10 | “They like to work hard but they are also very loyal and supportive of staff, and they create good working environments. There is a trust in people — people are trusted to get on and do what they were employed to do.” T to page 12 Family firm continues to evolve T Richard Loader Palmerston North: Higgins Family Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Steeped in Manawatu’s history, Higgins Family Holdings’ roots began 62 years ago when Dan Higgins founded Higgins Contractors in Palmerston North as a drainage and road repair business. Joined by his three sons, Pat, Michael and Bernard, the business expanded into areas of civil contracting, the manufacture and supply of aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and bitumen. After evolving to be at the forefront of New Zealand’s infrastructure development, the business, apart from the ready-mix concrete business and property assets, was sold to Fletchers in 2016. The sold entity, Higgins Contractors, is now wholly owned and operated by Fletcher Building. Following the sale, Higgins Family Holdings Limited was created to house ready-mix concrete, aggregate operations, property assets and land development business which are all scattered across the country. The new developments complement the operational business. Remaining a true family operation, the third-generation family members Shane, Grant, and Daniel Higgins, work closely with Bernard to steer the ship and ensure that the business continues to be successful. Sir Pat remains actively interested in the business but has taken a step back in the dayto-day running, with Bernard the board chair. Shane has responsibility for the ready-mix concrete and aggregate business, Grant looks after the property and land development arm, while Daniel works in the aggregate business. People are at the heart of what the Higgins’ family does, with a few coming across from the old entity to set up Family Holdings. The growth since 2016 has been tremendous with many new faces coming on board. Mark Gunning joined the business as General Manager on the property side of Higgins Family Holdings five years ago, tasked with a specific focus on the property portfolio, which he says was a natural segue from his previous role in real estate. “I was a property valuer originally and then got into real estate, so I have been involved in property all my life, from different perspectives. I really enjoy working for the business and this family. “They like to work hard but they are also very loyal and supportive of staff, and they create good working environments. “There is a trust in people — people are trusted to get on and do what they were employed to do.” Geographically the business owns property throughout New Zealand, but there is a predominance of long-term property holdings in the Manawatu/Palmerston North area. Development land is largely concentrated in the Manawatu and the family’s Manawatu Industrial Park is fast becoming an integral part of the region’s future growth. P: 06 350 3902 E: office@pakdesign.co.nz www.pakdesign.co.nz INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL PREFERRED SUPPLIER CAPRICORN 367 Heads Rd, Whanganui 21 Bisley St, Palmerston North 0800 MOBMECH - (06) 357 8980 | www.mobmech.co.nz ONE STOP SHOP FOR TRUCK AND HEAVY MACHINERY REPAIR AND SERVICING - Workshop facilities in Palmerston North & Whanganui - Onsite Service available - Parts for all makes & models of trucks & machinery - Transport Refrigeration - Auto electrical repairs No job too big or small, one call we take care of it all
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=