Your Construc­tion Blog

Introduction Every project manager and contractor in New Zealand knows the sinking feeling of watching a carefully planned build slip behind schedule or balloon in cost. Delays due to council approvals, miscommunication with clients, or a shortage of skilled labour can turn even the most promising project into a stressful experience. The truth is, most … Read more

Some moments remind you why you do what you do. For us, that moment came last Saturday night at the 2025 Master Builders House of the Year Awards, when Keola proudly took home three major honours: These trophies represent more than just craftsmanship.They tell the story of how quality, sustainability, and community can work together … Read more

Planning is the heart of construction. And in a country like New Zealand, where timelines are tight and expectations are high, one misstep can throw an entire build off course. Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or a contractor leading your next big job, avoiding critical planning mistakes isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about protecting … Read more

What if the future of construction isn’t about building more but building better? Commercial property owners, school boards, and government project leads across New Zealand are feeling the pressure. And here’s the truth: sticking to traditional construction practices simply won’t cut it anymore. If you’re still relying on outdated methods, waste-heavy processes, or quick-fix materials, … Read more

Ever found yourself asking… • “Why is this costing more than expected?”• “How did we miss that detail?”• “Who’s responsible for the delay?” These questions come up far too often on construction sites across Auckland. Whether it’s a school renovation, a council-funded upgrade, or a commercial fit-out, costly errors usually stem from one root cause, … Read more

If you’re managing a small to medium-sized construction company, you’ve likely faced the frustrating situation where a client delays payment or refuses to pay altogether, claiming you haven’t met certain milestones. It’s a common headache in the industry, but it doesn’t have to be. What if there was a straightforward way to protect your cash … Read more

Let’s face it, lawyers can be expensive. And sometimes, even after years of legal back-and-forth, you’re no closer to a resolution. That’s exactly what happened to a homeowner here in New Zealand who found himself in a $200,000 dispute with his building company. Three years in, with lawyers engaged but no resolution in sight, he … Read more

We’ve all heard the horror stories: a homeowner pays a contractor upfront for a fence, a renovation, or some other project, only for the contractor to disappear with the money. No work is done, no materials are purchased, and the homeowner is left out of pocket, sometimes thousands of dollars. It’s a frustrating and all-too-common … Read more

When we first walked through the doors of Matipo Primary School, we knew this project was going to be something special. It wasn’t just about updating a few classrooms or fixing a leaky roof, it was about creating spaces that would inspire students, support teachers, and stand the test of time. And let me tell … Read more

When it comes to building structures like hotels, the foundation is everything. But what happens when the ground is too weak to support the weight of the building? That’s where displacement piling comes in. We’re currently working on a project for a client who wants to build a hotel, but the ground conditions are less … Read more

WATERCARE – Network capacity in Auckland Let’s talk about something that makes developers, consultants, and anyone involved in the construction industry scratch their heads and mutter, “Hmmm…” under their breath. It’s called development risk, and it’s one of those sneaky little things that can turn a seemingly straightforward project into a logistical and financial nightmare. Today’s head-scratcher revolves … Read more

Anyone can paint a cardboard box and call it a Ferrari. You may have heard of civil engineering, software engineering, structural engineering, or bio-medical engineering etc…all very structured stuff. Value engineering (VE) is a bit more vague… BUT, it is very I-M-P-O-R-T-A-N-T Value Engineering is when you find efficiencies to reduce cost and/or time without … Read more

In our recent year-long project in Mount Roskill, we took a big step forward in reducing waste and championing environmental responsibility. Teaming up with Unitec & Environmental Innovation Centre (EIC), we worked hard to make sure this project set new standards in sustainable construction. Now, we’re proud to be on the path to earning the … Read more

Unveiling the Challenges: The Complexities of the NZS:3910 Contract As a contractor, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with contracts in the construction industry. One contract that frequently comes up is the 3910, which aims to be fair but often ends up being unfair due to various reasons. In this article, I want to … Read more

Unveiling the Challenges: Overcoming Barriers for Progress As someone deeply involved in the construction industry, I can’t help but acknowledge the longstanding challenges that have hindered its progress. It’s high time we address these issues and find practical solutions for improvement without waiting for decades. In this article, I’ll delve into some key areas of … Read more

Hi there, it’s Sanjesh from Keola, and I’m excited to share some insights with you about the fascinating world of public and private sector collaboration in New Zealand’s housing industry. Join me as we explore how these sectors can work together to address housing affordability and discover the potential for innovation in construction project management. … Read more

Construction is traditionally a building project that tends to take a lot longer than anticipated. In the process, it could become long and complex, invariably relying on a number of contractors to reach completion. Managing the scope of the project – and the contractors – has always been a frustrating part of the process for … Read more