132 | Building well in Mangakino Maraetai Construction offers an array of services, from brand-new builds, to renovations and extensions, decks, balconies and fencing to construction of boat sheds. Maraetai Construction T T Sue Russell BUILDING Greg Langford from Mangakino-based Maraetai Construction says that being based in a small town offers plenty of opportunities to contribute to the settlement’s development and to be part of the community. Mangakino is located on the banks of the Waikato River, close to the hydroelectric power station at Lake Maraetai, some 85 kilometres southeast of Hamilton. The town has a relatively small permanent population and is mainly a holiday destination. When Greg shifted to the town eight years ago, the plan was to enjoy a semi-retired lifestyle, and initially it was just Greg and one other builder offering carpentry services; however in the space of those years the business has now grown to a team of six. “I’m pleased to have supported a number of young people to gain their qualifications, and because we’ll do any work, from planing a door to new builds, renovations and the like, they get plenty of variety and great experience. My last apprentice has just qualified a few months ago,” says Greg. While small, the township is growing, with new pockets of land being subdivided, Greg says. When Business Central spoke with him, some 17 sections were currently available, and he and the team were engaged in building two houses and completing a substantial alteration. Asked what advice he would give to young people contemplating building as a trade and career, Greg says it is really quite simple – listen, work hard, and show up for work. “Take on as much as you possibly can and show initiative. In the eight years I’ve been operating here I have had nine builders I have let go. I do question the quality of the formal training some receive under the current structure, and I think we should be looking at the system in Australia where builders can qualify with separate licences, once they have achieved proficiency to a high standard.” Another challenge, Greg says, is in the rising cost of building with so many changes being implemented in the building code, such as new insulation rules pushing the cost per square metre upwards. Maraetai Construction offers an array of services, from brand-new builds, to renovations and extensions, decks, balconies and fencing to construction of boat sheds. “There’s a good chance that if you buy an existing established home in the town, you’ll want to make some changes to it, to modernise or change the way the spaces work, increase its size and that’s where our years of experience comes into play.” Greg says it is important to be upfront and communicate really effectively with clients, when a project is underway. Ensuring that a build comes in on budget is a priority, and that means having clarity with clients as to what can realistically be achieved within their budget. “When you consider these are often holiday homes, then our clients are not permanently based here, so keeping them up to speed well when a build is on is really important.” Having a good work/life balance is important at this stage in his building journey, Greg says. With the size the company is now and with the experience the team has accrued, it is possible to have several jobs on the go at any one time and it is this variety of nature and scale of project that he enjoys. “When you live and work in a small town, everyone knows everyone else, and my reputation is one I have worked hard to achieve. Every build, no matters its size, is important to me and the team.” Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. Page 8 Waikato farmers Dean & Ang Finnerty have expanded their dairy cow operation into a successful goat milking enterprise as well PAGE 10 Turning challenge into opportunity AUTUMN 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Volume 6 | Issue 3 | July 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Making waves Back on track New Zealand hydrofoil maker Armstrong is generating interest around the world with its high performance products. Work on the ambitious NZCIS facility in Upper Hutt is progressing well after Covid disruptions. PAGE 70 PAGE 10 Healthy delivery A new elective surgery facility in Hastings will provide a big boost to the region’s operating capacity. PAGE 52 Volume 6 | Issue 5 | December 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Cheers Boys! YoungWellington irm3Māori Boys is creating a buzz with it’s ground-breakingWai Manuka natural beverage. PAGE 45 Passion and pride New Plymouth’s Energyworks has forged a strong reputation in 50 years of business. PAGE 64 Seaview upgrade CentrePort’s SeaviewWharf facility is set for a major upgrade to bring it up to international standards. PAGE 14 businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . PROUD TO SUPPORT Maraetai Construction 1 Rakaunui Road, Taupo Phone: 07 386 8347 | apexwindows.co.nz For the Finest Plumbing + Drainage Proudly Supporting Maraetai Construction p. 027 6444 042 e. info@finelineplumbing.co.nz
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