54 | CONTRACTING A&K Plumbing and Electrical / Civil Works Taranaki T T Kelly Deeks T T Anne Boswell In-house electrical Quality civil contracting With a clear focus on streamlining logistics for clients, Andrew Nickson has built a business model for A&K Plumbing and Electrical that delivers multiple trades under one roof, saving customers time, money, and the all-too-common coordination headaches of juggling separate contractors. Time is money in the building and renovation sector, any by offering plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and drainage services as a package, A&K Plumbing and Electrical eliminates delays, disruption, and duplication. That means faster turnaround times and less stress for everyone involved. Originally launched in 2019 as a plumbing business, A&K Plumbing and Electrical has grown into a 10-person team based in Greytown and servicing the Wairarapa, Wellington, Kapiti, and Manawatū regions. The business now offers a full suite of services including home fire sprinkler systems, heat pump installation through partnerships with top brands like Daikin and Rinnai, and even civil infrastructure works, often in collaboration with sister company A&K Traffic Solutions, owned and operated by Andrew’s wife Kaila. “Kaila manages traffic planning and design. When we’re doing civil work, like some recent signage on State Highway 2 for Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, we handle the physical install side and she does the planning and traffic management. It’s a great synergy,” Andrew says. It was a strategic business acquisition that prompted the addition of in-house electrical services at A&K Plumbing and Electrical. “We were facing ongoing delays on projects waiting for external electricians, so when the opportunity came up to buy a small local plumbing and electrical firm, I knew it would solve a major issue,” says Andrew. “Now, our office team manages both plumbing and electrical scheduling, meaning our trades aren’t stepping on each other’s toes, they’re working in sync.” Civil Works Taranaki may be a relatively young company—just shy of two years in operation—but it has already established a strong reputation across the Taranaki region for its high-quality civil contracting services. At the heart of the business is a dedicated team, a clear philosophy of doing things right the first time, and a growing list of successful projects. Civil Works Taranaki is the result of an earlier company, Taranaki Civil, winding up. Owner Phil Walker, who had worked in the civil industry for most of his life, saw an opportunity to step forward. “I was given the opportunity to carry it on - to purchase Taranaki Civil’s equipment and job sheet – and I took that opportunity,” Phil says. Since then, the team of three has grown to seven, a testament to the steady development the company has experienced under Phil’s leadership. Specialising in civil drainage—particularly for large-scale infrastructure like roading and new developments—Civil Works Taranaki has positioned itself as a key player in the region’s civil works sector. “Our philosophy is to do the job once – we make sure a job is finished properly, to a high standard before we sign it off,” Phil says. The company operates a fleet of diggers and trucks tailored specifically for drainage projects. They also utilise a remote-control roller for trench work, allowing them to complete tasks safely and efficiently without the need to send staff underground. The integrated model is proving its worth. On any given day, A&K Plumbing and Electrical teams might be tackling residential renovations in Greytown, installing heat pumps in Upper Hutt, or managing infrastructure upgrades on the state highway. Clients range from homeowners to commercial developers and government agencies. Despite the downturn in parts of the building industry, demand for A&K Plumbing and Electrical’s services remains strong. “Plumbing has stayed pretty steady during the downturn, so we’re pushing hard to grow our electrical side,” says Andrew. “We’re aiming to scale up to 20 total staff. That’s a sweet spot where we can put enough management in place to ensure operations run smoothly, without losing our hands-on, local feel.” What sets A&K Plumbing and Electrial apart is not just the breadth of services, but the quality of execution and commitment to the local community. Andrew, who has been in the trade since he was 16, is deeply invested in the region, and it shows in the company’s focus on strong client relationships, attention to detail, and the willingness to go where the work is. “No job is too big or too small,” he says. “From dripping taps to major commercial builds, we’re here to get it done smarter, faster, and all in one go. It’s about giving people confidence that one phone call really can solve it all.” Beyond drainage, Civil Works Taranaki’s portfolio includes extensive maintenance work for the Taranaki Health Board, and they also regularly contract to other contractors including Fulton Hogan and Denis Wheeler Earthmoving. Their reach spans the entire Taranaki region and beyond, with their name now attached to some of the most significant local infrastructure developments. A standout project for the team has been their ongoing involvement in the redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital. This five-year, multi-stage project has included the renal unit, the ‘energy’ centre (the computer and technology hub of the hospital), and a new building currently under construction. With another eight months of work ahead, Phil notes they’ve been part of every stage, tackling “the hard stuff”—all the underground work including stormwater, sewer, watermain and service ducting. While recent years have been challenging for the civil construction sector, with funding for many projects cut, Phil says things are looking up. “Thankfully, the industry has picked up again and while some competitors are still struggling for work, we’ve had plenty to get on with,” he says. Phil also acknowledged his staff, skilled individuals who are helping build both the company and the region’s future. Looking ahead, Civil Works Taranaki is wellplaced to continue making a mark. With a strong foundation, a growing team and a commitment to quality, Phil is confident in the road ahead – and below. kbgleeson@gmail.com | 027 518 8876 Quality&efficiencywithoneteamforyourPlumbing, Electrical,drainageandsepticsystemneeds 0800473583 info@aandkplumbing.co.nz Kirsten Adam k kadam@vbw.co.nz m 06 769 6080 9 7 Liardet Street, New Plymouth Proudly supporting Civil Works Taranaki Taranaki Accountants for Taranaki People Locally owned & operated Over 40 years experience in the industry Specialists in: • All types of earthworks • Drainage - sewer, stormwater & watermains • Roading & driveways - new & upgrades • Metal cartage • Retaining walls & concreting Conract Phil on 027 555 1556 to discuss your requirements or email phil.civilworkstaranaki@gmail.com A&K Plumbing and Electrical.
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