| 131 T T Hugh de Lacy New Leaf Builders - building a vision New Leaf Builders focuses primarily on new builds and renovations, including major bathroom and extension projects. New Leaf Builders BUILDING After building their confidence and realizing how well they worked as a team while managing a tourist holiday park, Laura and Tama Leaf decided to launch their own construction business, New Leaf Builders, in Masterton in January 2022. With Laura’s Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Tama’s building qualifications and carpentry experience in Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa, the couple saw the construction industry as a logical next step for their entrepreneurial journey. New Leaf Builders currently employs a staff of nine, focusing primarily on new builds and renovations, including major bathroom and extension projects. They also offer project management services and have established a strong network of various trades. Their team spirit and commitment to quality have quickly built a solid reputation in the Wairarapa region. Their most significant work currently involves project managing the Critical Repair Programme in the Wairarapa region. Funded by Te Puni Kokiri, the government’s principal policy advisor on Māori well-being and development, this initiative assesses and addresses critical repairs needed for Māori owned homes. New Leaf Builders oversees the project management and execution of these repairs throughout the Wairarapa. “This is incredibly satisfying because many of the homes have been in families for generations, with vulnerable whānau living in them. Our task is to restore these homes to healthy and safe standards,” says Laura. Looking to the future, the company is concentrating on innovative and sustainable products and practices. They are in the process of starting their own portfolio of new builds to offer the market. Headlining the company’s drive is a plan to build their own three-bedroom home in Masterton to showcase a range of products. “That project is in its early stages because it’s for ourselves, and work on it necessarily has to take lower priority to our existing clients, but it will showcase in particular Palliside re-cladding systems and bamboo decking,” Tama explains. The move into new home builds is in part prompted by the steady stream of people moving north out of Wellington and into the Wairarapa. “More people are becoming aware of its attractions and moving up here from the capital to take advantage of them. It also helps that the cost of a house is considerably less than Wellington or the Hutt Valley,” Laura says. Despite being a young company, New Leaf Builders has encountered steady demand for its services, with clients undeterred by its relatively recent establishment. They have successfully navigated the post-Covid labour shortage without trouble in finding and retaining staff. “We’ve got a great team spirit in the company to go with the range of skills among the tradespeople we have working with us,” Laura says. “We believe communication is key and take the time to get to know our clients, realize what is important to them, and apply that throughout their project. Renovations especially can be very invasive, and we want to make sure people feel comfortable.” New Leaf Builders is committed to becoming a leader in community-oriented projects. Their goal is to consistently engage in initiatives that support and uplift their community, ensuring high-quality, reliable building services are accessible in the Wairarapa. With a clear strategy and a dedicated team, Laura and Tama Leaf are well on their way to achieving their ambitious vision for New Leaf Builders. YOUR RURAL PLUMBING SPECIALIST Supply and install Showerdome shower tops Wairarapa agent for Devan tanks (600 to 30,000 litres) Deliver 14,000 litres of drinking water Supply and install water pumps, sewerage pumps and water lters Empty septic tanks and grease traps Phone: (06) 379 8849 or 021487044 Email: admin@cartertonplumbers.co.nz Visit: www.cartertonplumbers.co.nz New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Velux Skylights WE WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE by 15% BEFORE AFTER JASON BROWN 022 692 9154 | THOMAS HARTE 027 584 8294 | jtroofersltd@gmail.com PROUDLY SUPPORTING NEW LEAF BUILDERS Phone 06 370 6888 | masterton@mitre10.co.nz OPEN 7 DAYS FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING SUPPLIES
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=