56 | Builders who understand farming Duncan has built Duncan Wills Builders into a business that has become a trusted partner for rural clients. Farmers need builders who understand the realities of rural life, and for Reporoa based Duncan Wills, that understanding comes from experience as much as expertise. Growing up in the country and surrounded by farming, Duncan has built Duncan Wills Builders into a business that has become a trusted partner for rural clients across the Rotorua and Reporoa districts. From New homes, house extensions and alterations to cowshed extensions and effluent systems, pole sheds, fencing projects, as well as farmhouse maintenance, the company works alongside and understands the farmer’s needs. “I’ve grown up on a dairy farm, and I now have two brothers who are dairy farmers, and I’ve always had that connection with the industry,” Duncan says. “We understand what farmers need because we’ve lived it ourselves.” That practical knowledge has proven valuable as farming regulations and infrastructure have evolved. He established Duncan Wills Builders in 2008 during the Global Financial Crisis, a challenging time to launch any business. Determined to strengthen his skills, he also completed a year of Building Science at university before deciding his future belonged on the tools rather than behind a desk. “Still my university experience really helped with the administration side of the business. RURAL SERVICES » Duncan Wills Builders Not just residential building... From milking, implement and pole sheds to effluent systems, feed pads & bunkers, and vat silo stands. Trust the builder with extensive rural build experience. Kelly Deeks Builders often enjoy being outside, but quoting, paperwork and communication are just as important.” Duncan believes those relationships are especially valuable in rural communities, where trust is earned over time. His team tackles a wide variety of work. Recently they completed duplex housing at Te Toke Marae in Reporoa. While a strong dairy payout has created optimism, Duncan says many farmers are still taking a cautious approach to spending. “Many are putting extra money back into their loans rather than major building projects, and we’re also seeing an escalating investment in technology like Halter.” Like many rural businesses, recruiting and retaining staff remains one of Duncan’s biggest challenges. He says finding apprentices with the right attitude is becoming increasingly difficult, reinforcing the value of maintaining a close-knit team. “We’re a small team and that suits us. Everyone knows each other, communication is easy, and we can focus on producing quality work. For Duncan, helping farmers is about much more than constructing buildings. It is about delivering practical solutions that stand the test of time, backed by local knowledge, clear communication, and an understanding of rural life that cannot be learned from a textbook. OU R DOR S E T DOWN R AMS W I L L PROV I DE : - Genetics with exceptional growth - Well muscled and great eating lambs - Strong lambs with thick skin that survive and thrive - Good framed lambs to pack lots of meat on Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke 027 450 9398 06 374 8857 anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road, Dannevirke 027 306 2369 06 374 2861 gwphilip@hotmail.com Our ock is accredited brucellosis free and all rams are palpated and vetted prior to sale.
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