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For more than seven decades, Wharehine Group has been synonymous with civil construction, quarrying, transport and infrastructure across the wider Rodney district. While the company’s machinery and projects are highly visible, one of its greatest investments is in the people behind the work.
With an average staff age of just 41, the company continues to build a skilled workforce by supporting apprenticeships, industry qualifications and professional development across all areas of its business. Today, 19 employees are in their teens or 20s, with the youngest team member aged 18 and the most experienced celebrating 70 years. Adding to the company’s strong family culture, five families currently have two or more immediate family members employed by the Wharehine Group.
Payroll/ HR administrator Juanita Oldfield says Wharehine offers a wide range of career pathways, with its most popular apprenticeships in the automotive and civil industries. Currently, five employees are completing formal qualifications, including the NZ Certificate in Drainlaying, the NZ Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (plant and equipment), a B Grade Quarry qualification, a Diploma in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Accountancy.
Another two employees are preparing to start apprenticeship pathways.
Beyond apprenticeships, the company is supporting three fulltime university students studying engineering degrees, with two expected to graduate later this year.
Oldfield says training at Wharehine is designed to combine practical experience with formal learning. Most apprenticeship hours are completed on the job under the guidance of experienced supervisors or qualified trainers.
Staff are fully supported to attend block courses and are paid while undertaking this training.
For those preparing for exams, particularly drainlaying apprentices, the company also provides additional support through Zoom tutoring sessions and access to previous examination papers to help build confidence and familiarity with assessment requirements.
When recruiting new apprentices, qualifications are only part of the picture.
“The qualities we value most are a willingness to learn, reliability, punctuality and a positive attitude,” Oldfield says.
With five operating divisions, employees are encouraged to explore different career pathways as their interests and skills develop. Many team members have successfully moved between divisions throughout their careers, gaining valuable experience across the business.
Many new employees come to Wharehine through recommendations from existing staff or by approaching the company directly. When specialist skills are required, positions are advertised more broadly. In the current employment market, the company receives between three and 10 applications each week. While the majority of employees live locally, others commute from Whangārei and Auckland’s North Shore.
Women are also playing an increasingly important role. Wharehine employs 12 women, several in senior leadership and management positions. Among them is an employee completing her Diploma in Civil Engineering while working fulltime, another is in the final semester of a Bachelor of Accountancy through Massey University via distance learning, and another is progressing through Traffic Management qualifications.
Importantly, Wharehine recognises that there is no single pathway into the industry.
While some apprentices join directly from school, many start after gaining experience in entry-level civil roles or after deciding on a career direction later.
“We work closely with employees to ensure they receive the support they need, including arranging reader-writers during examinations or practical assessments where appropriate, helping individuals succeed regardless of their learning style.”
Building future talent starts well before employment. For several years, Wharehine has participated in Mahurangi College’s Careers Evening, showcasing the broad range of careers available across civil construction, quarrying, transport and business support roles. The company is particularly passionate about encouraging young people to consider careers in quarrying and transport.
Wharehine also supports Rodney College through an annual scholarship presented to a student intending to pursue further study within the industry.
There is also ongoing professional development, including Traffic Management training through to Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) qualifications, first aid certification and refresher courses, leadership and management development programmes, and in-house licensing assessments.
Having its own NZQA-qualified licensing assessor means employees can gain a range of endorsements, including ‘wheel, track and roller’ endorsements, allowing them to safely operate specialised plant such as graders, loaders and scrapers.
