Business North April 2025

| 5 NIWA: Kingfish Aquaculture Facility The state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility, which was officially opened in August last year, is a collaboration between NIWA and Northland Regional Council, and marks the culmination of over two decades of research and development at the site. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT McKay's diverse capabilities and innovative approach position it well to play an important role in shaping the country's electrical future. As one of New Zealand's largest privately owned electrical engineering and construction companies it is working across multiple sectors with its innovative approach to electrotechnology and renewable energy solutions. "Our commitment to innovation extends far beyond our technology and services - it's a mindset that drives us to continuously improve and push the boundaries of what's possible," says Andrew Lancaster, Executive General Manager Strategy and Innovation at McKay. Established in Northland in 1936, McKay has evolved from humble beginnings in Dargaville to become a significant player in the electrical industry, serving diverse sectors from marine and renewables to construction and infrastructure. Andrew says the company's vertically integrated capabilities set it apart in the market, offering comprehensive solutions from initial design through to ongoing maintenance. This end-to-end service model enables it to maintain strict quality control while delivering innovative solutions across various industries. Its team of experts are committed to providing exceptional service, using the latest electrotechnology to ensure that McKay meet and exceed client expectations. “At McKay we are dedicated to excellence and equipped with extensive local resources to deliver complex electrical solutions for any project. We work closely with our clients to achieve the perfect balance of technology, innovation, cost, schedule and risk, ensuring successful outcomes for every unique project challenge.” He says McKay's dedication to renewable energy is part of its focus on innovation. In 2019, it launched McKay Renewables, a dedicated division focusing on wind and solar power to support New Zealand's sustainable future. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its own operations, with its Whangarei head office achieving a 60 percent solar offset through rooftop arrays and its use of electric and hybrid vehicles across its fleet. He says the fact that McKay has achieved AS/NZS ISO 14001 standard acknowledges the robust environmental management systems in place throughout the company. McKay's engineering capabilities are also an important aspect of its ability to deliver innovative solutions with its in-house team of electrical engineers collaborating with clients and other engineering contractors to develop conceptual electrical and control system designs. Andrew says this collaborative approach ensures seamless integration of electrical systems with other project elements. Its work in the area of automation also reflects a focus on future-forward thinking. The company's automation expertise spans various industrial platforms, including SCADA programming and PLC systems, while its maintenance division provides 24/7 support and asset management solutions with real-time data reporting. “Our engineers are well-versed in the latest technologies and methodologies, allowing us to deliver innovative and efficient automation solutions that optimise our clients’ operations,” explains Andrew. “At McKay we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation and we are confident that our continued emphasis on this core capability will continue to set us apart from the competition. Our commitment is not just to meet the current needs of our customers, but to anticipate their future needs as well. We are passionate about creating products and solutions that not only solve problems but also shape the future of our industry.” Innovative Electrical Solutions for Every Project

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