104 | Whangarei is ‘really pumping’ While based in Whangarei, builder Ash Chisnall and his team take on projects up to Kaitaia. BUILDING Kiwibuilt Construction Ltd T T Sue Russell The way Whangarei builder Ash Chisnall describes business is to coin the phrase ‘maxed out’. It’s a situation, however, he is happy with, as he knows it’s not the case for all builders in the region. He established Kiwibuilt Construction Ltd in January 2013 and in the 11 years its been operating the company has grown to a team of usually 4 builders, including an experienced foreman and apprentices. Ash says if there were more young people, willing to work hard and learn, he would take them on, but sadly that’s not the situation. “I am not sure that the apprenticeship pathway these days is suited to everyone. When I did mine, there was a strong connection between the person learning and the boss and the training provider. Now it’s gone on-line, which for some can work well, but it means the responsibility for ticking off the units rests with the apprentice and not everyone is motivated enough,” Ash explains.” And on the occasions when Ash has taken on school leavers or young adults on work experience, at times it has been disappointing with a general lack of common-sense and drive to learn. While based in Whangarei, Ash and the team take on projects up to Kaitaia. The business also has a contract with Te Wananga o Aotearoa, maintaining their campasses in Northland. And most recently, Ministry of Education contracts. “Whangarei is really pumping. Right now we’re doing a great coastal project right on the beach-front. Before Christmas we did a renovation for a young family, so there’s plenty of variety of project type and size to keep the team engaged. It means those learning are getting plenty of good experiences.” Commercial work is undertaken for selected clients. Kiwibuilt Construction Ltd recently undertook maintenance and interior fit-out work at Ballance Fertilisers Whangarei Hub. “I also do shop fit-outs in town and in between all our regular and one-off projects I’m also building my own house and minor dwelling for our family. I’ve done this mostly in my own time due to being commited to clients projects”. At the end of 2022, Ash and fellow tradesman Scott & completed a timber boatshed; a project Ash says they thoroughly enjoyed. “The different challenges due to delays in materials etc, we built our own frames on site to speed up the process of supply issues at the time. “The challenges were under ground engneering with the split levels and working on the side of a hill. Once out of the ground every thing was working at heights which made the body feel tired after a long day .” Asked what advice he would offer to those considering stepping out on their own and starting a business Ash says there are some things he thinks are really important to get right. Communication with the boss is one of them. “If I was working for someone else and thinking of starting my own business I would be absolutely upfront about that to my boss. “They will be pretty chuffed about that because they have been the one to provide the opportunity to learn to the point where you feel capable of going out on your own.” Another benefit in communicating your thinking about starting up a company is that the experienced boss can offer valuable advice and has established relationships with others in the trades. “It’s about not burning your bridges and accepting advice and support in those early days.” Ash says he’s also had a lot of support from Whangarei ITM. Business advice from past and present owners through to working with myself to get the jobs hitting the critical milestones and timeframes. “I still keep in touch with a former employer from Auckland who gives me really good advice. “It’s a case of having someone to run ideas past or get advice on commercial contracts and project management. All in all Ash says he’s pleased with where the company is positioned a decade on from establishing. Also the amazing clients that have trusted me with projects and solid friendships along the way. “This is a wonderful region to be working and living in. I moved back up here for lifestyle reasons and haven’t looked back.” Talk to Northpest for all your pest control needs – Whangarei based & covering the wider Northland area Northpest are proud to support Kiwibuilt Construction Ltd 0800 26 26 26 09 955 1460 info@northpest.co.nz www.northpest.co.nz AutoCare Service Centre We’ll give your vehicle A-grade servicing for a “fixed price” (09) 438 4700 info@autocare.co.nz www.autocare.co.nz
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