| 83 T T Karen Phelps Recognised for developing its people Founded by Carol and Matt Loader, Grounded HQ has grown rapidly since its inception in 2023. Whanganui civil construction company Grounded HQ has been recognised for its commitment to developing people taking out the award for companies with turnover up to $10 million at the 2026 Civil Contractors New Zealand Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards. The award recognises employers that invest in the future of their people through training programmes, nationally recognised qualifications and career development. The judges highlighted the company’s work helping people who are not in employment, education or training take their first steps into employment and establish stable careers within the infrastructure sector. “Grounded HQ’s commitment to investing in every individual ensures that as the business grows, its people grow with it,” the judges said. For Grounded HQ the recognition builds on an impressive 2025 when the company claimed the supreme title at the Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Awards as well as the Trades and Construction Award. Founded by Carol and Matt Loader Grounded HQ has grown rapidly since its inception in 2023. The company provides a broad range of civil construction services including council-approved vehicle crossings, section levelling, commercial, residential and rural drainage, driveways and retaining walls. It undertakes both large and small projects and has also worked on community projects including a hockey turf for Fordell School, a 700-square-metre car park for Brunswick School and a large infrastructure project at the Patea Water Treatment Plant. Carol, who is a qualified teacher, has played a key role in developing Grounded HQ’s approach to training. Its programmes are designed to bridge the skills gap in civil construction and help people enter the industry with practical capabilities. “Operating within a small community, Grounded HQ has focused on developing local talent, providing meaningful employment opportunities and clear career pathways for local people,” says Carol. “Through partnerships with employment agencies and Crown-supported initiatives Grounded HQ actively supports those who are not in employment, education or training, helping individuals take their first steps into employment and training within the infrastructure sector to build sustainable careers.” Grounded HQ programmes have previously achieved a 100 per cent employment outcome among participants who have completed it with Grounded HQ also exploring opportunities to expand its training capability. The Grounded Company HQ people-first business model reflects deeply held Māori values. “We don’t just work on infrastructure projects; we build people,” explains Carol whose is whakapapa is Ngati Tuwharetoa (Turangi/ Korohe). “Quality, relationships and people are our company values. It’s all about how we look after our people and our clients.” Grounded Company HQ CONTRACTING Grounded HQ also places importance on supporting employees beyond the workplace with coaching focused on both personal and professional goals. “We are a whānau first business. We support our staff in any way we can so they can put their family first,” says Carol. The philosophy has helped Grounded HQ achieve substantial growth while creating opportunities within its local community. “You can have a lot of people with no experience wanting to get into the industry and that’s difficult for employers to take on as it’s so time consuming,” explains Carol. “So our funded training helps people to get a licence endorsement or know how to run certain plant and machinery so they come in with some capability. We like to give people opportunities that might not have them. Sometimes with a bit of guidance, support and pastoral care people can have a really great career.” PROUD TO SUPPLY GROUNDED HQ PLUMBING | DRAINLAYING | WATER | CIVIL | IRRIGATION Landscaping | Building | Fencing | Pole Sheds www.eastownbuildlink.co.nz “Grounded HQ’s commitment to investing in every individual ensures that as the business grows, its people grow with it.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=