Local Link: Rhodes for Roads

Warwick Rhodes

Rhodes for Roads is an experienced civil construction company that has been operating in Warkworth and the surrounding areas since 1985. We have undertaken a diverse range of projects over the last 31 years, including road construction and rehabilitation, subdivision development, forestry roading, coastal erosion protection, carparks, retaining walls, driveways and water deliveries. We have an experienced team of staff with a wealth of skills and knowledge of the local area.How do you choose which charitable groups, not-for-profits, or schools in the community to support?
It is always hard to choose which groups to support, as you can’t support them all. We have a long history of supporting some organisations, such as the Auckland Rescue Helicopter, of which we have been a corporate sponsor for 20 years, and I do like to continue to support these groups that we have a long-standing association with.

We also like to support sports groups, for example local bowling clubs and golf clubs, and we have a long history of sponsoring the Mahurangi Rugby Club as many of us here have been involved with the club over the years.  The Contractors for Charity Boxing event in Whangarei is another event we have sponsored which is a fun night out for members of our industry and also a great fundraiser. Many of the staff here have children or grand children at the local schools, so we like to support school fundraising events too.

What form does your support take?
Our support could be in the form of a financial donation/sponsorship package, or often for the local schools or sports clubs we will give them a gift basket or hamper that they can raffle. We have sponsored a van for the Mahurangi Rugby Club and in the past have done work for charitable organisations free of charge.

Is there a special moment you can share that highlights the importance of being a sponsor?
I have really enjoyed supporting the Mahurangi Rugby Club over the last 27 years since its formation. It has been a pleasure watching the club’s growth and the player’s development over the years. We sponsor the club each year and have had our own Rhodes sponsored team over the years.  Now I enjoy watching my grandson playing sport for the club too.

Do you get many requests for support and do you have to turn many down?
Yes we get a lot of requests, especially being a well-known business in a smaller town.  Sometimes in a quiet winter we seem to get more calls for support than calls for work!

How many people do you employ locally?
We employ about 30 people at the moment.

Are you confident about doing business in your town?
Yes, I am very confident about doing business in Warkworth. We are able to source most of the materials that we need locally and generally experience great service from the local businesses and tradespeople. I find that in return for doing business locally you receive a lot of loyalty from locals who will come to us when they need work doing.  You could say, I have made a career out of doing business in my town.

Do you think it’s important for locals to ‘shop locally’ and do you use/support local businesses for your products and services?
I think it is very important to shop locally, and it is something that I have always done on both a business and personal level. My wife Katie and I have a property up North and I have often used local Warkworth businesses and tradespeople to source products for the property. You develop good business relationships which are enjoyable and invaluable.