50 | CONTRACTING Base Contracting Kim Bowden Diverse tasks for contracting crew Base Contracting is also an approved contractor for both the Central Otago District Council and the Queenstown Lakes District Council. A Southern Lakes civil contractor has a clear mantra for the way it does business: Do it once, do it right, for a fair price. Covering projects across the rapidly developing communities of Queenstown, Wānaka, and Cromwell, Base Contracting keeps its crew of 55 busy with a diverse range of work. The company specialises in bulk earthworks, drainage and general subdivision work, collaborating with developers at Hanleys Farm, Park Ridge, Parkins Bay, as well as on higher-end, one-off residential projects. In winter, part of the team switches gear to tackle snow clearing on the Remarkables access road, keeping it open for skiers. Beyond snow, Base Contracting has taken on other unique and technically demanding ski field projects, navigating steep, rugged terrain in the process. In July 2024, Scott Sutherland took over the reins as general manager, overseeing day-today operations, finances, staff organisation, and business development. Scott likens the company to a familiar, dependable brand: “I like to think that doing business with us is like buying a Toyota. You know what you get. It’s safe and reliable,” he says. “We get you from the start of the job to the end with no dramas in between. We like to think we’re the contractor of choice for many in the region.” Base Contracting is also an approved contractor for both the Central Otago District Council and the Queenstown Lakes District Council. The company runs predominantly Mercedes trucks, alongside Komatsu excavators, loaders, rollers, and a range of small plant and utilities. “All of our graders, excavators and bulldozers are fitted with GPS machine control,” Scott says. “It really takes us into the new age and it works seamlessly. Plus, we get great support from Komatsu, which makes a big difference out in the field.” Operating in the stunning and environmentally sensitive Southern Lakes region brings its own set of challenges, and Scott says environmental management is now “a big part” of the job, requiring close collaboration with consenting authorities. “It’s pretty rigorous, and it takes a lot of time and effort to manage, but we must get it right,” he says. Up on the Remarkables, the crew also works closely with NZSki and the Department of Conservation to tread carefully around everything from insects to tussocks. When it comes to staff culture, Scott admits it’s “a funny one - how do you measure it?” For him, the key indicators are attrition rates and longevity – the average tenure is around eight to nine years, and several of the original crew have been with the company for 17-plus years. “We just keep it simple, really, don’t over think it,” he says. “We look after the team, we make sure they’ve got the right tools and quality gear, and we don’t hold back on training.” Base Contracting is very much a local company that supports local. The business gives back via organisations such as the Wakatipu Rowing Club, the Wakatipu High School Foundation, and Cromwell Junior Rugby. “A real part of the business is supporting the community,” Scott says. He himself volunteers as a fireman, alongside four other staff members, all serving in local brigades in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Frankton and Cromwell. A variety of modern earthmoving equipment equipped with machine GPS systems, capable of handling a broad spectrum of earthworks Specialized water reservoirs and access roads designed to support and enhance horticulture and viticulture operations Reliable suppliers of gravel, landscaping rock, and topsoil, with full cartage services included Reliable transportation for all types of machinery and equipment JOHN - 027 273 2480 JOHNNY - 027 696 6758 WWW.CONTRAXCENTRAL.CO.NZ Otago Laboratory | 027 6565 231 | joe@geocivil.co.nz NIGEL MCKINLAY 63 BIRCHALLS LN, LOWBURN, CROMWELL • NIGEL@CENTRALDRAINLAYING.CO.NZ • 022 340 1060 SUBDIVISION CONSTRUCTION · UNDERGROUND UTILITIES · CIVIL DRAINLAYING ELECTROFUSION PE WELDING · POTABLE WATER RETICULATION INCLUDING TESTING & CHLORINATION · SANITARY SEWER · STORMWATER SEPTIC TANK & LIFESTYLE SEPTIC SYSTEMS · EFFLUENT DESIGN · PUMP STATIONS CONFINED SPACE ENTRY · CONSTRUCTION / MAINTENANCE OF ALL COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC DRAINAGE & POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS CERTIFIED DRAINLAYERS | NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN WATER RETICULATION | APPROVED CONTRACTOR FOR MORTON PROPERTY GROUP Ph: 03 445 0824 147 McNulty Road, Cromwell Freephone: 0800 10 10 56
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