Neihana Bennett – Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa
Wera Works are a Welding and Steel Fabrication service that take pride in transforming raw steel into magnificent structures that not only serve a practical purpose but showcase expert craftsmanship.
Neihana Bennett spearheads Wera Works and is a seasoned figure with 17 years of industry experience and a diverse background in engineering. From pivotal roles in notable projects like the Waterveiw Tunnel to the Tauranga Harbour Bridge, Bennett’s expertise underscores the company’s foundation and trajectory.
Wera Works has evolved under Bennett’s guidance, transitioning into a versatile engineering firm catering to major government tenders and local projects, boasting qualifications in mechanical engineering, welding supervision, and underwater construction diving.
Operating in Tauranga has seen them successful with the biggest roading project in the region due to Government Procurements for Broader Outcomes Act 16.
Neihana says, “Tauranga has been known to be the fastest growing city in the country, having operations set up in this town for the much needed resource of steel means we are right in the thick of a lot of mahi. Our diversity and knowledge of the trade also makes us very versatile for many sectors in the industry.”
With the help of Poutama, they have been able to secure a large portion of work within the project they are apart of. They have recently expanded their fleet by purchasing another truck.
As they are still a very young business, cashflow can sometimes have its limitations on a businesses growth. Neihana says, “Having the support of Poutama has enabled us to retain our margins and keep cash in the bank to sustain the business and take care of our staff.”
The team are proud to be Māori, which plays a large factor in how they operate. Neihana says, “We do things our way! This is not always the norm in business as we know Māori are the minority in the business sector. All our staff are Māori and there are not many Māori Engineering businesses out there.”
“Being a people focused culture has opened the eyes of many of our rangatahi to show them what is possible if only you believe. We stand by the fact that Māori have ALWAYS been entrepreneurial! (trading worldwide before the settlers came) Our intuitive ways are known worldwide and our hope is to revive these thoughts and truths in our young ones.”
Neihana adds, “Our story has been one of patience, hope, faith, courage, determination and resilience. We have gone against many odds that people thought were impossible to be where we are today! Our skill and hard work has been proven time and time again and the mahi we have carried out will be here long after we are gone. We are a Legacy focused business with a passion for what we do.”
W – whanau
E – excellence
R – respect
A – Accountability
To find out more about Wera Works and their amazing mahi, check out their website here.
