Volume 25 | Issue 2 | May 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Hanging tough… Excavation contractor Tough Terrain is breaking new ground with its specialist Swiss-made spider diggers. T T Page 03 businessnorth
2 | Contents businessnorth 52| New shoots Kaingaroa Tipu has reinforced its commitment to Rotorua with the development of a purpose-built bare-root nursery. 78| Taking shape Construction of a state-of-the-art innovation centre for heavy engineering is fast taking shape in South Auckland. 110| Tiny homes, big dreams Podlife has established itself as one of New Zealand’s most trusted names in transportable housing, 78 110 52 #businessnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz Tough Terrain �������������������������������������������03 Massimos ��������������������������������������������������04 Hatch Consulting ��������������������������������������04 Utrex ����������������������������������������������������������05 BNZ Theatre ����������������������������������������������06 Equippers Auckland Group ���������������������08 Richard Cashmore �����������������������������������09 Satco Ltd: ��������������������������������������������������10 Macrennie Commercial Construction ���12 Andrew Simms Group �����������������������������15 Summerville Bros �������������������������������������16 Kalmar Construction ��������������������������������18 Far North District Council �����������������������23 Habitat for Humanity ������������������������������24 Companion Vets ���������������������������������������26 Bloxam Burnett & Olliver ������������������������28 Sellars Law ������������������������������������������������30 Barker Business Brokerage �������������������31 NewPower Energy ������������������������������������32 Tuwharetoa Geothermal �������������������������33 Western Energy ����������������������������������������34 Heron Ship Repair ������������������������������������36 Smuggler Marine ��������������������������������������38 Aggregate & Quarry Association ������������39 Camerons Quarry ������������������������������������40 Winstone Aggregates ������������������������������41 Seeka ���������������������������������������������������������42 Southern Cross Horticulture ������������������46 Punchbowl Packaging ������������������������������49 Hume Pack-N-Cool �����������������������������������50 Kaingaroa Tipu �����������������������������������������52 Northland Forest Managers �������������������55 Kaihu Valley Sawmills ������������������������������56 AFFCO Moerewa ���������������������������������������57 AFFCO Horotiu ������������������������������������������58 SEA Containers NZ �����������������������������������60 Compac Industries �����������������������������������61 Hutch Civil �������������������������������������������������62 Grainger Engineering ������������������������������63 Pinnacle Engineering �������������������������������64 MTL NZ ������������������������������������������������������65 Mace Landscape Group ��������������������������66 Outer Spaces ��������������������������������������������67 101 Landscapes ����������������������������������������69 Pro HVAC Solutions ���������������������������������70 City 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| 3 T T Hugh de Lacy Menzi Muck’s growing reputation The Menzi Muck spiders can work on near-vertical cliffs and hills, accessing unstable land and remote sites to deliver safer, faster and more cost-effective results. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tough Terrain “We can handle a 45-degree slope quite comfortably with just the spider, and when we encounter one up to or over 60 degrees, we bring in the winch.” He arrived in New Zealand from England seven years ago as an arborist and set himself up as a sole operator in that sector, but when his main client went bust George Moore found himself evolving into an all-terrain excavation contractor with a company called Tough Terrain. Initially at a loose end as to what to do with the gear he’d accumulated before this sudden absence of work, he decided to offer specialist difficult terrain services built around a Swiss brand of spider digger called the Menzi Muck. There were only three of them in New Zealand at the time, but they are capable of performing digging operations on impossibly steep hillsides. “I’m not sure where I first heard of them, but their all-terrain capacity looked attractive from my point of view as an arborist, and even more so because hardly anyone else in New Zealand was using them,” George says. “It seemed there might be a market for them in New Zealand, so I obtained the agency, and so far, I’ve sold five of them, and the word’s starting to get around.” The Menzi Muck spiders can work on nearvertical cliffs and hills, accessing unstable land and remote sites to deliver safer, faster and more cost-effective results. George has seven of his own Menzi Mucks in his Tough Terrain company — six 14-tonners and a two-tonner — and he has them scattered round the country, able to be shifted by an eight-wheeler truck to any work-site. Currently he has one working in Wairoa, a second in Opotiki, a third in Nelson, others in Southland and Canterbury, and two at his rented Silverdale yard in Auckland to cover the central North Island and Northland. “There didn’t seem to be anybody specialising in this sort of work, and I plumped for becoming an excavation operator rather than an arborist because I was offered a project by a contractor who couldn’t find anyone else capable of doing the job,” George says. “I located my first Menzi Muck spider in Cromwell where it hadn’t seen much use because the owner hadn’t fully exploited its capacity to operate on sharp angles. “We can handle a 45-degree slope quite comfortably with just the spider, and when we encounter one up to or over 60 degrees, we bring in the winch. “After a fairly slow start in the first couple of years the Menzi Mucks are starting to be appreciated by the market, and we’ve also modified Yanmar dumpers so we can control them remotely at angles of up to 60 degrees — something that really impressed the Yanmar manufacturers when they saw them.” Tough Terrain, formed just three years ago, has eight full-time staff including George and, while the Menzi Muck agency is still in its infancy, he expects demand for the spiders to grow — even with a price tag of $1.2m for the 14-tonne model, compared to around $200,000 for a standard digger. “The potential for these machines is only just beginning to be recognised,” George says. WORKING TOGETHER TOGET THE TOUGHEST JOBS DONE! Excavation | Waterways and Dams Trenching and Drainage Installation | Remote and Steep Terrain Projects Compacting and Stabilising Surfaces | Foundation and Piling Work Grouting and Drilling Solutions Mulching | Tree Removal and Forestry Tough Terrain specialises in challenging groundwork, civil engineering, land clearance, and forestry projects across New Zealand. We take on steep, remote, and extreme sites where traditional machines fall short, using Menzi Muck spider excavators built for the toughest conditions. www.toughterrain.co.nz CALL US 021 197 1972
4 | A real slice of Italy Massimo’s Mozzarella is typically made from cows’ milk which fits well with New Zealand’s dairy industry. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Massimos T T Virginia Wright Hatch Consulting A growing reputation T T Karen Phelps Now a a fixture on New Zealand’s supermarket shelves and on the menu in most of our top restaurants Massimo’s Italian Cheeses grew out of Massimo and Marina Lubisco’s decision in 2006 to come and live here permanently. Coming from Puglia on the heel of Southern Italy’s boot where fresh mozzarella is made and sold daily, it was a staple of the Lubisco’s diet, and Massimo recognised a gap in the New Zealand market when he realised all the mozzarella available here was imported from Italy. “For us one day old mozzarella is already getting old, so I decided to do mozzarella but before then it wasn’t my business. The good thing is that I knew what I wanted, I knew what the final result had to be,” explains Massimo. Helped by his own understanding and knowledge of the food that was part of his daily diet, Massimo soon learnt how to make mozzarella from one of the small artisan producers or ‘caseificio’ processing small amount of milk a day, to make the mozzarella sold locally at the daily markets that are everywhere. The Lubiscos moved to New Zealand and eventually settled in rural Dairy Flat just north of Auckland before launching Massimo’s Italian Cheeses at various Farmers Markets in 2010. From 2011 Massimo’s Italian Cheeses had started winning medals at the New Zealand Cheese Awards, starting with Bronze for both their Mozzarella and Ricotta, and continuing with a mix of Bronze, Silver and predominantly Gold every year since. 2025 was an important year for Massimo’s. From eight different entries they won seven Golds and a Silver. They also won a Gold medal at the International Cheese Award with their Mozzarella Log and Burrata, along with Bronze for Massimos Mozzarella. But Massimo credits a lot of his commercial success to the 2015 New Mount Maunganui‑based Hatch Consulting is building a strong reputation for delivering practical, hands‑on commercial advice across complex construction projects. Founded by quantity surveyor Jo Hatchman, the consultancy has carved out a niche supporting infrastructure and renewable energy developments and is part of the reason Jo has recently been recognized as one of Property Council’s top 30 Women of Impact. “I’m a quantity surveyor by background and when I started Hatch Consulting, I understood that in many cases there was a disconnect between the service a QS was delivering and what was actually happening on the ground. I wanted to bridge that gap, so we are multidisciplinary, bringing a raft of commercial expertise to the table throughout the entire project lifecycle,” Jo says. From the outset, Hatch Consulting’s approach has been grounded in a strong understanding of construction and a commitment to being closely involved in site works, ensuring advice is both practical and commercially robust. Hatch Consulting has carved out a niche working in the renewable energy sector and on large‑scale projects, where managing risk, cost certainty, and stakeholder confidence is critical. Zealand Cheese Association event, and the Gold Award he won that year for his Buffalo Mozzarella. A day was set up exclusively for media and supermarkets to try and buy, after which his products were finally allowed into supermarkets. As distribution has grown and spread across most of New Zealand’s supermarkets as well as restaurants and pizzerias, the factory has also grown. Although they make Buffalo Mozzarella as well, Massimo’s Mozzarella is typically made from cows’ milk which fits well with New Zealand’s dairy industry and which is still Massimo’s personal preference, reminiscent of the mozzarella made in Puglia. In Puglia they use raw milk whereas here it has to be pasteurized which subtley changes the flavour and makes the final product a little sweeter to Massimo’s palette. The Lubiscos credit their early customers at the Farmers Markets, many of whom became friends, with guiding them to success as Massimo decided to prioritise the flavour and texture they preferred over his own. “I went to the market and when people tried them my favourite wasn’t the same one as the majority, they like it with a little less acidity, keeping the flavour and sweetness of the milk.” Massimo knows that mozzarella is seasonal thanks to things like Caprese salads. “When the price of tomatoes goes up in winter the mozzarella market drops,” he explains. But for anyone wanting a true taste of Italy which means using fresh mozzarella (made one day and in supermarkets the next), rather than defrosted from frozen, try one of Massimo’s personal winter favourites: simply put a good slice of mozzarella in a cold frypan with a bit of olive oil, put an egg on top and turn on the heat, as it melts the egg cooks and in two to three minutes it’s ready to eat with some fresh bread; bacon and eggs Italian style! “Above all, we provide our clients with the confidence to proceed with a project, such as Tauranga’s Living Sea Wall and award-winning waterfront playground, part of Tauranga City Council’s development to rejuvenate the waterfront and reconnect people with the marine environment.” The team delivers a broad range of services spanning quantity surveying, contract and procurement management, independent commercial advisory, dispute resolution, and systems and process development. “Each area requires its own depth of skill and experience,” Hatchman says. “That focus on quality is what we’ve built our reputation on, and it’s a journey I’m incredibly proud of.” That capability has been recognised externally, with Hatch Consulting named a finalist for the Excellence in Industry Award at this year’s Tauranga Business Awards, supported by the Tauranga Business Chamber. The recognition follows Hatch Consulting Senior Consultant Viv Pachond being named Emerging Leader of the Year in 2025, after working closely on the Living Sea Wall project. Growing the consultancy by 50% and empowering team members to undertake training and gain professional qualifications are just two of the factors that drew the judges eye to the business. Hatch Consulting is now a team of 10, with seven based in Tauranga and an Auckland branch opened in September 2024. Hatch Consulting has carved out a niche working in the renewable energy sector FOOD & SUPPLEMENT PACKAGING 100% RECYCLABLE PLASTIC PACKAGING IN MOULD LABELS (IML) 0800 32 LINK packtechmoulding.co.nz sales@ptm.co.nz Practical Collaborative Solution Designers Communicators jo@hatchconsulting.co.nz | 022 172 6872 | www.hatchconsulting.co.nz Providing bespoke commercial management solutions that allow our client's to confidently deliver exceptional projects. 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| 5 T T Sue Russell Multi-disciplinary approach valued The company now delivers projects throughout New Zealand and internationally. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Utrex “Compliance assessments and completing any necessary remedial requirements has become a large part of our work.” Utrex Ltd are industrial cleaning and engineering specialists with a history spanning 60 years. Originally established as Chemical Cleaning Ltd, the company’s first project involved chemically cleaning the recovery boilers at Tasman’s Kawerau pulp and paper mill. The business later became part of ICI, which subsequently divested its New Zealand and Australian operations—these became known as Orica. When Orica exited the sector in 2007, Utrex’s current owners purchased the chemical cleaning division, forming the company as it is known today. Headquartered in Mt Maunganui, close to major transport routes, Utrex also operates a facility in New Plymouth servicing the Taranaki petrochemical industry and other sectors. The company now delivers projects throughout New Zealand and internationally, including Australia, Asia, and the Caribbean. Its team of 11 full‑time employees services industrial markets such as dairy, pulp and paper, food processing, and oil and gas. Director Vaughan Hanna says the business has experienced steady growth, a trend that has continued this year. Increasingly, Utrex’s work centres on engineering assessments of Class 8, 3, and 5 tanks in line with regulatory requirements. These assessments often lead to mechanical repairs, fitting, welding, hydrotesting, pneumatic testing, design, consulting, and project management to complete the required work scopes. “Compliance assessments and completing any necessary remedial requirements has become a large part of our work,” says Vaughan. While the sector is competitive, Vaughan notes that Utrex’s size is an advantage. “Being small makes us nimble and very responsive to changes in the services the market demands. We’re probably 50% chemical cleaning and 50% engineering and construction, and often the two are linked. Much of this stems from the inspection work.” General Manager Megan Stacey adds that finding staff with extensive experience around chemical systems can be challenging. Vaughan agrees, noting the team’s commitment: “We’re always very busy in winter, which is the off‑season for the dairy sector. What I’m most proud of is that we bend over backwards to deliver turn‑key services, and we have very good, loyal staff.” Pre‑commissioning of plant and shutdown maintenance are core services for Utrex. These often require a multi‑discipline approach, including degreasing, acid cleaning and passivation of plant and equipment, and maintenance of process and steam‑raising technology. However, shifts in New Zealand’s industrial landscape—such as the closure of the Marsden Point refinery, looming gas shortages, and reduced production in the paper industry—have led to downsizing across major sectors and their support services. This has contributed to a smaller chemical cleaning market. “Given the shifts across industry, our flexible skill set enables us to seek further opportunities. I think we’ve adapted well to these market conditions and continue to deliver excellent service to our valued clients,” says Vaughan. Engaging across multiple sectors helps Utrex maintain a competitive edge— something more important now than ever. Both Vaughan and Megan agree the company is well positioned to diversify, while continuing to prioritise strong, long‑term client relationships. Commercial & Industrial Residential Custom Projects Maintenance & Repair Stainless Steel Fabricators, Welders and Fitters based in the Waikato Continuous Stainless offers onsite and mobile stainess steel fabrication, welding and fitting services of a high professional standard. Whether its industrial, commercial, residential or customised, we can fabricate and install. info@continuousstainless.co.nz www.continuousstainless.co.nz CONTACT OUR TEAM ABOUT YOUR PROJECT TODAY. PROUDLY 100% PRIVATELY OWNED AND OPERATED IN NEW ZEALAND. With over 60 years of experience in the country’s industrial chemical cleaning market. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Industrial Chemical Cleaning • HSNO Compliance • Design & Construction of Bulk Chemical Facilities • Shutdown & TAR Management • Equipment Rental 07 928 0052 admin@utrexltd.com | utrexltd.com
6 | BNZ Theatre T T Karen Phelps A striking new stage for Hamilton Heritage preservation has been central to the theatre’s design. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hamilton has welcomed a striking new addition to its cultural landscape with the opening of the BNZ Theatre, a state-of-the-art 1,300-seat lyric theatre located on the historic Hamilton Hotel site. Operated by global live entertainment leader Live Nation, operators of Spark Arena and The Tuning Fork in Auckland, and San Fran in Wellington, in partnership with the Waikato Regional Property Trust, the BNZ Theatre is set to become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s performing arts scene, hosting a wide range of performances across all artforms, from flagship New Zealand productions to international artists and local community groups. The $80 million theatre has been designed to be both versatile and world-class. The theatre offers flexible seating arrangements, with removable lower-level seating that can transform the space into a 1,000-person standing ‘flat floor’ suitable for concerts, gala dinners and large community events. This adaptability allows the venue to accommodate everything from opera and drama to kapa haka and contemporary music. Heritage preservation has been central to the theatre’s design. The iconic 1923 Hamilton Hotel façade has been retained, held in place by 13 steel structures for 2.5 years during construction, and heritage features and fittings have been incorporated into the new build. Inside, a large-scale mural by Ralph Hotere, originally commissioned in 1973 for Hamilton’s Founders Theatre, hangs in the lobby, reconnecting the venue with the city’s artistic history and legacy. The integration of heritage and contemporary architecture gives the BNZ Theatre a unique identity, honouring the past while embracing the future. Acoustic design has also been a priority. The theatre features an acoustic halo and shell for unamplified performances, alongside a variable acoustic drape system and distributed sound system, ensuring that every seat delivers a world-class auditory experience. The building’s design emphasises its connection to the city and the Waikato River. Strategically located at the south end of Victoria Street, it was intentionally designed to turn the city to the river with cantilevered Hinuera stone walls framing sweeping views to the Waikato Awa. Locally sourced stone reinforces both the theatre’s link to place and its distinctive architectural character. The building measures 70 metres in length, 62 metres in width and 34.5 metres in height, making it a prominent landmark in Hamilton’s skyline. The theatre’s opening promises considerable economic and community benefits. It is estimated to inject $13 million annually into the local economy. During construction, 334 local companies were engaged, including seven local construction firms, mostly homebuilders, joining the Fosters crew. Once operational, the venue will support approximately 48 permanent full-time roles within the precinct. Community engagement is central to the BNZ Theatre’s mission; local not-for-profit organisations receive a 40 per cent discount on venue hire and free use of technical equipment, and 30 cents from every ticket sold goes into a fund to support future local use. The theatre’s journey began with the closure of the Founders Theatre in 2016 due to safety concerns, prompting a regional need for a modern, versatile venue. The project was funded by local and regional government 38 per cent, central government 26 per cent, trusts, foundations, businesses, community organisations and individuals 36 per cent. 100% proud to supply Sleepy Head. 100% proud to supply BNZ Theatre. 100% proud to supply Sleepy Head. SPECIALISTS IN STRUCTURAL STEEL, FABRICATION & STEEL ERECTION 25 Langley Road, Wiri, Auckland | Ph: +64 9 2783366 Fax: +64 2788595 E-Mail: davidm@grayson-eng.co.nz Proudly Supporting BNZ Theatre
| 7 BNZ Theatre The integration of heritage and contemporary architecture gives the BNZ Theatre a unique identity, honouring the past while embracing the future. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Bring Your Plans To Reality PAINTING SPRAY PAINTING SPECIALIST COATING POOL COATING BROMLEY DECORATORS P. 07 847 8840 M. 027 278 0083 E. admin@bromleydecorators.co.nz WWW.BROMLEYDECORATORS.CO.NZ PROUD TO BE THE CHOSEN PAINTING COMPANY FOR THE WAIKATO REGIONAL THEATRE We provide expert solutions for a dry, healthy home. 0800 800 679 www.iss.co.nz L o r d & C o Proudly Supporting BNZ Theatre · Commercial & Industrial · Rural · Tennis Courts · Residential
8 | Long journey to full restoration The full restoration has been costed at close to $24 million. Equippers Auckland Group: Mercury Theatre T T Kim Bowden REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Above Auckland’s new underground rail line, a 115-year-old theatre is being prepared for its next century of life. The Mercury Theatre, once an earthquake‑prone grand dame of Karangahape Road, is in the midst of a restoration project balancing heritage, safety and the tough realities of fundraising. Owned since 1994 by a charitable property trust associated with Equippers Church, the theatre’s fate was effectively sealed in 2017 when New Zealand’s building standards were revised in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes. Equippers Auckland Group general manager Matt Gregory says the change shaved more than 40 percent off the building’s New Building Standard rating and officially put it in the earthquake‑prone category. Faced with the revised rating, the trust made the call to close the theatre in 2022 and proceed with seismic strengthening, timing the shutdown to coincide with intensive City Rail Link works in the area, which had already made access to Mercury Lane more difficult. At the time, the legislative settings appeared clear. Since then, the government has partially wound back aspects of the earthquake‑prone regime, leaving some owners wondering whether they might have been able to do less. It’s the reason the $2.9 million spend bringing the Mercury up to 70 percent of NBS “stings” a little. But Matt is pragmatic: the decision is made, and the building is better for it. “Part of you thinks, ‘Oh, gee, we could have spent that money doing something else that desperately has to be done, like the fire system, the electrical work’,” he says. “But at the end of the day, hand on heart, the theatre has been reinforced, it’s been strengthened, and it’s safer.” The seismic work is only the beginning. The full restoration has been costed at close to $24 million. So far, the trust has raised and spent nearer $5 million, and the pace of progress is dictated by what Matt wryly describes as “moving at the speed of cash”. “We’re committed to the full restoration,” he says. “We get one shot at this, so we’re prepared to go slower to do it right.” The project aims to unwind decades of unsympathetic alterations and bring the building closer to its original incarnation as the King’s Theatre. “The most damaging, from a heritage point of view, were the 1960s modifications that carved a smaller theatre into the upper levels,” Matt says. “What we’re trying to do now is roll them back, to get more back to the classic 1910 version of the theater.” When it reopens — now expected in 2027 — the Mercury will be an 800‑seat venue that complies with modern building and fire codes while doubling down on its historic character. A professional venue operator will manage hire Monday to Saturday, with the church using the space on Sundays. Before it closed, the theatre hosted everything from film shoots and live theatre to funerals, weddings, conferences and church services, and that multipurpose role is set to continue. For Matt, the restoration is about ensuring the building remains a living part of the city, not just a preserved relic. “For me this is a legacy project that will outlive my lifetime,” he says. MPM Projects are proud to be a key partner of Equippers Church for the redevelopment of the Mercury Theatre Project Management | Quantity Surveying | Advisory Services 09 303 9420 | info@mpm.co.nz | mpm.co.nz Your project, managed from inception to completion P: 09 846 1616 E: info@stryde.co.nz W: stryde.co.nz We specialise in the build of medium-sized commercial, education, multi-unit residential and community buildings, throughout wider Auckland.
| 9 T T Karen Phelps Opportunities on Tauranga’s waterfront Located in a premium spot on the waterfront, the 1,100sqm building is intended to help revitalise Tauranga’s town centre. Richard Cashmore - 2 Devonport Road “This building is breaking new ground for the Bay of Plenty. It’s right on the water and can’t be built out, so it’s really special office space.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Leasing opportunities have been officially released for Craigs Investment Partners House in Tauranga. The seven-storey building at 2 Devonport Road promises to become a key landmark in the city’s central business district, with modern office and retail spaces now open to potential tenants. “The waterfront location will be impossible to beat with great views of the harbour and easy access to recreational space, public transport and cafes. Levels of office and retail space available for lease present great opportunities for businesses wanting to be part of the seminal project for the central city,” says Richard Cashmore, spokesperson for the development. Located in a premium spot on the waterfront, the 1,100sqm building is intended to help revitalise Tauranga’s town centre. The project began when Craigs Investment Partners sought a new high-profile office. The site, formerly home to a Westpac bank, was purchased by a long-standing family client of Craigs, prompting the formation of Two Devonport Road Limited to develop the seven-storey building. Demolition of the old structure was completed in June 2022 followed by extensive piling down to 43 metres to stabilise the harbour-front land. Designed by Wingate Architects, the building makes reference to its waterfront surroundings and corner streets and offers views across the harbour and Kaimai Ranges. Becker Engineering and CBC Building have contributed to the construction, with completion on track for December 2026. Craigs Investment Partners, one of New Zealand’s leading investment advisory firms, will occupy the top three floors. The ground floor offers three tenancy spaces, ideal for proven hospitality operators such as cafés, bistros, restaurants, or boutique whiskey and gin bars, says Richard. It could also accommodate high-end retail or corporate offices. Sizes range from approximately 87sqm to 418.8sqm, with an additional 123sqm patio for the largest space. Levels one to three provide contemporary office space with flexible floor plans designed to suit modern co-working environments. Level One offers around 400sqm of space remaining, Level Two 1,021sqm and Level Three 1,020sqm. Flexible options are available to split the tenancies if required, says Richard. Minimum lease terms of ten years are being sought. We are looking for other high-quality professional tenancies compatible with Craigs Investment Partners. “This building is breaking new ground for the Bay of Plenty. It’s right on the water and can’t be built out, so it’s really special office space. “We expect it to be in demand. There are a lot of companies that would like to be associated with Craigs Investment Partners’ head office.” Richard says the development forms part of a broader vision to rejuvenate Tauranga’s city centre. “Like other centres, retailers have moved to outer areas and shopping malls. This will help revitalise the city centre and bring people back in. This building will be something quite special when it’s complete. We have a magnificent site and are excited to be part of revitalising downtown Tauranga.” A 445 Cameron Road, Tauranga. T 64 7 578 3383 W www.crowthers.co.nz Proud to be part of the 2 Devonport Project Team providing Construction Cost Management and Quantity Surveying Services. Proud to have assisted the par ties in 2 Devonpor t LP throughout the acquisition and development of this landmark proper ty Max Hamilton 07 578 0125 max@jkhamilton.co.nz Yo u r t r u s t ed P rope r t y L aw Spe c i a l i s t
10 | Satco Ltd: 9 Satco Drive T T Kim Newth Exciting development for Tokoroa Their new two-storey office block will include a modern staffroom, toilet facilities, washing and changing rooms, and administration spaces. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tokoroa’s forestry engineering frontrunner Satco has a large new industrial building under construction that will support not only their own needs but those of other local service-focussed businesses. Satco is a top of the line producer of processing and directional felling heads for the global logging industry. Their hardy forestry and logging attachments — designed, manufactured and assembled in Tokoroa — are tailor-made to perform in a range of demanding commercial forestry environments in New Zealand and around the world. In Tokoroa, the company’s reputation is such that there is even a road named after them. Their new industrial building — at 9 Satco Road — is shaping up to be an exciting addition for the town. With an 800m² footprint, two five-tonne gantries, four 6.5m wide entry doors with canopy and an office/ administration block at each end, the scale is impressive. “Our plan is to divide the internal space into four bays, each with its own dedicated entry,” says Satco’s owner Warwick Batley. “We’ll take one of the bays with a gantry and move our office into that building too, as it’s so well-positioned for our visitors and customers.” Their new two-storey office block will include a modern staffroom, toilet facilities, washing and changing rooms, and administration spaces. Satco will use their bay space to store imported steel and fully-assembled attachment products, ensuring orders can be speedily filled. “By the end of this year, the new building will be finished and ready for others to move into as well. We’re hoping to attract an industrial service business that would complement us. It could be that they’d take one bay and the other office block with the two bays in the middle serving as storage for someone else. The entry doors are nice and wide for forklift access and there’s also a five-tonne gantry in there. “There are no other industrial premises like this in Tokoroa to rent, so we are confident of being able to find tenants once it’s built. Tokoroa is a very easy base for manufacturing. The location is central; it’s easy to get in and out of and there’s a lot of building activity here.” Project partners include BSK Consulting Engineers and GST Construction’s Grant Tidmarsh serving as project manager. Satco is completing all the building’s steel work. “Grant’s worked with me on buildings before and knows how to do that oversight role very well. BSK have also been very good to deal with; they came up with the concept plan.” Satco has grown substantially through the years, gradually acquiring more adjoining land for additions including an assembly workshop, powder coating and sandblasting facilities and a new fabrication shop with crane. Last year Satco won the International Trade Award at the 2025 Waikato Business Awards. The judges described Satco as a shining example of Kiwi innovation, determination and technical excellence. “That was a massive achievement for us. It didn’t just land at our feet. I started all of this in 1990 and one the guys standing up there on the night has been with me for 32 years. Others have been here for over 25 years. We’ve worked hard for the recognition.” 07 886 7356 / 0274 967 875 john@stevenselectrical.co.nz 50 Manfield Street, Tokoroa www.stevenselectrical.co.nz
Consultation | Design | Civil Engineering | Construction Grant Tidmarsh - 021 577 169 | gstconstruction@live.com
12 | Macrennie Commercial Construction: Mt Richmond Industrial REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mt Richmond Industrial, a flagship light industrial development by Argosy Property at the foot of Ōtāhuhu’s maunga in Auckland, is progressing with enabling works and Warehouse 6 nearing completion. Enabling works for the next two warehouses have also been finished. Located on a prominent brownfield site linking Mt Wellington Highway to Mt Richmond Drive the park will offer clear-span, high-stud warehouses ranging from 3,000sqm to 16,000sqm and studs reaching 11 to 13 metres at the knee. Dual access from two major arterials and light industry zoning further enhances its strategic appeal. Delivering the first stage is Auckland commercial builder Macrennie Construction, which began construction in January 2025 following extensive early contractor involvement (ECI). Ben Wrigley, project manager and company director at Macrennie Construction says the project is rapidly taking shape as a high-specification, sustainability-led business park designed for the future of industry. “Early contractor involvement was a big part of assisting the client in getting the development off the ground,” he says. “As a brownfield site, significant work around the enabling works was undertaken because that was the biggest cost to get the site underway.” Retaining walls were necessary to manage a five to six metre level difference between Warehouses 4 and 5. T T Karen Phelps Mt Richmond Industrial takes shape Mt Richmond is targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built rating, aligning with Argosy’s broader commitment to environmental performance. T T to page 12
| 13 Macrennie Commercial Construction: Mt Richmond Industrial Located on a prominent brownfield site linking Mt Wellington Highway to Mt Richmond Drive the park will offer clear-span, high-stud warehouses ranging from 3,000sqm to 16,000sqm. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Proud to support and work alongside Macrennie Construction and Argosy Property PO Box 101-410 NSMC 0745 t. 09 441 9300 www.firesolutions.net.nz
14 | Mt Richmond Industrial taking shape Warehouse 6 is a temperature-controlled facility tailored to meet the needs of tenant Viatris. Macrennie Commercial Construction: Mt Richmond Industrial REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT At the same time, substantial upgrades and new service installations were required and a spine road from Mt Wellington Highway through to Mt Richmond Drive was constructed forming the backbone of the business park. Associated infrastructure, including water, power and communications, has been installed to service not only Warehouse 6 but also future stages. In addition, an existing tenant occupied half the site earmarked for later development. “We’ve had to carefully stage works so the existing business can continue operating safely and efficiently,” says Ben. Warehouse 6 is a temperature-controlled facility tailored to meet the needs of tenant Viatris and drew on Macrennie’s experience delivering similar facilities, including four comparable projects at Auckland Airport. “We integrated the tenant’s requirements into the build from an early stage,” says Ben. “That included increasing the office area and incorporating specialist temperature-controlled spaces while still maintaining a high level of finish and architectural quality.” Feature steel elements on the cladding distinguish the building visually, with close collaboration between builder and architect to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Ben says the result is a warehouse that balances industrial functionality with refined detailing. Sustainability is central to both Argosy’s and Macrennie’s approach. Mt Richmond is targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built rating, aligning with Argosy’s broader commitment to environmental performance. T T from page 12 Argosy already has a number of Green-rated buildings in its portfolio and aims to have more than 50 per cent of its portfolio green rated by 2031. Sustainable features at Warehouse 6 include rainwater harvesting tanks, low-consumption water fittings, and a high-efficiency heat recovery air conditioning system. 275 kW solar panels are being installed, alongside electric vehicle chargers with the ability to add truck charging capacity in future. The building incorporates three climate‑resilient design features to address up to 3.8°C of warming, managing internal temperatures, rainfall and flooding. Low-carbon design materials and application of technology is prioritised, supported by environmentally certified products, a graphics-based Building Management System to optimise energy and water management, 275 kW solar panels, intelligent LED lighting with daylight and occupancy sensors and heat recovery air-conditioning system. Ben says together these measures aim to reduce operational carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste over the building’s lifecycle and future warehouse projects in Mt Richmond Industrial will align similarly. Argosy’s sustainability strategy extends beyond new builds. It is recognised for repurposing existing buildings into high-performance green assets, favouring retrofit over demolition wherever possible to achieve what it describes as a ‘double positive impact’ — creating one more green building while eliminating a non-green one. Third-party verification, including Green Star and NABERSNZ certifications, underpins this strategy, ensuring that performance is measured and validated in operation, not merely in design. As both developer and long-term investor, Argosy assesses projects on what is actually built and delivered. Its use of Green Bonds to finance qualifying Green Assets further signals its commitment to transitioning towards a lower-carbon portfolio. For Macrennie, the Mt Richmond project also reflects its own evolving sustainability strategy. “We’re pushing forward with our own sustainability initiatives to align with further requirements from clients in this space,” says Ben. “That includes health and wellbeing strategies for our people, training for apprentices, exploring alternative greener forms of concrete, and minimising waste.” On site, the company is examining ways to reduce water use in temporary facilities and to adopt alternative power strategies. PROUD TO SUPPORT MACRENNIE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION ON THIS PROJECT. 09 263 9988 | info@kiwiroofing.co.nz | www.kiwiroofing.co.nz When you need Value call Kiwi Roofing! 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