74 | Stellar growth from small beginnings Shaw Contracting has grown its team from one to six staff and also invested in equipment, including three excavators and a 10-tonne tipper truck. CONTRACTING Shaw Contracting Services T T Karen Phelps Shaw Contracting Services Ltd has secured nominations in three categories at the 2025 North & West Auckland Business Awards, an accomplishment that reflects the company’s extraordinary growth since its inception just three and a half years ago. The earthmoving and construction firm has been shortlisted for ‘Best Emerging Business’, ‘Excellence in Customer Experience’ and ‘Excellence in Marketing’, positioning it amongst Auckland’s most promising enterprises. “What started as a side project with a second-hand machine and a few weekend jobs has become a company that employs people, supports families and plays a visible role in the Auckland construction community,” says Hayden Shaw, the company’s founder and managing director. Hayden established the business in 2021 while serving as a police officer in the Organised Crime Unit, starting with a single 1.7-tonne excavator purchased with personal savings. “I worked back-to-back shifts, starting my day job at 5 a.m. for early morning search warrants, then heading straight to my second job, operating the machine till after dark and on weekends,” explains Hayden. “It was exhausting but that period taught me discipline, grit and how to lead under pressure.” The company has delivered over 100 projects including a complex project for Eke Panuku and SailGP, where Shaw Contracting supplied and installed 30,000 tonnes of aggregate in Auckland’s Viaduct in just four days ahead of race day. Another notable success was a multi-site seawall project in Red Beach, involving collaborating with geotechnical experts, engineering supervision and liaising with council to protect three adjoining cliffside properties from erosion. “We now have clients handing over full site packages - earthworks, retaining, drainage - and asking us to manage everything,” says Hayden. “What surprises me is not that we can deliver it, but how far we have come from those first jobs.” The company’s success stems from its systematic approach to operations, modelled on production-style principles that ensure consistency and scalability. Shaw Contracting has grown its team from one to six staff while maintaining strict operational standards and investing strategically in equipment, including three excavators and a 10-tonne tipper truck. “From the beginning, we modelled our operations on the production-style approach that turned McDonald’s from a burger stand into a global powerhouse,” explains Hayden. “Every part of our delivery model follows clear standard operating procedures.” The firm has also distinguished itself through exceptional customer service in an industry often criticised for poor communication and reliability. Client feedback consistently highlights the company’s professionalism, site cleanliness and clear communication throughout projects. “In an industry known for vague estimates and poor follow-through, we provide detailed quotes, structured communication and a clear customer journey from first contact to completion,” says Hayden. Shaw Contracting currently holds SiteWise Gold and is pursuing Tōtika accreditation to access council contracts and larger commercial opportunities. The company operates under Shaw Group Holdings with three core divisions: contracting, cartage, and carpentry. “We did not just grow. We evolved,” says Hayden. “Every system we built, every person we trained, every risk we took, has brought us here.” call: 021-210-8123 email: rafe@rswilliams.nz website: williamsandassociates.nz Good Advice Builds Great Businesses When Shaw Contracting Services was nominated at this year’s Auckland Business Awards, it was a successful moment — not just for them, but for us too. They came to us looking for a more hands-on accountant, and together we’ve tightened up compliance, clarified the numbers, and built momentum for growth. We keep things simple: fixed pricing, fast turnaround, and advice that actually helps. Whether it’s compliance or strategic planning, we’re here to support ambitious Kiwi businesses. Let’s make your next move count. Compliance Let us handle all your compliance requirements Tax Advice Unsure about something and need tax advice? Advisory Take your business to the next level Cryptocurrency Taxation Do you need help navigating tax on crypto? Proud to support Shaw Contracting Services
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