Client

The University of Auckland – School of Environment

Background

The University of Auckland’s School of Environment houses the Geological Collections, a nationally and internationally significant resource comprising rocks, minerals, fossils, stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological specimens. These collections are essential for teaching and research, and many items are irreplaceable due to protected or inaccessible original collection sites.

Project Overview

Between September and November 2025, the School of Environment undertook a major relocation of its Geological Collections from Kitson Place to new premises. The project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety and preservation of these valuable specimens.

Objectives

• Safeguard irreplaceable geological specimens during transit.
• Adhere to strict environmental and conservation standards for packing and handling.
• Minimize risks from vibration, vehicle movement, and handling during relocation.
• Complete the move within the agreed timeframe and footprint constraints.

Planning & Protocols

To achieve these objectives,UOA and B&W Consulting engaged Crown Workspace to support the relocation. B&W led the detailed planning and overall project management, implementing a comprehensive set of protocols with Crown’s input to ensure a smooth and controlled relocation:

• Dedicated Core Team: Specialised staff for packing and unpacking.
• Controlled Handling: Specific loading methods, regulated driving speeds, and three-person unloading teams.
• Safety Measures: Regular breaks, packer rotation, and strict height-level passing limits.

Packing & Protection Measures

• Specimen Separation: Tissue placed between specimens to prevent lateral movement.
• Shock Absorption: Tuff wrap layers on trays to reduce vibration impact.
• Containment: Each tray bagged to prevent mixing or contamination in case of tipping.
• Weather Protection: Large covers for cages during wet conditions.
• Wind Control: Loading bay doors closed when not in use to avoid wind damage.

Relocation Process

The University provided 500 new shelves, enabling a streamlined sequence:

1. Crown packed and moved collections to Thomas Peacock site (1.5 days)
2. Shelving contractors dismantled, relocated and rebuilt shelving units (2 days)
3. Crown unloaded onto newly installed shelving and prepared next range (1.5 days)

Logistical Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Moving Grey Shelving

Existing shelving units, nearly 30 years old and modified, posed difficulties:

• Length: 5m units, 2.2m height.
• Doorway clearance: 2.3m.
• Risk of damaging polished concrete floors.

Solution:

• Hired flatbed truck and forklifts at both sites.
• Braced shelving with 5.5m timber supports.
• Used forklifts and dollies for controlled movement.
• Protected floors with ultimate flooring boards and thick pads.
• Carefully slid shelving into positions without damage.

Challenge 2: Space Constraints

The final three weeks required staged sequencing and precise placement within a limited footprint, demanding close coordination between Crown and the University team.

Outcome

Crown Workspace, together with the meticulous planning support from B&W Consulting, successfully delivered the relocation of the Geological Collections, meeting all agreed objectives and adhering to approved methodology and health and safety standards. The project preserved the integrity of irreplaceable specimens and ensured continuity for teaching and research.