| 63 T T Sue Russell Helping to keep the water flowing Projects are spread from Warkworth in the north down to Pokeno, just south of the Bombay hills. CONTRACTING City Contractors Founded in 1999, Auckland-based City Contractors has a history that tracks back to three small companies getting together, initially to undertake footpath maintenance contracts in the city, says Mark Bason, a director of the civil works company, which today specialises in water main and fire main infrastructure. “We had 12 staff and focused a lot on roading and simply built up from there. Gradually we shifted direction towards waters infrastructure, and today the bulk of our equipment is aligned to this work. We own all our gear,” Mark says. A strong emphasis and commitment is placed on providing the team with opportunities to upskill and gain valuable qualifications, something Mark says has been a focus since the company started. “We believe in giving our team every opportunity to advance their careers, so everyone is offered the chance to gain qualifications aligned to the water sector in particular.” Annual turnover on average is approximately $18million and the plant the company owns is valued at about $4million, made up of trucks, tippers and diggers, most of which are in the 2- to 10-tonne range. The company’s main base in Otara spans a 6500sqm site with full workshop facilities, and projects are spread from Warkworth in the north down to Pokeno, just south of the Bombay hills. “Most of our work is around the supply of fresh drinking water. We’ve noticed certainly, this year, Watercare have invested in a large number of projects. “We renew full street water mains, and the bulk of our work comes through Watercare’s renewal programme, as well as the asset upgrade and renewals contract. We also work with private subdivision developers and all major construction companies.” On any given day, there are usually about eight crews undertaking the work, assisted by ancillary support staff. “I like to think my role is steering the ship,” says Mark. “Everyone is happy and productive, and we’re guided by a long-term strategic plan. Our staff are experts in their field and produce very high-quality water main construction projects.” Mark is particularly proud of the work-history record of the company, with at least half the current staff having been with the business for more than 10 years and a number for over 20 years. He also says City Contractors has a view to expand and is currently in a growth phase. “We’re looking to do more in the civil space, car parks and roading projects, and we’re definitely looking to grow.” Late last year, City Contractors became a member of Amotai, an organisation established to support the continued development of Māori- and/or Pasifika-owned businesses, promoting supplier diversity and development in Aotearoa. As Mark says, joining Amotai made sense for lots of reasons. “We have 50% of our ownership Māori/Pasifika, and 80% of our staff, and we sit comfortably within the values and cultural norms of these indigenous groups.” City Contractors was invited to tender for a large car park development at Tahuna Marae in Waiuku, and Mark says he’s observed a big push from Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to provide work to local businesses employing Māori/Pasifika. For 2025, Mark says there’s plenty of work to keep the crew gainfully busy through to September/October, with indications that Watercare is going to continue to fund extensive water infrastructure projects. Mark says an important element of the business is that it is very much a part of the community it is based in, and that commitment is shown in very concrete ways. “We bought a 12-seater minivan for the local Youth Hub, built a recording booth, and every year we go to the Otara market and provide 1000 burgers free to the community.” “Everyone is happy and productive, and we’re guided by a long-term strategic plan. Our staff are experts in their field and produce very high-quality water main construction projects.” The Plastics Experts T: 09 299 3640 agru.co.nz Agru New Zealand Ltd and City Contractors Ltd have enjoyed a strong and successful partnership for more than 15 years, built on mutual trust and shared commitment to excellence in polyethylene (PE) piping systems. Agru New Zealand Ltd provides swift, dependable services including supply of materials, customised fabrication solutions, and dedicated technical support. With a wide array of Electrofusion and Spigot fittings—such as couplers, tees, elbows, sweeping bends, flanges, and saddles— Agru New Zealand Ltd helps to ensure that City Contractors Ltd is equipped with the essential components needed for ecient PE pipeline installations and repairs. Agru New Zealand Ltd is proud to support City Contractors Ltd’s excellent work, helping deliver critical infrastructure projects across Auckland and throughout New Zealand. 12 Croskery Road, Papakura, Auckland 2110
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