Building a Proud Legacy
From humble beginnings draining Opotiki’s boggy farmlands with one dragline in 1957, Waiotahi has grown to become the trusted name in Civil Construction, Quarrying, Sheetpiling and Trucking. Our 150-strong team continues to build upon our legacy every day, by delivering with quality and innovation every time.
Waiotahi people live to shape the world they live in. From the moment they wake, they are driven by a desire to leave a legacy for the next generation.
This is their passion. This is their calling.
They stand out from the crowd, because they build proud.
They love their region. They love their work. They love being a valuable member of a winning team.
That’s why they work for a company with a proud track record spanning nearly 65 years.
They believe in getting it right first time. And they always do. Because everything they do is BUILT PROUD.
1957 Company Started
Waiotahi Dragline Company Ltd founded by the Bennett brothers in 1957 to operate a Smith Dragline in the Opotiki area.
1968 – 1970
Purchased one of the first Priestman Beaver hydraulic excavators in 1968.
Developed the largest fleet of hydraulic excavators in the country.
1972
Renamed Waiotahi Contractors Ltd.
Purchased Evan Evans business in Tauranga.
Purchased Bay Bulldozing in Whakatane.
1982
Acquired metal pit at Taneatua.
Began offering trucking services.
1994
Gained ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification.
1999
Company restructured.
2000
Blue Rock Quarry expanded.
2010
Started the development of Ratahi Quarry.
2015
Purchased W H Kelly in Tauranga.
2017
Winners of Category 1B of the CCNZ Construction Excellence Awards for Aniwhenua Headpond Remediation Project.
2018
Gained ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification.
2020
Succession of business by the six sons of Richard Claydon and Robbie Petersen.
2021
Gained ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management System Certification.
