112 | SUPPORTING BUILDERS, BACKING LOCALS PROUDLY SUPPORTING DECKEDOUT BUILDING As a locally operated business, Napier ITM is proud to supply the community with professional advise and quality building supplies. Whether you’re an experienced builder or taking on your first DIY project, the team will offer their expert advice and reliable service to help you get the job done right. BRAND NEW STORE UNDER CONSTRUCTION DUE TO OPEN NOVEMBER 2026 PHONE 07 378 8411 MOBILE 021 861 931 EMAIL hq@hqelectrical.co.nz AND CUTTING OUT and WELDING UP in TAUPO • Ticketed welding • Farmmachinery • Structural Steel • General Engineering • Workshop Facilities • 15-tonne gantry • 3-tonne crane truck • Heavy pallet rollers • Reo bending • Pipe rolling CALL MIKE ON 021 949 178 8 Manuka Street, Taupo Ph: 07 377 2422 E: office@mobilewelder.co.nz E: waterjet@mobilewelder.co.nz /Taupo.Waterjet.Cutting/ /MobileWelderTaupo/ BUILDING DeckedOut Building New Construction Transforming office spaces New Construction is helping to reshape commercial spaces across the district, T T Kelly Deeks Keeping busy in the Bay T T Sue Russell New Construction is helping to reshape commercial spaces across the district, with the family-owned company increasingly focused on fit-for-purpose refurbishment projects that support changing business needs. New Construction Taupō director and construction manager, Matt Newell, and the team have recently completed a major redevelopment at the Gillespie Plaza in Taupō’s CBD, transforming a large under-utilised office floor into a modern commercial hub. New Construction Taupō co-director Laurie Newell says the project has been one of the company’s most significant commercial jobs to date, with work spanning four years across multiple stages. “It started with earthquake strengthening work and over time evolved into a complete redevelopment of the upper level,” Laurie says. “The building had two very large tenancies that had been sitting vacant for years. The owners realised the spaces were no longer fit for the market, so we worked alongside the designers, engineers, and real estate agents through the design process to create someHaving been swinging the hammer since the age of 16, 31-year-old Andrew Condon always knew that at some point in his building career he would step out and establish his own company. The Hawke’s Bay builder did just that, establishing DeckedOut Building in 2018, and hasn’t looked back. “I got to the stage that I wanted control over the type of projects I took on,” he says. “I was drawn to anything that was design-focused, be it renovation or a new build. I prefer high-end residential work as well as bespoke outdoor projects, and I’m pleased I set those standards right from the beginning.” Based in Haumoana, Andrew takes on projects all over the Bay. He says he thrives on the challenges that come with tricky designs. For the first three and a half years it was just Andrew, with contractors called in as needed. Now, he engages a full-time qualified builder, and also still calls on a pool of experienced tradies as required. “I really enjoy the problem-solving that comes with detailed jobs, and unlike most builders I actually enjoy the ‘picky’ clients, because they’re decisive, they know what they want and that gives us something to achieve.” He is also big on being present on-site throughout a build, and insists on being the face of the company with clients. “Most of our work comes off the back of my reputation, and my clients expect to see me involved in the build and controlling all aspects of the construction process.” Andrew says he can’t see the business growing much bigger, given his focus on quality work over volume, and having a small, involved team naturally limits what he is capable of working on at any given time. “That suits me just fine. I try to keep my work within the Napier and Hastings areas, and if I’m doing one big job that pretty much fully occupies us.” Andrew and his team are currently engaged in a major transformation project in the Tuki Tuki Hills. As it was the last flagship project designed by architect Michael Geor, Andrew found himself in the fortunate position of being involved early on in the very extensive rebuild of an existing home – an opportunity he says has contributed significantly to the project’s buildability and overall execution. “Technically, it’s an alteration, but there’s next to nothing left of the original anymore,” he says. “We’re fully tied up in the new build and hoping to finish it by the end of the year. I like being involved in projects like this long-term – you care more about every detail when you’re there from start to finish.” A stunning new design, replacing what was essentially a garage-style corrugated iron house, the new build features a large pre-cast concrete foyer, which incorporates a lift. “In the beginning stages this build felt very much like a commercial project. The first thing that went up was the precast concrete, which had people wondering what we were building, and was even referred to as a turret!” Another reason why this project is proving positively engaging to work on, Andrew says, is that the owners are wonderful to work with. “Our interaction has been excellent throughout. They’re very interested in how the build is progressing and very appreciative of our efforts on-site. We all can’t wait to see it completed as it will be something special.” Andrew says that as the build continues to take shape, the genius of its design, the choice of materials and its situation on-site, will really showcase just what can be achieved when builder, architect and client all align in a vision. thing much more functional.” The redevelopment split the upper level into five office tenancies, including a mix of larger and smaller spaces designed to suit a range of businesses and shared workspace arrangements. Laurie says the response from prospective tenants has been positive. “There is now a lot more flexibility for businesses that do not need massive office space, but still want a professional environment in a central location.” The project involved significant structural and cosmetic upgrades, including earthquake strengthening, asbestos removal, re-cladding, repainting, and a complete interior refurbishment. Laurie says the commercial sector has become an increasingly important part of the company’s workload, with the team building strong relationships with architects, engineers, fire consultants, and suppliers throughout the region. “We have really expanded our expertise in this space,” he says. “Our crew enjoys commercial work, and we have developed strong systems around structural strengthening and refurbishment projects.”
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