90 | CONTRACTING Supporting growth Reaching great heights Manawatu Contracting and Drainage (MCD) has played a vital role in supporting residential and rural development across the lower North Island. From the Kapiti Coast through to Whanganui and Central Hawke’s Bay, the Palmerston North-based company has earned a reputation for reliable service, quality workmanship, and the ability to tackle challenging drainage and wastewater projects. The business was founded in 2010 by Greg Brown, who recognised the growing need for a specialist residential drainage company to support the region’s expanding housing market. Initially focusing on new-build drainage, water tanks and septic tank systems, MCD quickly established itself as a trusted partner for builders, developers, and homeowners. Seven years ago, Greg stepped back from day-to-day operations, handing over management to his son-in-law, Luke Seymour, who now serves as Business Development Manager. Luke has carried on Greg’s vision while expanding the company’s services to meet the demands of a growing client base. Drainage and on-site wastewater systems remain the backbone of MCD’s operations. With housing development booming in the region, the need for efficient and sustainable wastewater solutions is greater than ever. Despite the significant role of drainage in a home build, Luke remains humble about the part they play. “A house build can last months, but we are only on site realistically for 1-3 days. We come on site, turn it upside down, tidy it up again and leave,” he laughs. MCD is also Manawatu’s preferred installer for Hynds Environmental On-Site Wastewater systems, providing installation and ongoing servicing to ensure long-term performance. From Buckingham Palace to award-winning garden design, Julian Peach continues to reach great heights in the world of landscaping. His business South Pacific Landscapes emerged victorious at the 2025 Registered Master Landscapers Awards on the completion of a 5-year transformation of an historic Havelock North Homestead Estate, winning their second Premier Award for residential build. They won their first in 2019 for best rejuvenation project, and Julian said it was a huge honour because those awards are hard to get. Kopanga is one of their most ambitious projects to date, transforming an historic Havelock North homestead into a formal garden setting. The project brings together classical landscape forms with contemporary materials and detailing, featuring expansive lawns, mature plantings and structured terraces anchored by extensive hardscape works and bespoke garden features. T T Anne Boswell T T Aimee Wilson South Pacific Landscapes emerged victorious at the 2025 Registered Master Landscapers Awards. Michael Farr Photography. With a selection of high performance and low power systems, their relationship with Hynds has been a key to their success. But MCD has more than one feather in its cap. In 2020, the company purchased an industrial yard in Ashhurst to store pipes, trucks and equipment. Before long, Luke and Greg saw an opportunity to diversify. “We thought, what else could we use this space for?” Luke says. “So, we built some bulk bins and started stocking landscaping materials. It has just progressed from there.” Today, Ashhurst Landscaping supplies products to the wider Manawatu and Tararua, such as compost, garden mix, mulch, sand, bark, topsoil and peastraw, providing locals with convenient access to high-quality landscaping products. This addition complements the core contracting work, offering clients a one-stop shop for both drainage solutions and outdoor projects. With a staff of six, MCD is a tight-knit team where people matter. “We treat our guys well and hope they enjoy coming to work,” Luke says. As Luke says, the goal of the business has always been consistent: “to provide a reliable, quality service for every job.” Fifteen years on, that mission continues to guide the company, whether they’re installing a septic system on a rural lifestyle block, preparing drainage for a subdivision, or helping a homeowner create their dream garden through Ashhurst Landscaping. The project was driven by a clear vision; to maximise long views with generous lawn areas, create intimate outdoor spaces for entertaining and invest in infrastructure and planting systems for lasting, low maintenance performance. From the moment you arrive, the entranceway begins the story. The finished garden is an exhibition of outstanding craftmanship. Julian leads a team of 18 skilled landscapers, all passionate about delivering an exceptional service and experience for the client, from first call to last invoice, managing the journey with intent. “It helped us to step back and see the project through the client’s eyes. Everything just runs smoother when you do.” Julian is qualified and has over 25 years of experience in landscaping, with 17 years being internationally. His vast experience ranges from working at the prestigious Hurlingham Club and Buckingham Palace in London to designing, installing and managing landscapes for Luxury resorts and high-end residential homes in Bermuda. Manawatu Contracting and Drainage / South Pacific Landscapes Ltd For all your Aggregate Requirements OPEN HOURS email: Richard@byfords.co.nz phone: 027 240 6094 Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm Saturday: 7am to 12noon 09 309 8816 | info@designsource.co.nz | 1 Cleveland Road, Parnell Proudly supporting South Pacific Landscapes Ltd www.southpacificlandscapes.co.nz
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