80 | Building on father’s proud legacy Duncan’s Scaffolding offers a wide array of services, and has supplied scaffolding systems for all manner of project, from small domestic through to large-scale commercial and everything in between. Duncan’s Scaffolding T T Sue Russell CONTRACTING Karmon Duncan leads Auckland-based Duncan’s Scaffolding, a business with a long and strong reputation, tracing its founding back to the mid-1950s, when her father, Bob Duncan, was part of the team that built the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Karmon is clearly proud of this history, made especially poignant given Bob passed away late 2024. “Back in the day they were called riggers. Dad was commissioned to do the scaffolding work on the bridge and it was this opportunity that provided him the means to establish his own business,” Karmon explains. Today, the company offers a wide array of services, and has supplied scaffolding systems for all manner of project, from small domestic through to large-scale commercial and everything in between. Karmon says business has been somewhat challenging of late, given the tight economic conditions impacting construction. However, the team of 10 employees, along with contractors called in to assist when necessary, are in a positive space, and looking forward to what 2026 has to bring. Admitting she never intended to become involved in the industry, Karmon says taking over the helm and carrying on the legacy of her father’s pioneering work, is a source of immense pride. Duncan’s Scaffolding is Auckland’s oldest family-owned scaffolding business, with Karmon coming into the business 24 years ago. “I really care about the quality of our service offering and ensuring the best-possible value is provided to our customers. “ We saw this slower time in business coming three years ago, but I have a feeling that 2026 is going to be huge.” A company strength is in supplying quality shrinkwrapping on commercial buildings undertaking reparation work. “We pride ourselves on foreseeing the weather, making sure our clients’ projects are secured well in time when conditions change that would threaten the integrity of the building work underway.” Karmon reflects on how fortunate the business is to enjoy long-standing relationships with really solid clients. “The customer always comes first and it’s my number-one priority to ensure they are looked after really well. It’s my responsibility to make sure that everything is on-site, ready for the job to get underway, and I visit almost all sites we’re working on to ensure this is the case.” Karmon says indications are positive that they will begin to get Government-funded projects this year, something she and the team are looking forward to. While based in Auckland, Duncan’s Scaffolding services are available across a wide area, from Warkworth in the north across to Coromandel and into the Waikato. “We’ve been recently asked to go to Whangarei, and we’ll certainly go where the work is.” Supporting Karmon are two admin staff keeping the office processes and work schedules ticking over. Taking on staff who came without experience of the industry and training them is a source of satisfaction, Karmon says. “We train them up with people who have decades of experience. “I know our staff turnover is much lower than other businesses working in this sector, and that speaks to how we look after and value our team.” With such a long history and by keeping an eye very much fixed on engaging well with customers and delivering the best-possible value for money, Duncan’s Scaffolding has positioned itself well in the industry. “We’ve been able to weather the storms that come, and I’m very proud of everyone who has worked so hard to make this company the success it is today,” Karmon says. 021 974 777 karmon.duncan@gmail.com 27B Neilpark Drive, East Tamaki www.duncanssca olding.co.nz 021 452 445 | john@mrscaffoldauckland.co.nz 14 YEARS SPECIALISING IN MOBILE SCAFFOLDS & EDGEGUARD SYSTEMS. MODULAR MOBILE SCAFFOLDING
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