24 | Northland: Stonecraftnz Ltd. T T Hugh de Lacy Versatile firm thriving in Far North “The Far North has fundamentally been an under-developed area, largely due to its isolation and poor infrastructure, but that is changing with growing recognition of the potential.” The steady regional development from its relative isolation over the past 50 years has seen the Far North flourish, and growing along with it has been Kaitaia company Stonecraftnz Ltd. Founded nearly 50 years ago as a brick- and block-laying company with concreting, plastering and stone masonry capacity, Stonecraft has blossomed into a key player in the civil and general construction sectors, with a particularly strong niche in swimming and spa pool construction. From its base in Northland, the company has grown to having active contracts for its services all over New Zealand, and internationally. Owner Mike Mitcalfe has nearly 40 years of experience in pool design and construction, and he specialises in “state-of-theart designs flavoured with the best that New Zealand has to offer,” he says. But beyond swimming pools, Stonecraft, with its staff of around 20 and a comprehensive inventory of plant, is involved in such civil works as the re-build of SH 1 at Mangamuka, which was closed by massive slips during Cyclone Gabrielle two years ago. It has also been heavily involved in community developments in the Far North, including the Te Ahu community building, recently completed with extensive Stonecraft involvement, and the Te Hiku sports club with its four indoor swimming pools the company built in partnership with other local businesses. “The Far North has fundamentally been an under-developed area, largely due to its isolation and poor infrastructure, but that is changing with growing recognition of the region’s potential,” Mike says. “Investment is being made in horticulture, agriculture, tourism, solar farms, housing and many other industries. Iwi are among the major investors, and it’s leading to greater employment opportunities and more people settling in the north.” Stonecraft’s services extend beyond swimming and spa pools to designer and in situ concretes, floors and driveways, landscaping, stone-work, brickwork and block-work, concrete cutting, grinding and drilling, making it a highly versatile contributor to the Northland economy. Large stone walls and fireplaces are other areas of its expertise. Mike is an ardent advocate for the Far North, something he says is founded on the powerful sense of community in the region. “It’s a feature of the North and its local communities that they have the ability to work together for the betterment of the area and its people. “We’ve demonstrated our ability to overcome obstacles and adversity, despite having relatively limited resources, and despite the tyranny of distance from the major cities that have tended to limit our development in the past,” he says. “And we do all this while protecting and enhancing the essential nature, character and values of this place.” Civil works in stone and concrete provided the foundations of Stonecraft, but what began as a sideline building swimming pools and spas has grown into a major part of the company’s portfolio, and Mike takes particular pride in designing eye-catching yet practical facilities that make the most of the environment they’re built in. “We’ve got a name for being able to think outside the box,” Mike says. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT +64 9 273 4103 WWW.AQUACLEAR.CO.NZ • SWIMMING POOL AUTOMATION • UV SANITISERS • INVERTER POOL HEAT PUMPS When you need equipment for a spa, you're upgrading a pool or creating a water feature masterpiece, Aqua Clear are the trusted suppliers for swimming pool pumps, heaters, lights, filters and lots more. Highest Quality Swimming Pool & Spa Pool Equipment, Knowledge & Service.
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