If you have ever thought about developing a papakāinga or subdividing your whenua, Peter Graham (Ngāti Kauwhata) can turn that dream into a reality.

Peter decided to start his own business, Graham Contracting, in 2007 after working for more than 30 years in the forestry industry, building roads, managing subdivision projects and more. “I thought, ‘How hard can this can be?’, and with the support of my family, especially my wife, I started the business and I haven’t looked back,” says Peter Graham.

The business owns more than $1 million worth of earthworks equipment, from bulldozers to diggers, and has a vast network of skilled and qualified contractors and expertise available. Graham Contracting has been successful in obtaining contracts nationwide although based in Matangi, Waikato. They are working on a number of projects outside of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas.

Graham Contracting has recently completed Highden Park Lane, a rural residential subdivision in Te Awamutu. The subdivision consists of 15 sections ranging from 3,158m2 to 1.0182 hectares. All resource consent issues and earthworks were managed by the company, resulting in quality sites being developed, titles issued and power and telephone cables connected to all sites.

The company is currently in the process of completing 76 residential lots in Feilding and 20 sections of a stage two Ngaruāwahia subdivision. Peter is looking to specialise in papakāinga development to help iwi, hapü and whānau through the entire development process from dealing with councils and surveyors, to working with lawyers and neighbours, builders and accountants.

“We are a whānau business; we understand the challenges when developing land and we do our homework to ensure the success of the project. “I’m also keen to work with the people and provide employment opportunities for them and their youth on their subdivision projects,” says Peter Graham.

Te Puni Kōkiri’s Māori Business Facilitation Service has been working with Peter to further develop his business and identify opportunities for future growth. “Working with Te Puni Kōkiri has been fantastic. They matched me with the best mentor, who not only understands my business but believes in me and helps me make sense of my business vision,” says Peter Graham.

“My advice to Māori that wish to develop their land for their family or hapü is to make sure that they deal with the right people, that is people who want to help but also have the proven skills. Building trust takes time,” he says.

For more information or to talk with Graham Contracting about your potential development email: nicolagraham@slingshot.co.nz.nicolagraham@slingshot.co.nz.