Business Central February 2021

| 31 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Sequal Founded in 2006, Sequal exports rough-sawn lumber to about 20 different markets around the world from its Kawerau site. Community engagement Waiotahi Contractors Ltd is delighted to partner with Sequel Lumber in the con- struction of the Kawerau sawmiller’s ‘Off Road Highway’ project, set to commence at the start of 2021. When complete the 1.6 kilometre purpose built off road highway will provide heavy haulage trucks a direct link from the Kaw- erau lumber stockyard to Sequel Lumber’s yard. The project will involve the installation of environmental controls, bulk earthworks, drainage and soak trenches, pavement con- struction, chip seal and asphalt surfacing along with the installation of all road safety barriers. Embracing a legacy of civil contracting in the Bay of Plenty spanning over six decades, Waiotahi Contractors is proudly family owned and operated with a strong sense of community. “We liked the partnership with Sequel Timber because of our very close align- ment of values,” says Whakatane Branch Manager Hardus Coetzee. “When we saw their culture and the common community goals, that really drew us to be part of this project.” Originally founded in 1957 as Waiotahi Dragline Company in the Opotiki area and rebranding as Waiotahi Contractors Ltd in 1972, the company has remained in the hands of the same founding families, while steadily evolving and diversifying its commercial operations. In 1982 the company acquired its rst metal pit in Taneatua, and started buying trucks, enabling the supply of aggregate into the construction market. The company now owns and operates ve quarries all the way from Opotiki to Awakeri, supplying every possible part of aggregate and metal for construction and rock for river bank protection, and up as far as Auckland with roading chip. Operating branches in Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau, Tauranga with satellite depots in Rotorua and Taupo, Waiotahi Contractors provides a diverse range of civil construc- tion services throughout the Bay of Plenty. “We provide a one-stop solution to all our clients explains Hardus. “We do everything from estimating, project management, surveying, bulk earthworks, road construction rehabilitation, three-wa- ters installation, PE welding, sheet piling, concrete structures, irrigation scheme installations and large culvert construction. We do heavy transporting all the way up to 80-tonnes, and we do a lot of aggregate production and sales all over the North Island.” Hardus joined the business three years ago, selecting it primarily for its strong family values and community involvement. “It’s very much locals working for locals and partnering with the local market to ensure we grow the Bay of Plenty to the best it can be and beyond.” ♦ E ffl uent & Frost Ponds ♦ Dairy Stando ff Pads ♦ Raceway Construc � on ♦ Pumice & Metal Supplies ♦ Drainage & Irriga � on ♦ Ca � le Underpasses BUILT PROUD TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD.