56 | CONTRACTING Ashby Scaffolding www.rtwroofing.co.nz | 027 979 8880 | info@rtwroofing.co.nz | 11 Mill Lane, Kerikeri • LONG RUN ROOFING SPECIALIST • RE ROOFS • NEWROOFS • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL OVER 20YEARS INDUSTRYEXPERIENCE A Licensed Building Practitioner committed to excellence Safety across multiple sectors Recent work includes contracts for strengthening works for several bridges across Northland. T T Kelly Deeks Ashby Scaffolding is proving to be the strength behind the scenes of Northland’s construction sector, delivering essential access solutions that support safe and efficient building, maintenance and event projects across the region. Founded in late 2020 by Haylee and George Ashby, the business has grown quickly, despite launching in the uncertain period following Covid. What began as a small, locally focused operation has developed into a trusted provider working across residential, commercial, and civil projects. A focus on reliability has been central to the company’s approach. From the outset, the Ashbys set out to differentiate themselves through service, ensuring every stage of a project runs smoothly, from first contact through to completion. “Our kaupapa was to stand out by providing a really good service,” Haylee says. “We want that experience to be seamless from start to finish, with a strong handover at every stage in between.” The company’s foundations are built on George’s extensive industry experience. He spent a decade working in the Bay of Islands, building lasting relationships with local contractors and gaining hands-on expertise before relocating to Christchurch following the earthquakes. There, he was involved in major rebuild projects, including work in the Red Zone and on the restoration of the Isaac Theatre Royal. “That environment was high pressure and high demand, but it taught me a lot,” George says. “You had to show initiative and go above and beyond.” Progressing into management roles, George oversaw large teams and complex operations, eventually managing crews of up to 100 scaffolders and leading branch development in Auckland. The experience provided a strong platform for launching his own business. The decision to return north was influenced by family and a desire to reconnect with home. During the Auckland lockdown, the couple made the move back to Waitangi, where the idea for Ashby Scaffolding took shape. Since establishing the business, the team, including business partners Raku Hori and Elley Miller, has delivered a wide range of projects. Recent work includes contracts in the stabilisation of the Mangamuka Gorge, strengthening works for several bridges across Northland, commercial and residential projects, and specialist scaffolding for the high-end architectural beachfront homes in Rawhiti, constructed by Mather Builders. Ashby Scaffolding has also been involved in restoration projects at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, roof structure for the retail and administration building and providing scaffolding for the renovations of the café and toilet blocks. They provided scaffolding for Te Tii Marae preparing the whare tupuna for restorative work, which carried personal significance for George, who whakapapas to Waitangi. Beyond construction, Ashby Scaffolding contributes to community initiatives, including providing scaffolding each year for the Kerikeri Community Charitable Trust Christmas tree. “It is a great way to give back. The team gets involved, and the community really appreciates it,” says George. A strong emphasis on training and workforce development underpins the company’s long-term vision. The Ashbys are committed to building a New Zealand-based workforce, offering staff opportunities to gain qualifications and progress within the industry. As demand for construction continues across Northland, Ashby Scaffolding is focused on sustainable growth, maintaining quality, and strengthening its role as a reliable partner for contractors and clients. “We want to keep growing in a way that allows us to support our team and our community,” George says.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=