| 105 T T Sue Russell Future looking bright for Taranaki builder HTG Construction has completed a wide variety of work in the last year, including renovations, new builds and smaller jobs such as fencing, decks, and extensions. HTG Construction BUILDING Hakatea Gaskell has been building ever since he left school, and in fact before he left, taking the opportunity at the age of 15 to undertake work experience, which set him on the course towards gaining his qualifications and ultimately setting up his own business at the age of 23. “I was fortunate to have great support and gain my qualifications by the time I was 20 years old. Having some years working for iconic builder Pepper Construction in New Plymouth was very positive for me.” Hakatea, partner Brieah, and their one-yearold son live in Waitara, and during the boom years post-Covid Hakatea undertook work for franchise house builders. This gave him great exposure and more work followed through word-of-mouth. Today, he concentrates mainly on renovations, and smaller jobs such as fencing, decks, and extensions. With these somewhat challenging times as the market currently stands around new homes, he is happy to pursue these jobs, as many homeowners choose to spend their disposable income on improving their existing homes, rather than build new. He is philosophical about the current economic climate, knowing he will be fine. When demand increases, he intends to engage contractors to help him on projects. “I think we’re in for a slow improvement in the residential build sector, but it will take some time. Most of my current jobs are labour only.” HTG Construction built a large, 240sqm pole shed in Oakura, while in the last 12 months Hakatea has completed building his parents’ house, a smaller 90sqm home, two extensions on a house in Inglewood and a full renovation – plenty of variety and just the sort of projects Hakatea enjoys undertaking. “Communication for me is number one, especially when there may be some uncertainties attached to how a project will proceed, as is the case when undertaking renovation work as you can’t be certain just what you’re going to find.” Asked what he knows are important elements that have contributed to his success and reputation to date, Hakatea says good honest communication with clients right from the first conversation is essential. “You have to put everything on the line and have to give projects your all. Communication for me is number one, especially when there may be some uncertainties attached to how a project will proceed, as is the case when undertaking renovation work as you can’t be certain just what you’re going to find.” And some projects stand out for Hakatea, such as a sunken lounge he built. “That was a great project to do, along with building my parents’ home.” Hakatea says he enjoys working in Taranaki. “New Plymouth isn’t a huge city, so builders all know each other and with all the outlying settlements across the region, there’s plenty of scope for more work, particularly if you’re prepared to take anything on.” He hopes in the future to grow the business as the market settles into a more positive space, but meanwhile is confident that there will be plenty of project opportunities coming his way. Tim Costelloe Engineering Ltd Structural - Civil Engineering Consultants Tim Costelloe Residential | Commercial | Industrial CMEng NZ, C.P.Eng, Int P.E 29 Mace Terrace, Ōākura 4314, Taranaki Ph. 021 245 1565 tim@timcoseng.co.nz www.timcoseng.co.nz 027 202 9099 shannon@taranakiinteriors.co.nz For all your interior decorating needs in the Taranaki region, get in touch with us today! Taranaki Interiors - Proudly supporting HTG Construction
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