18 | TROW Group T T Karen Phelps A cultural approach to conservation Trow Group has distinguished itself by transforming construction and demolition waste into valuable resources, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Being named as finalists in the ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ category at the 2024 2degrees Auckland Business Awards was proof that TROW Group is “doing what it says it is doing”, says company founder Saia Latu. “We enter the awards to benchmark ourselves. It’s also a celebration of how you can do good and run a profitable business at the same time,” Saia says. A leading commercial deconstruction company, TROW Group was recognised for its innovative approach to environmental conservation. The company, fully Māori and Pasifika owned, has distinguished itself by transforming construction and demolition waste into valuable resources, with an ability to salvage up to 90% of materials from every project including repurposing them for community projects locally and across the Pacific Islands. One of its most notable achievements includes shipping over 24,000 tonnes of salvaged materials to Tonga, where it has innovatively transformed recycled timber into container cafes, storage sheds and community furniture. Since its inception in 2015, TROW Group has embedded principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Māori into its operations. “If you look after Papatuanuku, it will look after you,” Saia explains, referencing the Māori connection to the earth. “Our innovation enables us to fill that gap of less waste in the industry while also using that initiative to pass back down to our people, back to our natural-disaster-prone islands, and back to our communities and places, we at TROW call home. “Our business reflects our values, a representation of Pacific and Māori within the evolution of a circular economy. It can be described as a continuous ‘ripple effect’ of our influence within Aotearoa and across the globe.” TROW undertakes projects for organisations such as Auckland Council, Panuku, Kāinga Ora, City Rail, Auckland Transport, Piratahi, and Ministry of Education. Its recent projects demonstrate the practical application of its sustainable principles. At Auckland Hospital, it supplied 1251 tonnes of recycled crushed concrete for backfill, and in Muriwai, it sent over 70 tonnes of materials to the local Community Recycling Centre. TROW Group has earned multiple certifications, including the Eco Choice label, Quality Management Systems ISO 9001, Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001 and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems ISO 45001. It has also been invited to participate in significant national forums, including the Inaugural First Pacific Strategic Reference Group and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council Conference. Another innovative aspect to the business is that TROW Group has developed an Open Classroom programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, offering at-risk youth hands-on experience. The initiative was created as an alternative form of education to support disadvantaged and at-risk Pasifika and Māori rangatahi as a hand-up not a hand out. “They are currently disengaged from education and employment and that’s where we come in,” says Saia. “We provide the opportunity to re-engage with learning through our industry to assist in creating a pathway, with a view to further training or employment opportunities derived from the open classroom model. It’s about building self-confidence, tool skills and knowledge.” These career pathway programmes were also key for TROW in promoting awareness for future planning of sustainable construction practices. “We have to start taking more personal responsibility for environmental problems. There is a problem, and the solution starts with you. We have to find new ways of doing things and this industry has been resistant to change. But recycling and repurposing waste doesn’t have to cost more than sending it to landfill. At the end of the day, it is the next generation who will pay the price.” As New Zealand moves towards ambitious environmental goals like Auckland Council’s Zero Waste by 2040 programme, Saia says that TROW Group stands at the forefront, demonstrating that commercial success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. “We are immensely proud of the accolades we have been given, such as at the 2024 2degrees Auckland Business Awards, which further validate our expertise, and reinforce our mission to be a leader for other Māori and Pasifika businesses and entrepreneurs working within sustainable construction practices, while leaving a legacy of positive impact.” EARTHMOVING ATTACHMENTS www.digmax.com INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTION & VERSATILITY WITH DIGMAX ATTACHMENTS DigMax attachments have been designed with contractors input. Most of our attachments are available off the shelf. Contact us or visit our website for more information. 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