The History of Jesmond Construction
Jesmond Construction has always been family run, with Gary and Dianne Harris starting the business in 1994 after Gary took a break from the construction industry to train thoroughbred race horses for 10 years. Previous to that, Gary started HEB Drainage Ltd in 1975, a company that went on to become HEB Contractors Ltd encompassing very large projects.
The Harris family recently passed the reins of Jesmond Construction to the Woolliams family, with Colin and Katrina Woolliams taking on the challenges and excitement of company ownership.
Jesmond Construction has a proven record of being able to carry out multiple contracts as principal contractor at the same time. Our track record shows we are totally proficient in all aspects of roading, drainage, earthworks, concrete works, and design and build, and can turn our skills to any project that we undertake. Jesmond Construction has sustained an annual turnover of between $2.5 million and $6 million over the past 10 years. We are also proud of the fact we are a very diverse civil construction company.
At present, we have a combined labour force of 18 people including machine operators and labourers, all of whom are extremely skilled at what they do. Everyone in the company is involved in Health & Safety and we are all trained and certified in first aid by PracMed New Zealand Training Solutions Limited.
We care about your opinion
Jesmond Construction has been working with the wider IWS Group, mainly IWS Eco–Systems Ltd, for approximately a decade. IWS Group is involved in the provision of design and build solutions to reduce the impact of pollution on industrial sites. Jesmond Construction has assisted us to complete these projects with the following range of services: Input into design from a constructability perspective. Site topographical and drainage survey work. The costing of civil works projects. Small civil construction/drainage maintenance projects, for example planted swale upgrades and sandfilter maintenance. Large and complex construction/drainage projects involving the installation of typical and bespoke stormwater and wastewater treatment solutions. Building environmental controls into an existing and complex industrial site is not always easy work, and not to be underestimated. There are always issues with room for installations and the complexity of fitting into existing drainage networks. One is usually required to work around operational manufacturing activities during the process. It can be seen from the tenure of the relationship, that IWS group finds this a very useful service. Some of the work is completed directly for clients. Jesmond Construction staff relate well to our clients. Jesmond Construction also undertakes works around the IWS premises. We are confident in recommending the Jesmond Construction service to other prospective users.
Jim Maddock - IWS Group
Mangemangeroa Walkway Extension, Pohutukawa Avenue, Shelly Park, Howick Auckland Council recently undertook a project to extend an existing walkway in front of 14 residential properties along a river bank to provide a link to the coast. From the outset there was strong opposition to the proposal from the majority of the residents who historically had maintained the esplanade reserve fronting their properties incorporating the land into their own individual gardens. The work involved the construction of a narrow way finding route using a mix of compacted aggregate and stabilised turf, with way finding bollards installed at strategic points to assist the pubic in identifying the public space. Gabion baskets were also installed on one section of the route to retain a eroding section of the bank. With initial tendering of the project returning no offers of service, Jesmond Construction were approached and a contract entered into for the works. Given the level of opposition from local residents, Jesmond embarked on an extensive relationship building exercise, approaching all property owners prior to commencing construction. Through Jesmond‘s efforts it is fair to say not one negative comment was received by council with several properly owners reporting their satisfaction as to how the works were undertaken. The works were completed on time within the agreed budget. Council has no hesitation in recommending this company for similar projects particularly where community relationships are sensitive.
Neil Munro Project Manager.
CLC Consulting Group Ltd were engaged by Auckland Council to act as the project management consultant for the recently completed Mangemangeroa Walkway extension works project. As project managers we were involved through the concept, developed design, consenting and contract and project implementation phases of the project. The project comprised of the formation of a delineated walkway route through a Council recreational park. The existing walkway path was already formed at either end of the project and this work essentially completed the pathway from discrete way–points located at geographical ends of the Mangemangeroa Walkway. The project works were the construction of a narrow pedestrian pathway of mixed surfacing to suit the local environment with respect to low impact aesthetics balanced with a durable all year round pedestrian surface. To achieve this an innovative use of ‘sure–pave‘ permeable paving for reinforcing grass and gravel with a permeable surface was used. In other less visible areas to the adjoining residential sites a more conventional type narrow gravel surfaced path was constructed. Through the concept and developed design phases of the project there was extensive consultation carried out both with the wider community and also the residential sites that directly abutted the recreational reserve area. It was immediately identified that there was a strong opposition from some of the residential against the construction of a dedicated pathway through the reserve area. This opposition was responded to by way of reduction in the width of the path and use of low impact surfacing and varying the surface construction to suit local geographical considerations. In order to maintain good public relations between the Council and the local residents it was at the forefront of the mind of the Council and Consultant‘s representatives that the selected contractor to carry out the physical works construction would need to be actively responsive to engagement with the local residents and any Park users and also able to complete the physical works to the highest standard and with the least disruption. The later part of the project delivery involved our services for contract and project implementation. The physical works contract was awarded to Jesmond Construction and throughout the contract we found Jesmond Construction to have more than satisfied the construction requirements in terms of budget, quality of workmanship, construction programme and responsiveness to changes to scope and variations. Most significantly and importantly their professionalism when undertaking daily engagement with the local residents and any Park users. The manner in which the project manager and workers conducted themselves on site was nothing short of exemplary and we have no hesitation in recommending Jesmond Construction for further Auckland Council projects of this nature.
Charles Cumming - Project Manager & Director
I am a director for Urban Solutions Ltd, a consultancy company providing engineering and project management consulting services to local government clients such as Auckland Council Urban Solutions was contracted to project manage and act as Engineer to the contract for the construction of the Nelson Street Culvert Upgrade in Pukekohe. Jesmond Construction Ltd tendered for this project and won the contract on price and attributes. I would like to say on behalf of my colleagues and I that we have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Jesmond Construction project team, and we found then to be totally competent, professional and enthusiastic in all aspects of managing this construction project. One of the technical challenges from the outset was the requirement for accurate piling lo enable railing to be fixed to the front face of the poles. Jesmond Construction achieved a greater than specified accuracy in the piling of the poles that resulted in a successful outcome. Any issues that arose on site were proactively resolved with Jesniond in an amicable and professional manner. The Jesmond team took a professional and proactive approach to both health and safety and environmental protection requirements throughout the construction period. As a result we had a safe site without injury and no issues arising from independent environmental audits. The completed project is excellent and both Auckland Council and Urban Solutions are extremely pleased with the outcome. Please do not hesitate 10 contact me if you require further informalion on Jesmond Construction Lid.
Lorenzo Canal - Director of Urban Solutions Ltd
I am the Principal of Civilcon Ltd, a company providing civil engineering consulting services to clients such as NZTA, Auckland Council, Waterfront Auckland and major contractors. Civilcon was contracted to project manage the construction of the Auckland Waterfront Tramway project for Waterfront Auckland. The contract for the construction of the Tramway was tendered following an expression of interest and was awarded to Dominion Constructors Ltd / Jesmond Construction Ltd Joint Venture for approximately $4.6M excluding GST. Jesmond was principally responsible for the track laying and ground works including services relocation and pavement reinstatement. I was personally involved with managing this contract and liaising with Jesmond‘s principal and contract representative, Gary Harris. I found Jesmond‘s standard of construction, management and communication to be of a very high standard. Gary was innovative and helpful in offering solutions to unforeseen technical difficulties associated with the design of the Tramway and was proactive in presenting alternative options, which resulted in significant savings for the Client. Dominion Constructors Ltd / Jesmond Construction Ltd Joint Venture completed the Tramway on time, within the agreed budget and with a clean health and safety record. The portion of the defects list attributable to Jesmond‘s work was completed within the first month following practical completion.
Mike Caulfield - Managing Director Civilcon Ltd
To Whom It May Concern It is a pleasure for me to provide this reference for Jesmond Construction Ltd. I had the pleasure of working closely with Jesmond Construction and particularly Colin Woolliams during the recent construction of the new water filled hockey pitch, a $1,500,000 project in Pukekohe. Their approach was competent, professional and enthusiastic which ensured that the construction met with our strict requirements (and budget) and the construction contract finished ahead of time and very importantly before the hockey season started. The quality of the project work and the way in which it was managed was a credit to the company. IJS Projects have been proud to have worked with Jesmond Construction, and recognize that, even in the current environment, they are representative of a small, select band of contractors who are prepared to go the extra distance to ensure a satisfied client and a successful project. Jesmond Construction were efficient and organised, and the communication, particularly with Colin was extremely good, with openness and willingness to offer alternatives, solutions, and costs savings being very much appreciated. Their standards were high and their performance was admirable. I cannot speak highly enough of their performance actually. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further information. Yours faithfully IJS Project Services Ltd
Ian Simonsen - IJS projects
In Memory of Gary Harris
Managing Director 1994 – 2013
Gary’s contracting career spanned 40 years, ploughing his first paddock at the age of 8 years.
Gary left school and the family dairy farm to work for his Uncle’s earthmoving business during the summer and managing his billiard and snooker saloon in winter.
Gary worked for Neil Construction as Site Supervisor in the early days and founded HEB Drainage in 1975 to successfully complete subdivisions and roading projects.
Gary and Dianne sold HEB Drainage in 1984 and Gary became a successful Thoroughbred Race Horse Trainer but with the decline in the racing industry, went back to civil construction founding Jesmond Construction Ltd in 1994 employing their son Dean Harris, teaching him drain laying and general civil works and Tania Jones, their daughter who has grown with the business managing the office and health & safety.
Since 1994 the company has built up a reputation of completing very diverse projects and with over 390 projects on their c.v. Gary has left behind a legacy of honesty, integrity and a work ethic second to none.
Dianne Harris took over as Director with the Management Team of Tania Jones, Colin Woolliams, Piet Botma and Steve Maynard.
In September 2018 Dianne sold Jesmond Construction to Colin & Katrina Woolliams, leaving it in good hands and set for another 20 years of completing diverse projects in the Auckland area.