32 | Energy focus reaps rewards The company initially specialised in drainage work for local councils and residential development projects. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Connell Contractors T T Karen Phelps Hamilton-based Connell Contractors is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the award-winning family business that has evolved from local drainage specialists to leaders in New Zealand’s renewable- energy sector. “For the founding directors and the wider team this means a huge amount. It’s testament to how the Connells have managed to navigate the economic challenges over the past 40 years and still be a high-performing business,” says Lester Foxall, CEO of Connell Contractors. Founded in 1985 by Dave and Margo Connell, who purchased the business from Dave’s father, the company initially specialised in drainage work for local councils and residential development projects. From these humble beginnings it has grown into a multi-disciplinary civil construction company with 80-plus staff operating across four regions in New Zealand. Lester says the company’s journey has been marked by strategic expansion and diversification. In 2013, it extended operations into Christchurch to assist with the rebuild following the devastating earthquakes, focusing on Three Waters projects. Although the South Island business was sold in 2015, this period marked a significant chapter in the company’s growth story. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when Lester joined the company and bought into the business, bringing his expertise in the energy sector. This strategic shift saw Connell Contractors securing contracts with major clients like Transpower, completing civil construction and infrastructure for substation upgrades at locations such as Kinleith. Recognition of the company’s excellence came in 2019 when it claimed both the strategic focus and financial and operational performance awards for the Waikato region at the Westpac Business Awards. Since 2021, Connell Contractors has increasingly focused on renewable-energy projects, including wind and solar farms, as well as geothermal projects. This focus culminated in 2023 with a supreme award at the Civil Contractors New Zealand awards for the Genesis Energy Poutu Intake Project, which Lester says exemplifies the company’s technical capabilities and commitment to excellence. The project involved repairing the Poutu intake in the Tongariro Hydro Scheme during a challenging six-week shutdown in early 2023. Despite significant health and safety risks, including working at heights, in confined spaces, and managing water in restricted tunnel environments, the project was delivered on time and within budget. Another significant and recent project was the earthworks and civil construction for Te Herenga o Te Rā Solar Farm in Waiotahe, Bay of Plenty, Lodestone Energy’s third and largest utility-scale solar farm. Commissioned in late 2024, the farm produces 69 GWh annually, enough power for more than 9500 New Zealand homes. Operating from bases in Hamilton, Auckland, New Plymouth and Taupō, Lester says Connell Contractors’ success over the decades is attributed to its team. “Our ability to maintain a highly skilled, high-energy core team has allowed us to perform at a consistently high level. “We have forged really good key relationships, which allow us to enjoy repeat business. “That’s because we do what we say we’re going to do.” As it enters its fifth decade, Lester says Connell Contractors remains a family-owned business grounded in the core values of honesty, integrity and commitment, with a reputation for being easy to deal with. “Sustainable organic growth means we are always looking for the next opportunity.” Connell Contractors CEO Lester Foxall. ‘Serving the community since 1926’ 09 426 5901 Bulk Metal Supply & Cartage Hiab Services The strength behind your projects. Proudly supporting Connell Contractors Ltd SUPPLY | CUT & BEND | PREFAB | INSTALL 027 598 5887 | reliancereinforcing.co.nz | info@reliancereinforcing.co.nz
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