Business North July 2026

70 | CONTRACTING We bring design and construction together from day one. By collaborating early with clients, architects, and consultants, we deliver high-performance, energy-efficient homes that are seamless, intelligent and beautifully built. Ben Mayne Plumbing T T Kelly Deeks Collaboration key to firm’s success “That level of coordination is especially important on projects where multiple contractors are working in tight timeframes and precision is essential to keeping programmes moving smoothly.” At Ben Mayne Plumbing, successful projects are built around early involvement in design, fixed-price delivery, and strong collaboration across a trusted network of builders, consultants, and infrastructure partners. Ben Mayne Plumbing has been operating for about 13 years, following Ben’s earlier career where he built a broad technical foundation that now supports the company’s residential and commercial delivery. The business was established after steady demand from clients who valued his workmanship, communication, and reliability, with repeat work continuing to be a key driver of growth. The company now works across both private residential projects and building company contracts, with a strong emphasis on early engagement and collaboration throughout the design stage. Trusted relationships remain central to delivery, and Ben says these are built on open communication and a shared understanding of project expectations, which helps ensure smooth operation across both work site and back office. On developments where civil works, drainage, and site preparation need to align closely with plumbing installation timelines, working alongside trusted partners like Coleman Civil has become a valued part of Ben Mayne Plumbing’s project delivery. “Having a civil contractor that can coordinate efficiently with plumbing requirements helps reduce delays, improves sequencing across trades, and ensures services are installed in the right order without rework,” Ben says. “That level of coordination is especially important on projects where multiple contractors are working in tight timeframes and precision is essential to keeping programmes moving smoothly.” A significant portion of work is undertaken with Slate Construction on high-end residential builds across the Rodney region. Early involvement allows the Ben Mayne Plumbing team to advise on system design, including hot water solutions, drainage layouts, and septic requirements, before construction begins. Ben says this early input is always helpful but really critical in larger homes, where system efficiency and long-term performance need to be considered at design stage. It also allows pricing to be developed accurately, while ensuring the finished installation aligns with both budget and performance expectations. Ben Mayne Plumbing operates on a strong fixed-price model wherever possible, giving clients clarity on full project costs upfront. Ben says this approach reduces uncertainty and avoids surprises during construction, particularly in a market where cost pressures remain high. Helping Ben Mayne Plumbing navigate evolving market conditions, Spencer Lawrence Accounting provides ongoing financial advice and annual accounts management. Ben says having consistent accounting support helps guide purchasing decisions and long-term planning. The wider construction and plumbing sectors are currently experiencing uneven workload, with some businesses busy and others facing slower periods. Ben says economic uncertainty and election year conditions are contributing to a cautious market, although underlying demand for housing and renovation work remains steady. He expects activity to increase once new developments currently in early stages move into full construction following the election period. At present, Ben Mayne Plumbing is also working with subcontractors from other plumbing firms to help manage workload fluctuations, with the aim of transitioning casual roles into permanent roles as conditions improve. Looking ahead, Ben says he expects a lift in activity within three to four months after the election, particularly as subdivision and housing developments progress into build phases. He notes ongoing discussion around potential regulatory change, including self-certification for plumbing and drainage work, which could streamline processes and improve accountability. As Auckland Master Plumbers Association president, Ben says the value of the organisation lies in national advocacy, shared knowledge, and the ability for plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting businesses to support each other across the country. The company now works across both private residential projects and building company contracts, with a strong emphasis on early engagement and collaboration throughout the design stage.

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