| 49 T T Alexia Anderson Cleaner streets, and safer excavations Ezi Sweep now employs 20 staff and runs a specialist fleet serving Nelson, Tasman, and beyond. Ezi Sweep CONTRACTING Early morning starts and quiet observations were the catalyst for the development of one of the Top of the South’s most trusted sweeping and hydrovac operations. Founded in 1985 by Hedley Brewerton, Ezi Sweep now employs 20 staff and runs a specialist fleet serving Nelson, Tasman, and beyond. The idea began on Hedley’s daily 5am commute. “I’d often see a small sweeper cleaning the kerb and channel, and I realised a part-time sweeping business could be financially viable,” he says. He bought Nelson Sweeping Services, then a single-machine, eight-hours-a-week operation. With a young family and a vision for the future, Hedley recognised the opportunity to build a family company. He spent those early years doing everything – operating the sweeper, managing the books, invoicing, and maintenance, all while trying to stay present at home. “Balancing the business and family life was one of the toughest challenges,” he says. A breakthrough came in 1987. While sweeping Queen Street, Richmond, Hedley was approached by the Tasman District Council to see if he could take on kerb and channel sweeping across Richmond. His answer was a straightforward “Yes,” which was met with a confident, “Go for it.” Soon after that, Nelson City Council mentioned they would rely on contractors in the future. “That surge in demand and confidence in future growth pushed me to invest in a new $50,000 Tennant machine – our first major upgrade,” Hedley says. Today, Ezi Sweep operates an extensive and varied fleet, from commercial scrubbers, CBD sweepers, to truck-mounted hydrovac units and road sweepers – all selected for precision, efficiency, and reliability in the field. Hydrovac and sweeping remain the region’s most in-demand services, driven by the civil industry’s shift towards safer, non-destructive excavation. “Over the past five years, hydrovac work has grown significantly,” Hedley says. Behind the company’s specialist equipment is a long-serving, highly skilled team, which operates across Nelson, Tasman, and the Top of the South. “We’re humbled to have 20 dedicated staff, who live and breathe our values every day,” Hedley says. “Our competition has similar machinery, but our people set us apart.” Staff training centres on technical skills and core values: humility, teamwork, commitment, and integrity. Operators are taught to “think like an owner” and take full ownership of their work. That mindset shows in the field. Leighton, Ezi Sweep’s operations manager, recalls a recent job at Gardens of the World when operator, James, not only completed the machine work, but rolled up his sleeves to help with the labour too. The client’s feedback said it all: “James is a legend – that man deserves a raise.” Safety and environmental responsibility are central to the operation. Ezi Sweep follows strict protocols, completes regular team training, and holds a Sitewise Gold Certificate, reflecting the consistent commitment to high standards. The company’s long-standing presence in Nelson and the Tasman region has also built strong community ties. Ezi Sweep supports local charities and events, which has strengthened customer loyalty and brand recognition. Looking ahead, Ezi Sweep sees strong potential for hydrovac applications outside civil work. Hedley calls it a “game-changer” for builders, landscapers, and architects. The method is ideal for post-hole digging, retaining walls, and other precision excavation where minimal ground disturbance is crucial. With strong values, dependable people, and decades of experience, Ezi Sweep is set to support the region’s growth for years to come. BUSES RACE CARS KITCHEN JOINERY TRUCKS DIGGERS CARS BOATS CARAVANS PROFESSIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SPRAYING Darrin Thomason 027 475 2501 thomasoncontracting15@gmail.com
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