82 | Creativity with concrete Wallen Concreting has built a reputation for excellence. CONTRACTING Wallen Concreting T T Sue Russell Lawn & Turf Contracting Expertise in turf care T T Sue Russell For the Wallen family, concrete isn’t just a trade – it’s a way of life. The Papakura-based business has been built on more than four decades of dedication, beginning when patriarch Martial Wallen first picked up the tools at just 15 years old. Now 56, Martial is still on the tools most days, while the next generation is stepping up. “Two of our three sons, Jake and Sam, work full-time in the business, and both their partners are involved too. It’s a real family affair,” says Martial’s wife, Jodie Wallen. Eldest son Jake now leads operations, with Sam close behind, while Martial continues concrete laying, and Jodie supports the business both on-site and in the office. Wallen Concreting works across residential, commercial, and civil projects, but Jodie says their passion lies in full residential contracts. “We’ve developed some wonderful client relationships through these projects. “The creative challenges, like forming concrete stairs, nib walls and architectural features, are what we really enjoy. That’s where our skills shine.” Concrete flooring has also surged in popularity. Wallen Concreting specialises in laying the perfect base for polished floors, ensuring the surface is ready for a flawless grind once the concrete has cured. nlike many trades that Led by Mike and Debbie Glasson,Waikato-based Lawn & Turf Contracting Ltd offers an array of services and expertise in the development and maintenance of lawns, artificial turfs, hydroseeding and irrigation work, servicing the residential, commercial and civil works sectors. Situated at Ohaupo, just south of Hamilton, the business is in an ideal location to work across the greater Waikato region. Mike’s professional background is in green-keeping, with qualifications and experience gained both here and overseas. Established in 2006, Lawn & Turf Contracting Ltd sprang from these skills, and over the ensuing years, the business has evolved and now has several strings to its bow. “These days, we offer the full package of lawn care, from earthworks, laying a lawn or turf surface and providing ongoing regular maintenance to keep them in tip-top order. It’s amazing the difference a well-maintained surface makes,” says Debbie. “It says something about how much people care about their environment.” With the quieter time through the winter months, it was a chance for the couple to draw breath, and undertake routine maintenance are moving toward automation, concreting remains firmly hands-on. “AI can’t take this over,” says Jodie. “Every job is different and requires a creative eye. It’s highly skilled work, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.” Sustainability is shaping the future of concrete worldwide. Traditional Portland Cement has recently been modified with a 15% raw limestone substitution, creating Type 1L or PLC (Portland limestone cement) to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Jodie says the sector is still adjusting to this. “The effects of this new cement are still being studied. What’s important is open communication between producers, manufacturers and contractors to make sure it works long-term. Concrete is the most widely used man-made product in the world, so we need to get it right.” And despite advances in technology, concreting is still a skill-based, hands-on trade, with every project unique. Wallen Concreting has built a reputation for excellence, which was recognised in 2023 when the company took out both their Category Award and the coveted Supreme Award at the New Zealand Concrete Contractors Awards. “Our craftsmanship really came to the fore on that Whitford property. It was wonderful to have that recognition from within the industry,” Jodie says. of equipment before looking forward to work picking up in the spring. “Autumn is a busy time for us, as it is the best time for sowing, followed by spring. Fertilising and maintenance of surfaces takes place all year round, so there’s a nice rhythm to our year, which we enjoy,” Mike adds. He says his experiences working internationally on golf courses around the world, led him to realise there were opportunities at the higher-end of the market for lawn and turf surface development, across the residential and commercial sectors. Since making the decision to expand into these activities, Mike says he hasn’t looked back. A priority for both Debbie and Mike is to look after their team and to steer the ship in the governance space, ensuring there are good projects lined up, and to grow the business by referral and opportunity. “We’re like a big family here, so it’s incredibly important to us that everyone who works in this business feels valued and able to contribute – that leads to the best outcomes,” Mike says. Mike says having capability in earth-moving and irrigation go hand-in-hand with many of the projects he takes on. “We often work in new subdivisions, or when new retirement villages and the like are constructed.” Lawn & Turf Contracting Ltd offers an array of services and expertise We are a concreting company which specialise in exposed, ordinary and coloured concrete house floors, driveways, terraces, patios, shed floors, swimmimg pool surrounds, exposed concrete and concrete poured for grinding. We also specialise in pouring and finishing commercial factory floors and aprons. We are also experienced in creative concrete you can trust – from sleek stairs and nib walls to stunning retaining walls for high-end landscaping. wallenconcreting.co.nz A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE For All your Hydroseeding, Lawn Care, Irrigation, Artificial Turf and Section Development Requirements.
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