Service
Work that contributes to whānau, communities and the region.
Our story
Built locally. Growing capability across the Coast.
Tairāwhiti Contractors is a wāhine Māori-owned traffic management and roading business with a workforce drawn from East Coast communities.
Company background
A practical response to a local need.
Tairāwhiti Contractors was established in 2020 by Katareina “Kat” Kaiwai after she returned to the East Coast and saw an opportunity to build permanent local capability in civil infrastructure.
Kat’s path moved from administration into traffic control, heavy equipment, road maintenance and a Civil Infrastructure Apprenticeship. The business grew around the same approach: give local people meaningful work, structured training and the confidence to build lasting careers.
Today, the company supports traffic management, road maintenance, civil projects and urgent recovery work from its East Coast base.
2020Company established
East CoastLocal workforce and knowledge
2024National recognition for service
Milestones
Growing people and regional resilience.
The company’s story is closely connected to training, local employment and keeping communities connected.
2020 — A local business beginsKat completes her Civil Infrastructure Apprenticeship and establishes Tairāwhiti Contractors on the East Coast.
Local crews and trainingThe business recruits locally and develops people through on-job learning, qualifications and broader project experience.
2023 — Cyclone responseThe team helps restore road access and supports isolated East Coast communities following Cyclone Gabrielle.
2024 — Service recognisedKat receives a King’s Service Medal for services to women, civil construction and the community, and is named a Rural Champion.
What matters
Values that show up on the job.
Our work is built around reliable delivery, safe sites, strong communication and keeping opportunity in the region.
Local capability
Developing people who understand the roads and communities they serve.
Learning
Training and qualifications that turn jobs into long-term careers.
Resilience
Being ready to respond when access, safety and connection matter most.
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