110 | BUILDING Bourke Building PlaceMakers® Know how. Can do. 2 Fitzgerald Road, Hawera 06 278 6013 • RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL WINDOWS AND DOORS • INSERTS AND RETROFITTING Proud to support Bourke Building Ltd Matt Smith Ph. 06 755 0797 | windowsmiths.co.nz We measure, manufacture and install aluminium joinery Taranaki wide. Reputation keeps the projects coming The company balance a broad workload spanning new builds, renovations, roofing, concreting, joinery, and rural construction work. T T Kelly Deeks Bourke Building is marking a major milestone in its growth journey with the completion of its largest project to date, the Euromarc office development on Fitzgerald Lane in Hāwera, highlighting the South Taranaki company’s expanding capability in larger-scale commercial construction. What began as a one-man operation in a small shed has developed into a respected local building business delivering residential, commercial, and agricultural projects across the region, supported by steady word-ofmouth referrals and strong community ties. Based in Hāwera, the company now employs four staff and continues to balance a broad workload spanning new builds, renovations, roofing, concreting, joinery, and rural construction work. Director and licensed building practitioner, Chris Bourke, has spent more than 20 years in the construction industry, including the past nine years building up his own business. He says reputation has been the key driver of growth, with nearly all work coming through recommendations. “We have acquired a lot of regular customers and we have built a good reputation around town,” Chris says. “99% of our work comes from recommendations.” Bourke Building provides services including new builds, renovations, roofing, joinery, concreting, commercial construction, sheds, barns, kitchens, bathrooms, and fencing. That breadth of capability has become a defining strength for the business, and the team is currently busy across multiple sectors, managing residential renovations, roofing projects, concrete work, cowshed repairs, fascia conversions, and commercial builds. Chris says versatility has helped the company stay resilient during softer periods in the housing market. “By providing versatility, you can pick up a range of job opportunities.” The Euromarc office development stands out as a turning point for the company, being its largest and most complex contract to date, and demonstrating its ability to deliver on substantial commercial work. Chris says South Taranaki continues to offer strong opportunities for builders, despite wider economic pressures affecting parts of the construction sector. The region has seen steady housing and industrial growth since Covid, supported by farming, manufacturing, and small-business activity. “There always seems to be a shortage of builders in South Taranaki,” Chris says. “A lot of guys get qualified and end up farming, working for Fonterra, or heading overseas, so we are constantly training apprentices.” He says that shortage creates pathways for younger tradespeople to build long-term careers and potentially start their own businesses locally. Bourke Building is like many construction firms facing challenges around labour availability and supply chain disruptions in recent years. Chris says, for him, clear communication with clients has been critical, and community support remains central to the company’s approach. “That’s what it’s all about,” Chris says. “Using subcontractors in your area, employing locals, and investing in your town helps everyone. It all comes full circle.” Looking ahead, Chris says the focus is on ongoing improvement, staff development, and continued business growth, supported by business mentors Ben and Tess Annabel from Recharge. “We are always looking at ways to improve and help our staff take the next step. We continually review what we are trying to achieve so we do not stagnate and can keep moving forward.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=