For the first time, New Zealand’s top builders can be revealed according to the BCI Construction League.
The BCI Central report lists the Top 50 Builders by the total value of projects that commenced construction last year in commercial, community, industrial, legal and military, and multi-residential sectors.
New Zealand’s top 50 builder began work on 488 projects in 2022, to the tune of $8.9 billion, with an average project value of $37.3 million.
BCI Central chief data officer Michelle Aizenberg said just $2000 separated the top two firms.
“While in 2022 restrictions lifted in most parts of New Zealand, the ripples of the pandemic continued to impact the construction industry,” Aizenberg said.
“Shortages and severe cost increases in skilled labour and supplies caused project delays, cancellations and the collapse of numerous companies in the sector.
“Despite the mounting challenges … NZ’s builders are persisting and adapting to meet the unwavering commercial and residential market demands.”
10. Calder Stewart
The family-owned national business was established in 1955 and now has a 450-person team delivering projects in the industrial and commercial markets across New Zealand. Calder Stewart has specialised in end-to-end property services, design build solutions, manufacturing and construction services.
Number of projects: 28
Total Project value ($NZD): $270.5 million
Average project value($NZD): $9.7 million
9. Savory Construction
After more than 80 years in business, Savory Construction is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most well-established construction firms. Sir Reginald Savory founded the business in 1941, which quickly shifted from low-density residential in the post-war era to industrial, retail and office developments from the 1950s onwards. The builder has more than 100 staff and capabilities across all sectors.
Number of projects: 15
Total project value ($NZD): $327.4 million
Average project value ($NZD): $21.8 million
8. CMP Construction
Auckland-based builder CMP Construction has been tackling the commercial sector across New Zealand’s capital for more than 30 years. The privately owned construction company specialises in both commercial and industrial developments with capabilities to take a project from draft concept to final build. They take on projects between $10 million and $150 million predominantly in the Auckland area. Founder Ron Macrae leads a full-time team of 50 people.
Number of projects: 13
Total project value ($NZD): $417 million
Average project value ($NZD): $32.1 million
7. Dominion Constructors
With more than 200 employees and 45 years in the industry, Dominion Constructors has cemented its spot in the top 10. The builder has expanded from its beginnings as a concrete structures specialist to now operate in commercial construction, building conversions, seismic strengthening and residential sectors across the North and South island.
Number of projects: 15
Total project value ($NZD): $541.9 million
Average project value ($NZD): $36.1 million
6. LT McGuinness
LT McGuinness is a third-generation family-owned construction company with more than 350 staff. The 70-year-old company has taken on construction projects ranging from $20,000 to more than $150 million across multi-residential, commercial and precinct-wide developments. The builder is a proponent of early contractor involvement, which they say delivers improved outcomes.
Number of projects: 10
Total project value ($NZD): $579.5 million
Average project value ($NZD): $58 million
5. Leighs Construction
Banking more than $1.1 billion in total projects in 2022, Leighs Construction is a builder that has hit its straps. They are not a new player with almost 30 years in the industry and more than 200 staff. Leighs Construction has a strong sustainability focus measuring recycling and disposal content volumes through project life cycles.
Number of projects: 9
Total project value ($NZD): $584.1 million
Average project value ($NZD): $64.9 million
4. Naylor Love
Founded in 1910 in Dunedin, Naylor Love is one of New Zealand’s oldest construction firms. The builder has more than 100 jobs on the books presently across the country and about 900 staff. Naylor Love specialises in adaptive reuse, engineered timber, seismic strengthening, design and build, and heritage across most sectors.
Number of projects: 52
Total project value ($NZD): $668 million
Average project value ($NZD): $12.8 million
3. Besix Watpac
BESIX Watpac has been redefined as an Australian and New Zealand company after the Christchurch City Council selected the Kōtui team to design and construct the new Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA), the final anchor project in the revival of Christchurch. Led by BESIX Watpac, Kōtui will deliver a 30,000 seat covered stadium for hosting major sporting contests and international concerts.
Number of projects: 1
Total project value ($NZD): $683 million
Average project value ($NZD): $683 million
2. Hawkins
Founded in 1946, Hawkins Construction is building the schools, hospitals, airports and universities shaping New Zealand’s skyline. From humble Waikato origins, Hawkins projects now span the length of New Zealand. In 2017 Hawkins became part of the Downer family, allowing Hawkins to continue to grow and help New Zealand communities thrive.
Number of projects: 21
Total project value ($NZD): $857.5 million
Average project value ($NZD): $40.8 million
1. Mansons TCLM
Mansons TCLM is a third-generation family firm. Mansons TCLM operates across all facets of commercial and residential property development, and both funds and builds its own developments. Mansons TCLM has a firm commitment to sustainability, embracing Green Star Rated buildings and the need for New Zealanders to work and live in healthy, efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings.
Number of projects: 3
Total project value ($NZD): $857.502 million
Average project value ($NZD): $285.8 million
The BCI Construction League, in partnership with The Urban Developer, ranks builders and builder-developers by the total value of projects that commenced construction in 2022.
Check out New Zealand’s top 50 construction firms, here.
