20 | Waipā Business Awards: Construction Advantage T T Kelly Deeks Core values underpin winner’s work Construction Advantage has stayed true to the four core values it established on day one: working with great people, taking on great projects, using innovation, and having fun. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waipā-based construction company Construction Advantage is still buzzing after receiving a Highly Commended recognition in the Excellence in Medium Business category at the recent Waipā Business Awards. It is the first business awards the company has ever entered, and an experience that has proven both affirming and transformative for the team. “We’ve entered awards before, like the Waikato Property Award for our Te Tāpapa Marae project, but this was the first time we put ourselves forward for a business award,” says CEO Anita Crowe. “It was an eye-opener. There were about 10 different categories, including everything from sustainability and marketing to waste management and IT, and it gave us a chance to really evaluate how we operate across the board.” As part of the awards submission process, Construction Advantage revisited its systems, strategic plan, and company values, identifying areas of strength and uncovering opportunities for improvement. “It forced us to stop and reflect. As a company, you can get so caught up in the day-today, you don’t always see the positive impact you’re having on your clients, your team, or the wider community,” Anita says. “The awards process let us zoom out and realise we’re doing a really good job. It also sparked new conversations, especially around things like waste management, where just two weeks after the awards we have already started talking with other Waikato businesses and researching new solutions to apply on our current projects.” Construction Advantage is currently delivering two new design-and-build projects, and Anita says it’s the perfect opportunity to embed learnings from the awards process. Founded in 2007, Construction Advantage has stayed true to the four core values it established on day one: working with great people, taking on great projects, using innovation, and having fun. “These values guide everything we do,” Anita says. “Whether it’s clients, subcontractors, or suppliers, great people make great outcomes. Whenever we face tough decisions, we come back to our values. They always steer us in the right direction.” A recent highlight for Construction Advantage was the innovative Te Tāpapa Marae project, where the company worked with local iwi and a specialist team to construct three buildings using rammed earth, a sustainable and culturally significant method. “This was a project close to everyone’s heart,” Anita says. “We didn’t want to push a standard construction method when the marae had a vision. They had already done their research, and it was important for them to be connected to the land. We said, ‘Let’s do it.’ From the first structure to the final build we had iwi members on the tools, and even flying in from overseas to be part of it. That’s what a great project looks like to us.” Anita says the team is still riding the high from the awards night. “We took our core team, and it was great to dress up, share a laugh, and celebrate with other outstanding businesses in Waipā. “We were blown away by the quality of these businesses and were honoured to feature among them. It reminded us that we’re not just building structures, we’re building relationships, community, and momentum.” p 07 949 8578 simplyfire.co.nz e: admin@simplyfire.co.nz Proudly supporting Construction Advantage Ltd DESIGN, SUPPLY + INSTALL Fire Alarm Systems Passive Fire Protection Fire Alarm Testing and Service Hand-held Fire Equipment 4A Belfast Place, Frankton, Hamilton 3204 3/16 Curly McCleod Way, Mount Maunganui Could we remove the writing I’ve boxed around below? Could we change “Fire Alarm Testing” to “Fire Alarm Testing and Service”. Remove the “Service” from the line below and replace it with Also Belfast Place is just the one L. • GASFITTERS • PLUMBERS • DRAINLAYERS Since 1923 Your leading independent Building Merchant for all your Residential and Commercial needs Frame & Truss Manufacturing Timber and Building Supplies Aluminium Joinery Reinforcing to Roo ng Hardware and Tools Northland | Auckland Wide Waikato | Canterbury www.akaranatimbers.co.nz 0508 AKARANA Phone 07 848 2122 or 0800 245 368 Email: info@chp.nz www.chpelectrical.nz The team at CHP Electrical are proud to support Construction Advantage Ltd
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=