Success.
"We've worked across local government, infrastructure, construction, transport, manufacturing, professional services, primary industries, and health. Here are some examples of what we've delivered."
Strategy & Transformation · Culture Development.
Roading and Construction
A third-tier regional roading and construction firm with ambitions to become a tier-one player. We worked with the leadership team to develop a three-year strategy including diversification into long-term maintenance contracts and projects of national significance. Central to delivery, we designed programmes to grow culture and capability – a values-driven approach built on decentralisation, personal responsibility, and care for people. In four years, revenue, headcount, and profitability tripled.
Strategic Priorities · CE Partnership · Transformation · Governance Development.
Local Government
Over the past decade, our local government work includes the Auckland Council establishment, CE partnership advisory across five councils, five CE appointments and contract reviews, and multiple fit-for-purpose and transformation programmes.
We have partnered with councils on governance effectiveness, CE performance, and organisational transformation. Our work includes working with newly elected councils to establish strategic priorities and align governance teams, strengthening Council–CE partnerships through performance frameworks, KPI development, and ongoing oversight, and advising on CE recruitment, remuneration, and professional development. Our approach is practical, relationship-centred, and grounded in decades of experience on both sides of the governance table.
Business Turnaround · Governance.
Agri-Pharmaceuticals
A strong New Zealand agri-pharmaceuticals business hit hard by the GFC – cancelled orders and frozen R&D spend from multinational customers. We led a comprehensive strategic and capability review, oversaw restructuring across strategy, operations, and finance, and guided shareholders through a capital raise to secure the right long-term investor. Today the business is a global leader with revenues exceeding $140M and manufacturing facilities in Auckland, North America, and Scotland. We continue in a governance role.
Strategy & Transformation · Intergenerational Transition.
Civil Construction
An iconic 60-year-old family-owned civil construction business facing challenges of turnaround, growth, and generational transition. We facilitated a three-year strategy including regional expansion, then supported implementation through organisation design and capability building in finance, business development, people, and branch leadership. We advised the board through ownership transition from the founding generation to the current owners and continue in an advisory role. The business delivers strong revenue and profit growth.
Leadership Development · Strategy · Performance · Crisis Management
CE Coaching & Mentoring
Over two decades, we have coached and mentored several dozen chief executives across local government, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, professional services, and primary industries. The work is confidential, the conversations are candid, and the focus varies – from strategy clarification and professional development to navigating crisis and managing boards. We believe the best leaders have mentors. Many of New Zealand's do.
Strategy & Transformation · Business Turnaround
Transport
A leading national transport company losing money for years in a profitable niche. We developed a new strategy to improve revenue quality and operational performance, quickly returning the business to sustainable profitability. We then secured shareholder confidence to pursue growth through global partnership and M&A.
Strategy & Transformation · Governance
Water Infrastructure
An emerging leader in the Australasian water sector navigating the challenges of rapid growth and diversification. We assisted with strategy clarification, planning, organisation design, capability development, and an Australian acquisition. When a major international contract caused significant impairment, we advised on reorganisation and led a successful turnaround. We continue to provide governance support and executive coaching.
Business Turnaround · Transport Infrastructure
Strategy Infrastructure and Logistics
A large national infrastructure and logistics company requiring long-term shareholder support to achieve sustainability. We worked with shareholders and the board to secure financial backing and implement a growth strategy. Subsequent work included delivery of major infrastructure projects, customer service and operational improvements, and building organisational capability.
Business Turnaround · Culture Change
Infrastructure Maintenance / Local Government Services
A major infrastructure maintenance company with 800 employees and turnover exceeding $100 million – in serious financial difficulty with numerous unprofitable legacy contracts. We partnered with financiers and major contract owners to ensure survival, developed and won support for a turnaround plan, and led culture change as a key enabler. Implementation delivered substantial improvements in productivity, revenue, and customer service. The business was successfully sold capturing turnaround value for vendor.
