| 59 Dawson Electrical CONTRACTING T T Russell Fredric Weather drives demand Top Quality Builders for Top Quality Homes Residential Building and Construction Renovations and Extensions | Project Management Fencing Solutions | Concrete Work (driveways, patios, foundations etc..) | Decking and outdoor living areas General Building and Maintenance Proudly working alongside Dawson Electrical 2025 Ltd 028 417 9107 chris@crbuilding.co.nz Demand for heat pumps, solar installations and day-to-day electrical work is keeping Dawson Electrical moving at a brisk pace. Owned by Nathan and Adrienne Dawson, the Invercargill-based business has grown steadily since launching in 2017, with a workload that spans residential jobs, builder-led projects, and renewable-energy solutions. Heat pumps, in particular, have kept the team busy in the lead-up to winter, including last-minute seasonal demand from home- owners. Alongside general electrical, the team is taking on more ducted heat pump systems, hot water heat pumps and solar installations, as customers look to manage power use and long-term costs. Dawson Electrical recommends and installs predominantly Mitsubishi heat pumps. Interest in solar has lifted sharply, driven by rising power prices, with last year’s October wind storm prompting homeowners to look for greater control over their own supply and backup options. “People are wanting a little bit more of their own independence, but not only that, power is going up like everything, so people are thinking, well, how can they subsidise their power bill,” says Nathan. Dawson Electrical’s commitment to its customers was recognised with the 2023 New Zealand Trade Group Emerging Business Award, an achievement that came as a surprise to Nathan and Adrienne, who were unaware the business had been put forward. “It was pretty humbling really. You don’t always realise it at the time, but it shows the hard work Adrienne and I have put in,” says Nathan. Support from New Zealand Trade Group has also played a significant role in how the business operates. The group is built around the idea that electricians perform best when they have the right systems, support, and industry connections behind them, providing job- management tools, improved buying power, business support, training, and a wider network of contractors. For Dawson Electrical that support has translated into practical gains. Quoting, which once took several hours, can now be completed far more efficiently using the group’s shared systems and software. “It’s been a lifesaver really, especially with the software,” says Nathan. “Before, we’d be up at night doing quotes that could take four or five hours. Now we can get them done in under an hour.” The network also provides backup when needed, from sharing knowledge to connecting customers with trusted electricians in other parts of New Zealand. Alongside service, honesty around timelines, product recommendations and repairs has been central to the business. This includes carrying out repairs where possible, particularly with heat pumps to suit customers’ needs and budgets. “If something can be repaired and get them going for a couple more years, that’s what we’ll do,” Nathan says. That approach feeds into word-of-mouth referrals, which remain valuable in Southland, alongside relationships with trade partners. “Without our customers, we wouldn’t be where we are today. They keep recommending us, and that’s what keeps it all ticking along.” Behind the scenes, Adrienne supports administration, Health & Safety, and customer communication alongside a small office team. That structure allows Nathan to stay focused on site work, while keeping on top of quoting and planning. Apprentice training is a key part of the business, with apprentices coming through Skills Trade Training (formerly ETCO), supported on the job while gaining real-world experience. Dawson Electrical’s commitment to its customers was recognised with the 2023 New Zealand Trade Group Emerging Business Award.
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