| 83 BUILDING Pepper Construction Sue Russell Many rewarding projects in 2022 Pepper Construction built the brand new purpose-designed St John Ambulance facility in Stratford to serve the Central Taranaki area. Andrew Pepper has one piece of advice to offer those working in the construction sector in the almost post-Covid era: ‘It helps to be nimble’. And he and the team at the New Plymouth based company live by that mantra, keeping an ear and eye close to the pulse of construction activity and the factors that play into it. Part of the company’s success comes down to having many strings to its bow and an ability to move staff around, when demanded, from one division to another. “You tend to find with construction that there are cycles to all forms of it, so by having several core services and working across a wide array of sectors, it levels things off and gets you through the tougher times,” Andrew explains. Last year was a busy one with some big civil construction projects, including the Project Hoiho for Fonterra at Whareroa, Hawera, South Taranaki. This was a challenging concrete precast building requiring tight deadlines and built throughout winter and Covid restrictions. Staff worked 7 days a week in all conditions, at times to achieve this. Pepper Construction also completed the brand new purpose-designed St John Ambulance facility in Stratford to serve the Central Taranaki area. The building, completed in 2021, was made possible with funding from the Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET), TSB Community Trust, Todd Energy and local fundraising extending back many years. “It was a really rewarding job. The building came up really well and is positioned next to the Stratford medical centre. This involved being flexible in procurement as St John were keen to have local contractors engaged as much as possible.” Another 2022 highlight was the Taranaki Construction Safety Group’ Apprentice Challenge’. The event was held on November at the Wood Group training centre in New Plymouth. For the first time in 14 years entering Pepper Construction won the event winning the Master Builders Shield, a feat Andrew is extremely proud of. “It’s a great event with teams of four apprentices undertaking a range of tasks and projects to test their teamwork, construction ability and with the focus on Health & Safety in the workplace at all times.” The next generation of builders is something Andrew is keenly interested in promoting in his own company but also through a wider interest in community organisations he’s involved with. He understands that the legacy of a three generation company is only as strong as the quality of the young builders coming through its ranks today and the support of the communities it works in, “We are a family owned business with family values. Our company strives to ensure the culture is inclusive and supportive. Construction can be a pretty tough sector to operate in. I know this, unfortunately from the mental health statistics and the pressures we work under.” Promoting advancement through career pathways and into middle-management once staff gain basic qualifications is also a focus. “That’s where people get the opportunity to develop further skills beyond swinging a hammer and discover other skills and attributes they have. A lot of our managers today have worked their way through to positions of responsibility with lots of encouragement and I find that really satisfying.” Pepper Construction has the resources and experience to take on just about any form of construction/building project. At times it will partner with other companies on large projects while it also has the breadth of personnel to deliver projects from start to finish. While work is concentrated around Taranaki, Andrew says the company will go further afield to undertake specific projects as opportunities and economics present. A separate division of Pepper Construction in Wellington undertakes large-scale affordable housing projects supported by Kainga Ora contracts. “We think it is really important that everyone has the chance to live in a safe, warm, healthy and affordable home and it’s great to see Kainga Ora leading the way.” Given the level of social housing work from Wellington, a new base has been established in Petone. Andrew says this is going to future-proof work being undertaken in the region. “We’ve just taken over a lease in January. In a way we’re going back to our roots of social housing.” Asked how 2023 is stacking up Andrew says the first half of this year is looking very solid. “It’s election year and this tends to soften the construction market somewhat.” Work is already underway on a new commercial building for Silks Audit Chartered Accountants in Vivian Street, New Plymouth. “It’s a Maori owned business and it has been great to develop new relationships with their values and culture.” TARANAKI WIDE admin.hawera@graypainters.co.nz 0800127246 www.grayspainters.co.nz New Home Specialists | Residential | Commercial | Industrial Expert Paper Hangers | Spray Painters | Water Proofing Water Blasting | Sand Blasting | Muralflex Cowshed Coatings PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTORS Established in 1973 ROADING | SUBDIVISIONS | SITE WORKS | EARTHWORKS | DRAINAGE TRUCKS | CONSTRUCTION | CONCRETE & KERBING | DEMOLITION AGGREGATE & TOPSOIL SUPPLY | EXCAVATORS 1.5 - 30 TONNE SKID STEER LOADERS P: (06) 758 1931 E: office@grahamharris.co.nz www.grahamharris.co.nz
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