Author Archives: developer

As we progressed through our Rotokauri Bulk Watermain project we have met a lot of residents around the Pukete area who have been very understanding with our work.

At one stage we were right outside Pukete Kindergarten and were greeted by curious little faces everyday, which even warmed the hearts of some of our ‘toughest’ guys. They mostly took interest in the big excavators working outside their window so we decided to donate a smaller version to their kindy.

Our Operations Manager Steve Eldin and H&S Manager Casey Martin delivered the gift to some extremely excited children!

Ruari (Ru) Hampton joined the Connell Contractors team in January 2017.

Ruari brings over seven years’ of experience within the Civil Engineering profession to Connell Contractors. Five years spent working in Local Government at the Thames Coromandel District Council, initially as an Engineering Cadet, then moving into the role of Water Services Engineer, and two and a half years working for MWH, now part of Stantec, Global Consultants in Hamilton as a Water & Waste Engineer.

“Through working within the public and private sector, I’ve gained a good overview and knowledge of public consultation, client relations, government and industry standards, concept and detailed design, procurement, and management of delivery,” said Ruari.

“Large scale, technical construction attracted me to Civil Contracting, and Connell Contractors has provided the opportunity to grow my knowledge within these areas, while having a good time on big machinery!”

Outside of work, Ruari enjoys playing rugby, surfing, diving, playing music and spending time with his family.

Michael joined the Connell Contractors team in February 2018.

Michael is a Chartered Accountant with 16+ years’ experience in the accounting and commercial space. He has previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Hamilton Airport, Hi-Tech Enviro Systems, and Waikato Milking Systems.

Michael brings experience working across all facets of business including at management and board levels. As well as providing oversight for the financial side of the business, including reporting on how the business is tracking and predicting how it will perform in the future, Michael is also driving the implementation of new accounting system.

According to Michael, the Connell’s team is friendly, approachable, and has a big focus on excellence. “That, along with the different personalities we have within the business, make this a great team to be part of.

“Reputation is really important in the industry in which we operate. Reputation for exceptional quality of work, of employees and advice, and I believe Connell Contractors is a leader in each of these areas.”

Lester immigrated to New Zealand from the UK sixteen years ago. He worked for Tasman Design and Civil for nine years as General Manager prior to moving to Connell Contractors in May 2015.

“I enjoy the fun and professional atmosphere at Connell Contractors.” explains Lester. “The people are great – fun colleagues who know how to work hard and play hard.”

Qualified in Construction Management, Lester spent twelve years working for the multi-national company Lafarge Aggregates, working on major civil projects throughout the UK. Typical projects included major airfield construction at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead and Brize Norton, motorway construction on the M4/M5 networks and maintenance term contracts on military establishments throughout the South West. Lester also has extensive knowledge of live switchyard environments having spent the past ten years working in the power sector.

After arriving in New Zealand Lester became a member of both the Institute of Building Officials and the Institute of Building, where he was a committee member for the Northern Chapter responsible for Building Technology and Practise. Lester was recently appointed a director of Connell Contractors.

Outside of work he enjoys travel, sport bikes, driving his vintage SL and all sports. Lester is married to Tina and “I’m pleased to have played a small part in raising three great kids!”

Valerie (Val) Lim joined the Connell Contractors team in January 2017.

Before joining the Connell Contractors team, Val’s previous work experience included designing infrastructure works of mixed development projects, as well as being the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Erosion and Sedimentation Control aspect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects for the past 9 years.

Val says New Zealand is a beautiful country with amazing scenery and clean fresh air. “The people here are friendly and best of all, I can get fresh produce directly from the garden. I have started planting some herbs, vegetables and fruit trees at our new home – it is wonderful to see the plant grows and harvest them at the end of the day! This is what we do not get back home as we used to stay in a concrete jungle”. said Val. “My family and I like to go for a walk in the park – current favourite is Hamilton Lake.”

The team at Connell Contractors have been very kind and helpful. “It is amazing to see the diversity in the office and how well we could work with each other. I am blessed for the opportunity given and to have the management’s support in beginning my career here. I intend to make good use of my previous work experiences as well as current knowledge, in ensuring successful projects at Connell Contractors.”

Where will your work take you today? What challenges will you face?

New Zealand’s infrastructure industry is booming, and we’re looking for some hard-working and enthusiastic people who love a good challenge and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.

Are you up for the challenge?
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