26 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Downer - Manawatū-Whanganui T T Richard Loader Success built on strong relationships “We have a lot of highly capable, highly skilled people working for us, delivering civil services, transport and infrastructure, as well as vertical construction through Hawkins and government facilities management through Spotless.” T T to page 28 Strong working relationships take a lot of time to build and are founded on trust. In the Manawatū-Whanganui region, Downer has long been a leader in this respect, forging lasting bonds that are supporting regional growth and prosperity. “Some of our working relationships with key suppliers and contractors go back to when Downer was first established in the region, some 20 years ago,” says Matt Erard, Downer’s regional manager Manawatū/Whanganui. “We take pride in sharing good practice with our local small and mid-size contractors, especially on zero harm/health and safety matters that are so important to our whole industry.” Downer is a big employer in the region with a workforce of more than 300 people, (including Spotless, Downer Utilities and Hawkins). “We have a lot of highly capable, highly skilled people working for us, delivering civil services, transport and infrastructure, as well as vertical construction through Hawkins and government facilities management through Spotless. For example, we maintain buildings at Linton and Ohakea for the New Zealand Defence Force.” With a focus on nurturing local talent, Downer works closely with local high schools as well as iwi and the Ministry of Social Development to grow their team. Matt’s journey with Downer is just one success story of many at the company. At 16, he started out as a labourer for Downer doing traffic-management duties, fixing potholes and picking up rubbish. Some 20 years later, he has risen through the ranks to become regional manager. Downer’s focus on ‘growing their own’ and giving them the skills to succeed also brings broader industry benefits. “If they end up leaving to work for someone else, that’s still a win from our perspective. We’re currently looking to do a local Gateway programme in Palmerston North – similar to the Tararua district – involving UCOL Manawatū and the local high school. “It’s about supporting the community and getting unemployed people trained and workready.” Downer proactively supports the community in other ways too. For example, their Whanganui team regularly volunteers to help regional council, local iwi and others on projects ranging from road re-gravelling to beach clean-ups and planting initiatives. With their whole-of-life approach on asset management, Downer is a sought-after provider of integrated infrastructure services and has very strong partnerships in the region. Downer is a big employer in the Manawatū-Whanganui region with a workforce of more than 300 people, 137 Paetawa Road, Peka Peka, PO Box 318, Waikanae | Phone: 0274 434 442 | Email: johnray@johnray.co.nz CIVIL ENGINEERING • PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION • DRAINAGE • ROADING • EARTHWORKS
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