Top 10 Builders Announced for New Zealand

The BCI Construction League has released the names of New Zealand’s top builders for the first time. The BCI Central report highlights the top 50 builders based on the total value of projects that commenced construction in 2022 in sectors including commercial, community, industrial, legal and military, and multi-residential.

New Zealand’s top 50 builders commenced work on 488 projects in 2022, worth a total of $8.9 billion, with an average project value of $37.3 million. BCI Central’s Chief Data Officer, Michelle Aizenberg, noted that while restrictions lifted in most parts of New Zealand in 2022, the pandemic continued to impact the construction industry, causing delays, cancellations, and the collapse of several firms in the sector. Despite these challenges, New Zealand’s builders are adapting to meet the demands of the commercial and residential market.

Here are the top 10 builders in New Zealand, according to the BCI Central report:

10.        Calder Stewart

Established in 1955, this family-owned national business has a 450-person team delivering projects in the industrial and commercial markets across New Zealand. Calder Stewart specialises in end-to-end property services, design build solutions, manufacturing and construction services. In 2022, they began work on 28 projects, totalling $270.5 million, with an average project value of $9.7 million.

9.         Savory Construction

Founded in 1941, Savory Construction is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most well-established construction firms. The builder quickly shifted from low-density residential to industrial, retail and office developments from the 1950s onwards. Savory Construction has more than 100 staff and capabilities across all sectors. They began work on 15 projects in 2022, totalling $327.4 million, with an average project value of $21.8 million.8.           

8.         CMP Construction

Based in Auckland, 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, taking projects from draft concept to final build. They take on projects between $10 million and $150 million predominantly in the Auckland area. CMP Construction is led by founder Ron Macrae, and has a full-time team of 50 people. In 2022, they began work on 13 projects, totalling $417 million, with an average project value of $32.1 million.

7.         Dominion Constructors

With more than 200 employees and 45 years in the industry, Dominion Constructors has expanded from its beginnings as a concrete structures specialist to operate in commercial construction, building conversions, seismic strengthening and residential sectors across the North and South Island. They began work on 15 projects in 2022, totalling $541.9 million, with an average project value of $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. They began work on 10 projects in 2022, totalling $579.5 million, with an average project value of $58 million.

5.         Leighs Construction

With almost 30 years of experience and over 200 staff, Leighs Construction is an established player in New Zealand’s construction industry, having banked more than $1.1 billion in total projects in 2022. They have a strong focus on sustainability, measuring recycling and disposal content volumes through project life cycles. In 2022, Leighs Construction began work on 9 projects, totalling $584.1 million, with an average project value of $64.9 million. They are experienced in delivering projects across various sectors, from commercial to industrial, and from small-scale developments to large multi-million dollar projects.

4.         Naylor Love

Established in 1910 in Dunedin, Naylor Love is one of New Zealand’s oldest construction firms. With more than 100 projects currently underway 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. In 2022, they began work on 52 projects, totalling $668 million, with an average project value of $12.8 million.

3.         Besix Watpac

After the Christchurch City Council selected the Kōtui team to design and construct the new Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA), BESIX Watpac was redefined as an Australian and New Zealand company. Led by BESIX Watpac, Kōtui will deliver a 30,000 seat covered stadium for hosting major sporting contests and international concerts. They began work on one project in 2022, totalling $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 them to continue to grow and help New Zealand communities thrive. In 2022, they began work on 21 projects, totalling $857.5 million, with an average project value of $40.8 million.

1.         Mansons TCLM

A third-generation family firm, Mansons TCLM operates across all facets of commercial and residential property development, funding and building its own developments. With a firm commitment to sustainability and embracing Green Star Rated buildings, Mansons TCLM recognises the need for New Zealanders to work and live in healthy, efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings. In 2022, they began work on three projects, totalling $857.502 million, with an average project value of $285.8 million.