Moving Mountains to Reconnect Communities

A story of resilience, recovery and pure Kiwi grit

When the 7.8 magnitude Kaikōura earthquake hit in November 2016, it reshaped more than just the land. State Highway 1 and the Main North Line railway were devastated, cutting off communities, crippling freight routes, and leaving a huge part of the country disconnected.

In response, the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) Alliance was formed, a powerhouse collaboration between Waka Kotahi, KiwiRail, and the big four: Downer, Fulton Hogan, HEB, and Higgins.

Over four years, nearly 9,000 people from 1,350+ organisations put in 6.5 million hours of mahi to rebuild and reconnect. And what they pulled off was nothing short of incredible.

Moving mountains—literally

This project wasn’t just about shifting rock and pouring concrete. It was about restoring lifelines, reconnecting people, and showing what’s possible when determination meets collaboration.

Railway restored in eight months – bringing freight and passenger services back into action.

SH1 reopened 24/7 by April 2018 – returning vital access to isolated communities.

As NCTIR Project Director Tony Gallagher put it, “this was one of Aotearoa’s greatest engineering challenges”. But the real win? The deep connection with local communities and mana whenua that powered it all. This was partnership at its best.

A legacy worth telling

Moving Mountains to Reconnect Communities captures this massive story in a beautifully crafted legacy publication. Through honest storytelling, epic imagery, and powerful design, the book honours the people behind the recovery, the workers, the whānau, the locals who never gave up.

Just like everything we create at PORT, the design is engrained in meaning.

Typography that complements the tone and image.

Mapping lines and contours that guide the narrative.

A rich, grounded colour palette that supports navigation and mood.

Truthful, unfiltered photography that reflects grit, emotion, and beauty.

More than a project
– it’s a testament

This is the story of blood, sweat, and tears. Of communities pulling together. Of a country responding to crisis with courage, connection, and creativity. The legacy book doesn’t just document what happened, it celebrates the heart that made it possible.