Our House Builders and Commercial Construction Team

Whare kaiwaihanga tīma

Whether they’re commercial construction specialists, house builders or support staff, our people are the most valuable asset in our company. They are part of our family, as are their families and the wider community that supports us.

Even in a short space of time, through our people, we’ve demonstrated our capability to deliver builds on time, to specification and to budget. We have the right mix of experience and youthful exuberance to deliver any project, from a first home to an industrial structure.

The same applies for our external contractors and trade partners, who are also part of our extended family. We work with the best people, people who share our drive for professionalism, superior workmanship and quality results. Come and meet our family below.

Management Personnel

Paul Banister

Director

Paul is a strong and focused individual with the drive and enthusiasm to ensure PGC Constructors Limited becomes the partner of choice for our valued clients. Paul prides himself on being a fair and approachable leader, and his key focus is improving outcomes for our people.

Paul has extensive work experience across New Zealand, growing up and learning his trade in Hawkes Bay before chasing valuable experience in Christchurch as part of the earthquake recovery. Paul also has extensive experience in Australia, around the Pacific Islands, and in US overseas territories, including Guam and American Samoa.

Some of Paul’s key achievements include working with communities across the Pacific to deliver key community infrastructure, such as in Kiribati, where Paul played a pivotal role in delivering an island wide road rehabilitation project, improving the lives of the 63,000 residents of Tarawa, Kiribati, in partnership with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Australian Aid. Paul’s proudest career moment is working intimately with the community of Leone in American Samoa to rebuild their critical bridge link to the capital of Pago Pago after the devastating tsunami in 2009.

Paul’s practical knowledge and experience of procurement and contracts allow him to effectively identify and subsequently put in place robust risk mitigation strategies that can be effectively and proactively managed. Paul’s personable nature has also allowed him to develop and retain relationships with people from across the spectrum of the construction industry.

Graham Scarfe, Director

Graham Scarfe

Director

Graham is the cornerstone of PGC Constructors Limited, and as the leader and trainer of our bright and industrious people, he acts as the Kaumatua with the mana to guide and lead our people to improve their outcomes. With over 49 years in the construction industry, delivering some of the largest projects Hawke’s Bay has ever had to offer, his experience and knowledge are second to none.

One of Graham’s proudest career moments was the end-to-end construction of the Wharerangi Manahau Marae during 2020 and 2021, with which Graham had a pivotal role. Graham has also been an integral part of the completion of Hawke’s Bay Airport’s Terminal Redevelopment, including overseeing the Cultural Overlay project, which was designed by Jacob Scott.

Outside of work, Graham has been heavily involved in the community and was recently honoured as a life member of Tamatea Rugby Club in recognition of his involvement with the club over a number of years. He was also an international softball umpire between 1980 and 1990 and has sponsored many community-based organisations and initiatives.

Nick McCann

General Manager - Construction

With over two decades of dedicated industry experience, Nick joins PGC as the General Manager of Construction. Originally from Hawkes Bay, Nick refined his skills through education and hands-on experience throughout the North Island, cultivating a deep-rooted understanding of the regional construction landscape.

Nick’s career is characterised by a comprehensive grasp of construction systems and operations, acquired through practical involvement across all facets of the sector. His expertise ranges from his beginnings as an apprentice and foreman, progressing through site and project management to his current role as General Manager – construction. Nick possesses a strong understanding of resource allocation and regulatory compliance, ensuring seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

Beyond the office, Nick cherishes family moments, particularly at the beach. His commitment extends to nurturing his four daughters’ aspirations, actively supporting their pursuits in life.

With his robust industry acumen and unwavering dedication to both professional excellence and familial bonds, Nick embodies PGC’s commitment to excellence and community engagement. As General Manager, he is looks forward to leading PGC towards continued growth and innovation in the construction sector.

Richard Walford, People & Cultural Liaison

Richard Walford

People & Cultural Liaison

Ko Hikurangi te maunga

Ko Waiapu te awa

Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi

Ko Heretaunga tōku kainga

Ko Richard Walford taku ingoa

Clear, effective communication is one of the key hallmarks of a successful business, and Richard has instilled this in PGC to foster the business, our people and our clients. As a kaiwhakahaere (manager) and tautoko (support), he has guided people to achieve many goals in work and life. Additionally, his extensive skills and experience across management disciplines support these approaches to ensure our business and people flourish.

Richard has a strong ability to plan and organise, with attention to detail in management systems and projects, along with considerable experience in leadership, coaching and mentoring. Richard prides himself on his ability to adapt to change, self-manage and maintain a high level of motivation.

Richard’s values align closely with PGC Constructors Limited’s philosophy regarding the importance of our people. People are at the centre of everything we do, and Richard’s role ensures our people are happy in their work and feel fulfilled at all times. This aligns closely with Richard’s personal motto of Mauria te pono – ‘believe in oneself.’

Rachel Newland

Bid Manager

 

Ko Whakapunake tōku maunga
Ko Te Wairoa Hōpūpū Hōnengenenge Mātangi Rau tōku awa
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu tōku hapū
Ko Ngāti Porou tōku iwi
Ko Rachel Laws taku ingoa.

Born and raised in Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, Rachel brings over 15 years of extensive experience in bid management to the table. After a decade of refining her skills in the construction industry throughout Australia and Auckland, she returned home with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

As a versatile and creative professional, Rachel seamlessly combines her keen eye for organisation and management with a genuine passion for overseeing projects with meticulous attention to detail.

Rachel brings an expertise in managing complex Public Private Partnerships (PPP), a thorough understanding of tender structures and a commitment to meeting timelines and compliance requirements. As a closer finisher, she takes pride in overseeing the submission process, ensuring each project meets the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

Kurt Chambers, Project Manager

Kurt Chambers

Project Manager

Kurt has been a builder since 2009, learning and improving himself through a multitude of projects, from residential new builds and alterations to light commercial projects. With his ability to organise contractors, materials and labour, he has made the step into project management and is developing his skills. With a strong family mindset to keep him grounded and driven, he enjoys all new challenges.

Throughout Kurt’s 12 years of experience as a commercial and house builder, he has developed key relationships with our suppliers and subcontractors, which helps us achieve a high-level product delivered on time. He was born and raised in Clive, has a strong handle on local values and carries a strong understanding of the Hawke’s Bay Trade.

Kurt has a strong passion for rugby, he has played, coached and managed at the senior level since 2009. He has found success in leading his current team to a couple of championships, accumulating a few trophies and awards along the way. His two sons are enjoying following in his footsteps, and he hopes to continue supporting them and the game into the future.

Henare Cherrington, Project Manager

Henare Cherrington

Project Manager

He aha te mea nui o te ao, He tāngata

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu rāua ko Ngati Hine nga iwi

Ko Omāhu rāua ko Ōtiria nga marae

Ko Henare Cherrington au

Henare believes in the value and development of people and fosters a culture where people help others to develop and grow. He has a mixed set of construction skills and experience and joined PGC to progress his career within the construction industry.

Henare is a highly qualified professional and a Licenced Building Practitioner in Carpentry (LBP Carp). He also has a diploma in Computer Aided Design (architectural), a certificate in Adult/Tertiary Teaching, and a degree in Building Science majoring in Project Management and Sustainable Engineering Systems.

His work experience includes time as a builder, architectural designer, construction/design tutor, and trade student support and admin. Henare values a culture of mutual trust where everyone looks out for each other to get jobs done right. He also believes in transparent communication, personal accountability, appropriate levels of seriousness, and seeking experienced advice to get the desired outcomes.

Vicki King

Project Administrator

With over 20 years of experience in trade sales and communication, Vicki King brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, negotiate effectively, and drive sales growth in competitive markets. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the industry and its dynamics, allowing her to identify opportunities and develop strategic solutions to meet the needs of both clients and the business.

Vicki is currently working towards earning a Diploma in Quantity Surveying, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in the field. This commitment to continuous learning reflects her dedication to personal and professional development. Vicki demonstrates strong organisational skills, overseeing projects from inception to completion and effectively coordinating resources to meet deadlines and deliver results.

Willie Lemalu

Healthy and Safety Officer

Willie has experience and expertise in health and safety within high-risk environments such as the mining sector and major hazard facilities. His previous roles at Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd and Rio Tinto Iron Ore demonstrate his ability to effectively oversee operations, manage critical activities and lead safety initiatives.

His experience as a Safe Work Systems Coordinator and Safety Representative highlights his proficiency in ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, conducting hazard identification, and implementing safety measures. He complements this with his background as a Peer Support Officer, showing his dedication to the well-being of colleagues and ensuring they remain mentally and emotionally able to perform their tasks safely.

Willie has also been involved in training initiatives within previous roles and in the not-for-profit sector, underscoring his commitment to promoting safety awareness and cultural sensitivity in the workplace. His ability to build rapport with individuals at all levels, from CEOs to frontline workers, is a valuable asset in fostering a safety-conscious culture and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Willie’s focus on the Zero Harm safety objective, coupled with his experience in fault reporting, incident investigation, toolbox meetings, and attending H&S meetings, demonstrates his comprehensive approach to safety management and continuous improvement.

Nathan Scarfe, Site Manager

Nathan Scarfe

Site Manager

Nathan’s extensive carpentry skills are matched by his ability to get the best out of our people. He is a proven and effective leader and has a strong track record of delivering projects for our clients on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.

Nathan takes exceptional pride in his work and is often our go-to man when it comes to projects that require a strong eye for detail. This has been demonstrated in recent times by his installation work on the Hawke’s Bay Airport’s Cultural Overlay project, installing in excess of 160 carved plywood art works, producing outstanding results.

Outside of work, Nathan is a keen outdoorsman and can often be found deep in the bush, hunting or fishing, or spending time with whanau, doting on his two young daughters.

Rhys Scarfe, Site Manager

Rhys Scarfe

Site Manager

Rhys completed his apprenticeship, progressed to become a qualified carpenter with G.A. Scarfe Builders, and is now a Site Manager for PGC Constructors. He has gained extensive knowledge and experience in the construction industry from working on many sites and projects over the last 20 years. Known for his likeable personality, he has formed many networks across the industry, which aids efficiency on each project.

Attending Flaxmere College and playing for the Tamatea Rugby Club under the Tamatea Arikinui allowed Rhys to follow his family members into a pathway for rugby. In his social and private life, he and his young family enjoy outdoor adventures, hunting, fishing and four-wheel driving activities.

Rhys believes in helping people to work hard and achieve their goals. He does this by showing and teaching people how to learn and progress in the industry while continually seeking quality and excellence along the way. He is always willing to help anyone who needs assistance.

Ross Findlay

Site Manager

Ross began his extensive construction career after completing his apprenticeship in 1998 with Fletcher Construction in Palmerston North. He gained experience and developed his construction skills, which led him to his first supervisory role with another Palmerston North construction company, completing a major community project.

From here, he established his reputation to deliver more extensive projects such as multi-story business sites, apartment blocks, coolstores, and packhouses in Palmerston North and in the flourishing kiwifruit industry in Tauranga. On these projects, he assumed senior site supervisory roles.

During his busy career, Ross also pursued many sporting activities with success. Starting young, he moved through soccer and basketball before settling on softball, where he achieved honours as an age group representative up to the senior premier national league, based in the highly competitive Wellington and Hutt Valley competitions.

He still comments on the honour of playing alongside the well-known national softball legends of the time. After retiring from softball, his sporting and industry networks led him to Hawke’s Bay and PGC Constructors. Here, he feels right at home with the company’s family values, which fit with his deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Paul Chapman

Site Manager

Paul began his career in the building industry after college and completed his apprenticeship in 1993. Following this, he worked as an independent builder with his father, who owned a portable sawmill.

In the late 1990s, Paul joined a Wanganui construction firm, where he worked as a foreman, progressing to project manager, then operations manager. During this period, he also took on the Platinum Homes franchise for the Wanganui and Wellington areas.

Paul spent time in Christchurch after the earthquakes, accessing both residential and light commercial buildings for damage and preparing the costs for rebuilding. He has built a range of commercial buildings, including high security prisons, dairy factories, schools, rotary cowsheds and others.

His most rewarding projects have been the earthquake strengthening of heritage buildings, for which he earned national recognition at the NZ Building Awards. He also received a NZ silver award for the new build of the Wanganui Collegiate administration building.

Shaun Hodson

Site Manager

Shaun’s career journey within the construction industry spans over 30 years, beginning with his apprenticeship after leaving school. His roots in Hawkes Bay, where he completed his apprenticeship, provided the foundation for his subsequent international experiences. Shaun ventured abroad to the UK and Australia, gaining valuable insights and expertise in construction. Notably, he spent time working in the gold mines of the Northern Territory, broadening his understanding of various facets of the industry.

Returning home, Shaun established his own contracting business, initially undertaking both residential and commercial construction projects. However, over the past decade, he transitioned primarily to residential building, focusing on high-end spec homes and property development alongside his wife. This shift reflects Shaun’s adaptability and strategic decision-making, as he capitalized on emerging opportunities in the market.

Shaun’s commitment to excellence is evident in his work ethic and attention to detail. He takes immense pride in delivering projects of exceptional quality, earning him a reputation for excellence within the local construction community. His extensive technical knowledge and leadership skills make him a valuable addition to PGC Constructors, where he now serves as a site manager. In this role, Shaun brings his wealth of experience to bear, ensuring the successful execution of high-quality construction projects. His dedication to craftsmanship and reputation for excellence will undoubtedly contribute to PGC Constructors’ continued success.

Charlie Turi

Site Manager

Charlie started his career in construction on a building site after leaving high school in 1983, working as a labourer with a family company. He completed his apprenticeship, then progressed his career working as a foreman. For the next 20 years, he gained invaluable experience in the building industry and is now a highly skilled site manager.

Charlie has worked for several different companies on residential, commercial and industrial projects. This gave him the opportunity to take on supervisory roles and gain considerable experience in the organisation of construction projects.

In his new role as Site Manager for PGC Constructors, he embraces the challenge of delivering new construction projects to the highest standards.

He has also been involved with many sporting organisations, including martial arts, soccer, the National Service Club, and playing on adjunct teams in darts, pool, snooker and outdoor bowls.

Graham Junior Scarfe

Site Manager

Graham, a seasoned professional with 20 years of industry experience, he has been a key asset to PGC since joining the company in 2023. With his Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) certification earned in 2021, Graham has consistently demonstrated his expertise and leadership in his role as a site manager.

One of the defining projects of Graham’s career was the Wharerangi Manahau Marae, where he played a pivotal role as the site manager. His hands-on approach throughout the 2020-2021 build ensured the project’s success and showcased his dedication and organizational skills. Graham is known for his strong leadership, ability to maintain high team morale, and commitment to delivering quality results on every worksite.

Outside of work, Graham is an avid pig hunter and rugby enthusiast. He takes great pride in his accomplishments in the field and is a dedicated supporter of YMP.

Harvey Jefferies

Yard & Logistics Coordinator

Harvey is a seasoned logistics professional dedicated to ensuring seamless operations for his company across Hawkes Bay and beyond. With a knack for timely delivery of products and materials, Harvey takes pride in meeting site requirements promptly and efficiently. His responsibilities extend to managing the maintenance and compliance of fleet vehicles and plant machinery, guaranteeing they are always ready for action.

In addition to overseeing inbound goods to the PGC Yard and dispatching materials as needed, Harvey is our go-to person for any logistical challenge within the company. Originally hailing from Bay of Plenty, he now proudly support the Magpies, the esteemed Bay Champs.

Having ventured to Australia in his youth, Harvey gained valuable experience in hospitality and construction before returning to the greater Auckland area. With over three decades of expertise in building, construction, timber manufacturing, and supply, Harvey brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.

Having made Hawkes Bay his home, Harvey has developed a deep affection for the region and all it offers, from its picturesque landscapes to its vibrant outdoor activities. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing and exploring nature through walks, indulging in gardening, and undertaking home renovations. Harvey embodies a perfect blend of professionalism and passion for life both on and off the job.

Carmen Price

Office/Accounts Administrator

Carmen approaches every task with a smile, backed by her experience working in various roles across different industries. She joined PGC Constructors after raising her children and working as an in-home educator, which she found extremely rewarding as she learned valuable life and work skills that can be attributed to any new challenge.

Her friendly and welcoming personality makes everyone she meets feel valued and looked after, and she is now a cornerstone of our team. Carmen is a proficient communicator and active listener who understands the importance of using her problem-solving skills to provide solutions for every request. She is calm under pressure and an expert at multitasking and organisation.

Carmen has an eye for detail and is exceptional with information retention. She takes pride in her work and exhibits professionalism in her interactions with clients and colleagues. Her warmth, tone and expertise are evident in her interpersonal relationships and handling of daily tasks. Carmen’s caring and welcoming attitude adds to the growth and success of our company.

Carmen is enjoying her role and all its new opportunities. She is driven to continue to grow within the company and upskill with further study to add to her skill set to support the growth and success of PGC Constructors.