hard hats and hard cases
we’re all
friendly faces
From humble beginnings draining Ōpōtiki’s boggy farmlands in 1957, Waiotahi has grown to become a trusted name in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. Our 180-strong team continues to build on our legacy of hard work and pride in a job well done.
1957 - The beginning
Waiotahi Dragline Company Ltd founded by the Bennett brothers in 1957 to operate a Smith Dragline in the Ōpōtiki 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
Purchased Evan Evans business in Tauranga and Bay Bulldozing in Whakatāne, consolidating the businesses under the new name of Waiotahi Contractors Limited.
1982
Acquired the Blue Rock quarry providing a much needed metal supply and establishing a vertical supply chain. Began offering trucking services.
2010
Started the development of Ratahi Quarry in Awakeri.
2017
Winners of Category 1B of the CCNZ Construction Excellence Awards.
2020
Succession of business by the six sons of Richard Claydon & Robbie Petersen.
2024
The business today is manned by a team of 150 and operates across the Bay of Plenty.
Why Waiotahi?
From rock to roll,
with plenty of soul
We’ve got the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to support projects across a range of industries, with an end-to-end service that makes light work of the heavy lifting.
Our People
As strong as a rock
Our leaders know the industry inside and out. They have the right balance of passion, pride, family-focused culture, level headedness and ability to think outside the square.
Embrace responsibility, show leadership and take initiative. Show respect for gear and treat it like it’s your own. Whether taking charge of safety or simply keeping equipment clean – there is always something we can do to contribute to the team.
We don’t believe in saying ‘no’. To live up to this promise, each and every one of us must think like a problem solver – erasing the word ‘can’t’ from our minds.
There is always a way to overcome challenges and we won’t rest until we’ve found the way.
We know that it’s the people around us that allow us to achieve greatness. Our job is to constantly bring out the best in each other.
Our teammates will get stuck every now and again. When they do, it’s time to ‘Bring it in’. Let them know we’ve got their back and work out the problem together.
Clear communication is the cornerstone of our relationships. Whether customers or teammates, we treat everyone as partners working towards the same goal.
We pass on our knowledge and experience to others without waiting to be asked, and speak openly and honestly at every opportunity.