestos-containing cladding removed in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s asbestos removal requirements and relevant health and safety requirements.

Background

The project involved removing existing asbestos-containing cladding from multiple buildings across Gleniti School and replacing it with new corrugated metal cladding.

Beyond addressing the health risks associated with damaged asbestos-containing materials, the work provided the school with a more durable exterior that will serve its students and staff well into the future.

With the Ministry of Education leading the project, CM-NZ was appointed as its independent Quantity Surveyor and Independent Certifier. This combined role provided the Ministry with reliable cost control, payment assessment, contract administration, and independent oversight while the wider project team managed the remediation work.

The tender process began in September 2024, followed by construction from November. Asbestos removal was carefully scheduled during the school holidays, helping manage health and safety requirements while minimising disruption to the operating school.

The remediation work at Gleniti School followed the Ministry of Education’s asbestos removal requirements, with all identified asbestos-containing cladding safely removed from the affected buildings.

What We Did

Tender Evaluation – Establishing a Reliable Project Cost

CM-NZ reviewed five contractor submissions and assessed their pricing against the project documents.

Each tender included different assumptions, exclusions, and proposed solutions. Our team adjusted the submitted figures to create a fair comparison based on the full scope of work.

This process helped the Ministry understand the true cost behind each submission. It also highlighted whether contractors had allowed for all required work.

Following our assessment, the Ministry shortlisted three contractors. Shore Construction, a Timaru-based contractor, received the contract after the full price and non-price evaluation.

Cost Control and Independent Certification During Construction

During construction, CM-NZ carried out monthly site inspections, reviewed the contractor’s payment claims, and performed the role of Independent Certifier.

Our team visited the school to assess completed work, record progress, and take supporting photographs. We checked this information against each payment claim before issuing the payment schedules. This gave the Ministry confidence that certified payments reflected the work completed on site.

Our team also reviewed project variations. We checked that each variation fell outside the agreed contract scope and that the proposed costs remained reasonable.

This independent review created another layer of accountability before the Ministry approved additional spending. This independent oversight also helped protect the project budget while work continued across the school.

At the end of the works, CM-NZ also assessed completion and issued the Practical Completion Certificate.

Practical, Informed Advice – Combining Cost and Construction Knowledge

CM-NZ combines quantity surveying and project management experience within one team.

Quantity Surveyor Zack brought a detailed understanding of project costs, claims, and contract pricing. Project Manager Patrick contributed practical construction knowledge and experience working with contractors on site.

Their combined expertise supported sound cost decisions and helped the wider project team resolve issues as they arose.

Patrick works between Christchurch and South Canterbury, which allowed CM-NZ to provide regular local support throughout the project.

The Results Achieved

The Gleniti School project achieved its key objectives:

The project finished under the approved budget.
Construction reached completion within the planned timeframe.
Monthly payments matched verified progress on site.
Variations received independent review before Ministry approval.
Cladding containing asbestos was safely removed from the affected buildings.
The school gained safer, more durable exterior cladding.
Work took place with limited disruption to students and staff.
CM-NZ issued the Practical Completion Certificate after assessing the completed work.

All identified asbestos-containing cladding was removed in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s asbestos removal requirements and relevant health and safety requirements.

Strong cooperation also supported the project outcome. The Ministry, school, consultants, Shore Construction, Forgie Hollows & Associates, and Rushton Architects worked through decisions openly and kept the project moving.

For CM-NZ, the project shows how independent quantity surveying can strengthen financial control, contractual accountability, and decision-making on school property projects.

Supporting Schools Across New Zealand

CM-NZ supports schools across New Zealand with independent quantity surveying and project management services.

Our team understands Ministry of Education requirements and the financial controls needed for school property projects. We support clients from early planning and procurement through to construction and completion.

Whether a project involves building upgrades, remediation work, new teaching spaces, or wider property improvements, we provide clear advice around costs, contracts, progress, and risk.

Planning Building Work at Your School?

Early cost advice can help your school set a realistic budget and make informed decisions before work begins.

Talk to CM-NZ about quantity surveying and project management support for your next school project.