Matt & Carol Loader, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Hine
Grounded Company HQ Ltd – Te Whare Tū Manawa o Grounded provide civil construction and drainage solutions. Nestled in the heart of the Whanganui Region, their roots run deep in the local community. Their connection to the land and people shapes everything they do, from their business practices to their community engagements.
With over 21 years of experience in the civil construction industry, Matt Loader, a third-generation owner, embarked on a new journey to establish Grounded Company. Starting with just two team members in 2023, they have grown to a dedicated team of five, with plans to expand to eight within the next 24 months.
“Our family-owned business collaborates with residential developers and private clients to deliver top-notch drainage and civil construction services”, says Carol.
At Grounded Company HQ Ltd, they offer a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of their clients. These include drainage solutions, driveways and section levelling, concrete works, roading preparation and retaining walls. They proudly serve district councils, central government agencies, private clients, and residential customers.
Their success is deeply intertwined with the Whanganui community. The relationships and reputation built over decades in the local construction industry have been pivotal.
Carol says, “Our approach of treating clients as part of our extended whānau resonates strongly with local values, fostering lasting partnerships.”
“Being based in Whanganui provides us with strategic advantages, such as immediate response times and local accessibility. This allows us to start projects quickly, benefiting our residential and commercial clients.”
The region’s growth has also created numerous opportunities for them to contribute to local development while maintaining the personal touch that sets them apart from larger corporations.
“Recent funding support from Poutama has been a game-changer for us”, Carol says. “It enabled us to purchase essential compaction equipment, enhancing our service quality and operational efficiency.”
“This investment allows us to deliver higher quality finished products, maintain better control over project timelines, and reduce operational costs. It also supports our growth plans, enabling us to take on more projects and expand our team.”
Being Māori is fundamental to their business. “Our name, “Te Whare Tū Manawa o Grounded,” reflects the importance of te reo Māori, but our commitment goes much deeper”, Carol adds.
“We operate on values aligned with Te Ao Māori principles, emphasising relationships (whanaungatanga) and treating clients as part of our extended whānau.”
Through their connection with Amotai, they prioritise working with Māori suppliers and creating employment opportunities for Māori in their community. Carol says, “Our kaupapa drives our business decisions, ensuring we maintain high standards and contribute positively to the Whanganui region.”
At Grounded Company HQ Ltd, they believe that prioritising people and relationships naturally leads to quality work. We wish them the best on their journey as they continue to build and develop their community, one project at a time.
For more information check out their website here.
