Business North March 2025

| 113 T T Kelly Deeks Continuing the Dekker dynasty Specialising in architectural builds, Dekker Construction also builds everything from light commercial and new builds, to renovations, alterations and decks. Dekker Construction BUILDING Providing quality building services to Whitianga and the wider Coromandel for the past 20 years, Nathan Dekker of Dekker Construction brings more than 30 years of building experience and knowledge to the table as a third-generation builder in the Dekker family of builders. “You could say building is in our blood,” he says. Nathan knows the value of close and trusting relationships with clients, architects, subcontractors and suppliers for smooth-running, cost-effective, and ultimately successful projects. “We’ve got a sharp team of suppliers and subcontractors, and have also been blessed with amazing clients over the years,” he says. “We’ve never had a major call-back or court case because we make sure we do an excellent job, and we’ve developed lasting projects and relationships with our clients, which are things we can be really proud of. “To be invited back for a cup of tea some 15 or 20 years later to a home we completed – to see longevity in both the build and the relationships we’ve created around the Coromandel is extremely rewarding.” Growing up in Hamilton and attending Hamilton Boys High, Nathan always had a close connection with the Coromandel, with holidays spent at Hot Water Beach campground, as well as travelling there regularly to enjoy surfing and fishing. After completing his building apprenticeship in late 2002 at the age of 24, he decided to make the move permanently to the beautiful beachside community of Whitianga. Twenty-two years later, he’s never looked back. After a few years of employment with the main local high-end builder, he went into business with a partner, who had very complementary skill sets. “This was an opportunity that really helped me to grow my skill set,” Nathan says. “My partner had excellent local connections, and being older he was really great with all the administration building companies require. I naturally took on the building and project-managing side of things and we had a successful seven-year partnership.” By 2011, it was time for new challenges and Nathan embarked on his own venture, establishing Dekker Construction and continuing to follow his passion for building people’s dreams, hence their catchphrase: “Building dreams on the Coromandel since way back.” Dekker Construction is a family-owned and operated building business. “We are an experienced, knowledgeable, and genuine team, which values open communication and honesty throughout each project. “We work closely with our clients to ensure they are involved and informed every step of the way. We specialise in architectural builds, and we also build everything from light commercial and new builds, to renovations, alterations and decks – we do the lot, nothing’s too big or small.” Throughout the current recession, the Coromandel has seen a drop in building consents issued, and the market has been very competitive. Through this time, Dekker Construction has relied on its good relationships, and having built a solid reputation for quality and integrity over the past 20 years, Nathan can normally rely on word of mouth to keep the work coming in. This year, he has made a move to optimise the profile of Dekker Construction with merchandise for staff and signwriting on his vehicles, as well as upping his social media content. “This has definitely helped, and although we have secured some decent projects for 2025, we never stop looking for further opportunities to make community connections and build people’s dreams.” He believes there will likely be a shortage of new-build projects for most of 2025, but the work will pick up later in the year. “We’re Kiwis, we’re bloody resilient,” he says. “We don’t sit on our hands, we keep moving, and we keep building.” At Studio 77, we create elegant, simple architecture which embodies space, light, function and form. 021 117 1161 | 07 866 3242 | Suite 9, 33 Albert Street, Whitianga | www.studio77.co.nz

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