Business Central December 2021

| 55 Whāriki: River City Tree Services REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Joe and Siobhan Marshall with the award-winning Rivercity Tree Services’ team. Your one stop auto electrical & mechanical repair shop 06 345 5992 191 Guyton St, Wanganui 4500 www.amtautoelectrical.co.nz amtautoelectrical@gmail.com For the biggest range of hire equipment in town • MARQUEES • MACHINERY HIRE • PARTY HIRE & SALES 06 345 7017 | 26 Churton St, Whanganui 06 323 5140 | 106 South St, Fielding www.hiremasterwanganui.co.nz Pleased to supply hire equipment to Rivercity Tree Services Two 100% Wanganui Owned & Operated Companies “They have very similar principles and work ethics given their upbringing on the Whanga- nui River where hard work was recognised as essential if you wanted to get ahead. Peter has had over 30 years in the Civil Construction sector and has really added huge value to the company,” Siobhan says. Asked whether they are actively looking for more staff, given demand for their services, Peter often says sometimes it feels like they’re ‘looking for a Unicorn’, someone that doesn’t really exist, in terms of experience and quali- fications. Training up young team members to gain qualifications is a priority. “We’re fortunate that Joe and the other senior members of staff all have such a wealth of experience and a real willingness to share their knowledge with the team. There are so many aspects to both Arboriculture and Civil Construction that can result in really exciting career opportunities for those willing to put in the commitment.” Siobhan explains. In July, the couple’s hard work and track-re- cord was recognised with receiving the Supreme Award at the Te Manu Atatu Māori Business Awards. They won Best Māori Business – Trade Services, the Environmental Excellence Award and the Westpac Supreme Award. The majority of staff are Māori and for the couple to be in a position to support their own people to gain meaningful employment and skills has been of huge satisfaction. “It’s the best way we feel we can give back.” More work has come recently through working for Mills-Albert Limited on mole re- pairs associated with development of the Port in Whanganui. Again, it was a question of proving their capability that led the company being one of three companies offered the contract with Mills-Albert Limited. “We will be transporting rocks from one place to another and its constant work which is great for us. “We’re really excited to be part of a large scale, historic project, working for another well known local company.” During COVID, the couple managed to keep a large part of their team employed and since the first lockdown in 2020, Rivercity Tree Ser- vices has found itself busier than ever. Due to their close work with Higgins Construction, Rivercity Trees Ltd, has a 24/7 emergency call-out service. “... to see where the business is at now it’s quite humbling really – but it’s all from a whole lot of hard work.”