Business North April 2025

88 | Seizing chances boosts growth Along with the fleet of trucks and earth-moving machinery, Hambly Haulage also has an aggregate supply and dumping service based out of its site in Whenuapai. CONTRACTING Hambly Haulage T T Sue Russell Since returning to New Zealand in 2020, Justin Hambly and his family have made great strides establishing their haulage and excavation services business in Whenuapai, north-west Auckland. So much so that today, the company has grown in size and scale to include 17 trucks, four diggers, two loaders and a team of 23 on board. “I certainly didn’t imagine when I started out with a truck and a digger I operated that it would become what it has in such a short space of time, but I think a lot of it is to do with establishing a good reputation, nurturing business relationships by delivering great service at a reasonable price, and gathering a team of drivers and operators second-tonone,” Justin says. Between 2020 and 2022 the building sector was super-busy, and Justin seized the opportunities this increase in demand offered, never turning away a chance to establish a name for himself and the company he founded. But it isn’t all beer and skittles, he points out.. “You have to be determined to work hard and put yourself out there, and especially you have to bring on board great drivers and operators. This includes a commitment at times to train up entry-level people, which we have done. The benefit that comes from that is that you can instil in them the right work ethic and way of operating that meets your standards. I’ve been very fortunate with the team I have on board now, some of whom have been with me from the start.” And it’s the attitude to work hard, maintain standards at all times, and look after the gear they operate that Justin is always looking for. “I have an open door when it comes to seeking more drivers. If a good keen one comes along I will offer him or her the job.” The majority of staff tend to specialise in a particular truck or machine, and Justin says this is the best way to operate. “You can get problems when a truck is being operated by several drivers, so I tend to allocate each set of wheels to a specific driver/ operator.” Along with the fleet of trucks and earth-moving machinery, Hambly Haulage also has an aggregate supply and dumping service based out of its site in Whenuapai. “We supply the chip sealing aggregate for roading projects around the region, and we’re currently engaged with Fulton Hogan as they undertake the safety upgrade of SH16 and also the major upgrade to Auckland’s storm-water infrastructure.” The company also looks after quite a few commercial contractors on large-scale projects; however, Justin stresses that the company isn’t too big to handle smaller residential earthmoving work as well, such as driveways, levelling sections, removing building material when a home has been demolished, and the like. Justin says he’s happy with the amount of current work; however, he’s somewhat uncertain as to what the winter will bring. “We’re trying to base ourselves out West Auckland way in terms of projects, but we’ll consider anything in our region and very much have the attitude we’ll consider all work we’re approached to do.” A long-term goal is to acquire another permanent location to supply aggregate from, and perhaps to extend into the landscaping supply market. “ Residential | Subdivision Public Works | Subsoil Drainage Stromwater Retention & Detention Tanks | Drain Maintenance Trusted by leading developers like Universal Homes, Jalcon, and Classic Builders, we bring years of experience to every drainage project. YOUR TRUSTED, LOCAL DRAINLAYERS INAUCKLAND optimaldrainage.co.nz Proudly Supporting Hambly Haulage Call us Now for all your drainage needs! 021 0262 4783 Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our clients, whether they require machinery for construction projects, trucking services or earthworks. Hire the solution for your projects now. EARTHWORKS | MACHINE HIRE | TRUCK & HIRE TRANSPORT | AGGREGATES 021 027 51131 info@asapmachinehire.co.nz asapmachinehire.co.nz GET IN TOUCH

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