The region known as Hawkins Central is the birthplace of Hawkins Construction, 65 years hence. Hamilton’s Tawa Street office, the original head office for the overall business, has recently been replaced with modern, user-friendly premises in Charlie’s Way. And over the next few months there will be another change with Ross Hargood, who has led the Central Region for nine years, passing the baton to Terry Buchan, a Hawkins stalwart of 16 years.

Ross and Terry have worked on a three year plan ensuring that there will be continuity.

“There needs to be continuity”, says Ross “but Terry will bring freshness and with all his experience he will try new things.”

While their management styles will differ both consider integrity as their number one attribute. And then it’s about people, the challenge, delivery and fun.

Says Ross: “You have to recognise what you are good at and not so good at and then utilise the strengths of your team members to support your team. I liken Hawkins Central to a sports club – Hawkins is part of the club, and there are a whole lot of other teams – architects, financiers, suppliers - who are also part of the club. You need a 360 degree view to manage, up, down and across.”

Sitting on Ross’ office shelf are four impressive model helicopters which one could assume assist with reinforcing the need for the 360 degree angle. But not quite. He has always talked about wanting to do a job that needed a helicopter or barge.

“In fact we haven’t as yet used one, but it’s all about challenging the status quo and bringing this to our thinking process. Barry Cowling and Ian Morris took out the $5M-$25M Innovation category at the recent NZIOB awards for the stunning Waitomo Visitors Centre, the delivery of a project of high engineering and design value. And Steve Crossfield and the Tauranga team have earned high praise for the completion of the TECT Arena, in spite of challenging ground conditions.

Terry Buchan, like Ross, comes from a background of strong building knowledge. And he wouldn’t choose another industry – he just loves waking up every day to the cut and thrust of it all.

“While I could have stayed as a Construction manager in Auckland this region attracts me – I like the people and the open spaces; the rural lifestyle is a big attraction.

“And I am looking forward to the challenge of leading Hawkins in the Central region. From what I have seen to date, the people are great and the quality of finish top class. The biggest difference is the enormous geographical area that needs to be covered to stay connected with everyone.

“Ross is great – he has been introducing me to everyone; in fact around Hamilton he seems to know someone in every second car.

Like Ross, integrity is number one to Terry.

 “I am upfront and honest about my expectations. With clients I work really hard to understand what is truly important to them and then ensure that everyone working on their project understands as well, and then delivers. Working with subcontractors and consultants my number one priority is ‘delivery’; that they are committed to delivery expectation and deadlines,” he says. 

And for both Terry and Ross there is a core importance on acting locally, but using national support.

“We strive to keep local businesses on our jobs. One way or another Hawkins has maintained a strong ‘central’ identity with so many people connected to someone who has worked for or with the business from Waikato to the Bay of Plenty and Taupo over the past 65 years,” says Ross.

Ross has lived in the Waikato for 58 years. He is committed to the region and proud of it. He and his wife Jane will head off to Europe in April and then who knows what the future holds – industrial mediation, which he is currently studying for a post Graduate qualification, being one avenue.

“It’s all about Carpe Diem – seize the day,” says Ross.

And while Terry grabs hold of the baton he is really pleased that Ross’ loyalty remains with Hawkins Central.

So who is McConnell Group?

McConnell Group is made up of a group of complementary businesses - Hawkins Construction, Hawkins Infrastructure, McConnell Property, Steelpipe, Harker Underground Construction and Element NZ. As one of New Zealand's largest privately owned construction, property and infrastructure groups our passion is 'creating and building project based businesses.' More>>

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