Our dedicated and talented team brings unparalleled expertise to every project, ensuring that every detail is executed with precision. We don’t just build structures; we create landmarks that stand the test of time.
Darren has vast experience in leadership and management. He spent the first 20 years of his working life at Carter Holt Harvey before establishing Gemco with business partner Terry Pratley in 2003. As Managing Director Darren has been the driving force behind the company’s success. His leadership is built on a commitment to empowering people, fostering a positive attitude, and consistently delivering top-quality results for clients.
Mike oversees Gemco’s accounting and administration, ensuring financial stability and transparency. His sharp financial insight and personable approach empower the management team to make informed, strategic decisions. As a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience, Mike brings valuable expertise, particularly in managing large-scale construction projects. He keeps a close eye on budgets, ready to dive into the details if potential cost overruns arise.
For Chris, it’s not just about the building—it’s about the experience it creates for those who live, work, or play in it. A key member of the Gemco team since 2003, Chris manages day-to-day operations across multiple trades, leveraging over 30 years of experience in complex commercial builds, multi-story projects, and heritage renovations. His deep understanding of the company and strong relationships with clients and sub-contractors make his expertise invaluable.
Wayne brings a wealth of knowledge and business acumen to Gemco, drawn from his extensive career in accounting, private business ownership, and directorships, both in New Zealand and internationally. His corporate background provides him with a deep understanding of business ownership, allowing him to offer valuable outside perspectives and strategic direction to Gemco.
Edwin contributes valuable senior management, marketing, strategic planning and governance expertise at the helm of Gemco’s board. With a rich background spanning various sectors – such as retail, manufacturing, building, forestry, horticulture, exporting, land development, accommodation and tourism – he brings a wealth of commercial and management experience. Currently a professional Director and company advisor, Edwin’s extensive career enhances Gemco’s strategic direction and governance.
John brings extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to every aspect of commercial construction. At Gemco, he plays a key role in managing the delivery of a high-quality, fully integrated life-care village construction project in Wellington. A certified builder, registered quantity surveyor, and founding shareholder, John’s expertise is a cornerstone of Gemco’s success.
Brent, aka Macca, has been integral to the success of Gemco since the beginning. As Operations Manager, he’s the glue between head office, the tradies and subbies out on sites. He sets up new construction sites, sorts building supplies and makes sure projects run smoothly.
A key player in the Gemco team, Office Manager, Sam runs a tight ship and leads the smooth and efficient running of Gemco HQ. She wears many different hats, managing HR, IT, payroll, marketing, admin and social functions. Sam has worked her way up through the business, initially starting with Gemco as the Office Receptionist in 2005. Her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge of the business is invaluable.
Amy spearheads the advancement of Health and Safety systems and processes at Gemco. She is dedicated to building a culture of openness, honesty and respect. Her forward thinking approach ensures that our team, our contractors and sub-contractors are at the heart of improving our work environments.
Graeme heads many of our large scale and more complex projects. He is one of our most experienced construction managers, offering a wealth of knowledge of construction methods that he shares with our build teams. Two projects stand out over Graeme’s time at Gemco, MTG Hawke’s Bay and the region’s newest private hospital – Kaweka Hospital. The multi-million dollar project has a high level of complexity which has seen Graeme’s talents come to the fore.
Eddie is a rare figure in construction, receiving the prestigious ‘keys to the city’ for his leadership in the restoration of the Hastings Opera House, now Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre. His exceptional leadership and deep passion for his trade are reflected in his ongoing contributions to Gemco, where he brings unparalleled knowledge, skill, and experience. The five-year restoration of the century-old heritage facility was one of the most challenging projects Eddie and his team of over 100 staff had ever undertaken. Eddie thrives on large-scale complex projects where his logistical expertise and ability to make things happen are truly invaluable.
Benn heads the delivery of a large scale, multi-story life care village complex in Wellington. As a qualified carpenter, Benn brings a diverse range of skills and practical experience to the Construction Manager role, whilst also providing mentoring and guidance to those in his team. With an eye for detail and high standards, you can be assured a quality build outcome.
Mathew is a qualified carpenter and Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). He specialises in high-end residential new builds, alterations, and additions, as well as managing commercial construction sites. His qualifications include an NZ Certificate in Site Supervision (Construction Trades), NZ Certificate in Main Contract Supervision, NZ Diploma in Construction Management, and a PGCert in Engineering Project Management.
From small sundry works to large-scale developments, he thrives on seeing projects through from planning and design to execution. His work involves collaboration with consultants, councils, and iwi to deliver projects, including light residential care facilities and greenfield development infrastructure.
With over 20 years of experience as a qualified carpenter and Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), Robbie has worked across residential and large-scale commercial construction. Robbie also spent six years managing hospital facilities and has also worked in the automotive industry and civil engineering.
In an interesting twist, a brief stint in construction recruitment led Robbie to put himself forward for a site manager role at Gemco. He now oversees the Grange Lifecare Facility, and is excited to be part of a legacy project that will impact the community for years to come.
Mark has over 21 years of industry experience, including 18 years in management, handling large-scale and complex projects across Wellington, Brisbane, and Hawke’s Bay. His expertise spans multi-story commercial builds, re-strengthening projects, and high-end commercial and residential developments requiring architectural finishes.
Mark enjoys the challenge of interacting with clients, staff, and contractors to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget. His notable works include Joll Road Stage 2, Waiaroha Education Centre, and the ongoing Hawke’s Bay Archives and Research Facility project. On his latest civic projects Mark has embraced working with mana whenua.
Steve Price, born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, started his career in the Navy before transitioning into the building industry. As a Construction Foreman, Steve thrives on problem-solving and embraces the latest construction technologies to streamline and improve building processes.
His current role involves managing the EIT Flood Recovery Project, a significant undertaking to restore and enhance the educational facilities. Over the past decade, Steve has contributed to numerous iconic projects in the region, including Delegate Winery and Toitoi Opera House.
With over 30 years in the construction industry, Greg has overseen everything from multi-million-dollar homes to large-scale commercial projects. Known as Gemco’s go-to for architecturally designed builds and complex refurbishments, Greg thrives on the challenge these projects present.
Project highlights so far include MTG Hawke’s Bay, St John’s College, EIT Amenities, and ongoing projects at HBDHB Puawananga and General Surgery.
Aaron has over 20 years of experience in the building industry. Starting as a carpenter, Aaron has progressed to running multi-million-dollar projects as a foreman. He enjoys the satisfaction of completing large projects and seeing the joy on clients’ faces when they take ownership of their new premises.
Notable projects Aaron has led include the Hastings Art Gallery re-roof, Turner Place Industrial Park, and various jobs at Woodford House.
Julian takes great pride in delivering completed projects, with Toyota Napier and Heretaunga Intermediate standing out as two he’s especially proud of.
As a Construction Foreman, he excels at problem-solving and embraces modern construction technologies to enhance efficiency and streamline building processes.
Fred is a Construction Foreman known for his meticulous attention to detail, particularly when it comes to finishing work. He takes great pride in ensuring every project is completed to the highest standard.
Notable projects under his belt include Terry Pratley’s house and the sustainability award-winning Unison Windsor Substation switch room.
Ed brings a wealth of experience from both commercial and residential construction, including high-end architectural residential projects and industrial builds. Ed thrives on coordinating teams and managing daily logistics. He enjoys problem-solving, finding solutions to on-site challenges that keep operations running smoothly.
Notable projects include the impressive Lindisfarne College Homestead renovation, and the Lindisfarne College Science Block extension, a complex and exciting project involving intricate logistics and construction techniques.
Brad is a seasoned Quantity Surveyor with a carpentry background that adds a practical edge to every project. His diverse experience spans high-end residential builds, fit-outs, additions, refurbishments, and sensitive environments such as early childhood centres, schools, and hospitals. Brad excels in estimating and scheduling, leveraging his hands-on knowledge to consider details beyond any initial project plan. His deep understanding of the building process ensures a smooth start and seamless progress from day one.
Derek has extensive Quantity Surveyor and Project Management expertise gained over many years in the industry. With a keen eye for detail, he is very well versed with budgeting, contract administration, programming, and management needs on construction projects. His technical skills are complemented by excellent people and communication skills. Derek has established invaluable long term Client and Subcontractor relationships for Gemco.
As both a Qualified Carpenter and Quantity Surveyor, Brian has established himself as a key part of Gemco’s team since joining in 2017 and is able to comprehensively facilitate all elements of the construction process. He is heavily involved with the wider industry, holding the position of the Hawkes Bay Master Builder President (2025-2027) and currently sits on the judging panel for the Commercial Project Awards.
Ryan has worked on a range of projects in the residential and commercial industries ranging from minor dwelling residential units in New Zealand & the South Pacific to multi storey apartment remediation and commercial projects. His history as a professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) providing key skills in understanding his clients needs with regard to setting budgets, client management and liaising with consultants & contractors alike to ensure the smooth delivery of his projects, on time and budget.
Mike began his career as an apprentice, fabricating and erecting structural steel and then quickly progressed into design, project management and estimating, firstly as a sub-contractor but now as an in-house Quantity Surveyor / Project Manager.
Mike enjoys understanding and working through technical details and challenges as well as and developing methodology with clients and sub-contractors to enable the successfully delivery of projects.
Kieran has a strong background in large-scale, multi-level construction projects, having spent over 12 years in Auckland, where he advanced to his current role as a project manager. In 2022, he returned to Hawke’s Bay to join Gemco. Kieran enjoys the challenges that come with complex construction, from planning and sequencing to implementing the project plan.
Notable projects include Kaweka Hospital Stage 2, which he has been involved with since its inception.
With a background in residential housing, Rudi has transitioned to working on large commercial projects since joining Gemco, including two highlights – Opera House Precinct and Kaweka Health Stage 2. Rudi appreciates the broader impact of these projects, benefiting the wider community.
Rudi enjoys working with a diverse range of people, from consultants to those physically building on-site. This variety fosters a dynamic exchange of knowledge, where everyone has something to learn and contribute, making each project both challenging and rewarding.
Neil leads Gemco Joinery’s team of tradesmen and apprentices from our specialist Joinery facility in Havelock North. Neil has extensive industry experience from technical expertise to management and pricing experience.
A highly skilled plumbing professional, Mike has undertaken a wide variety of roles including pricing and management of contracts. Mike is responsible for managing the Gemco Plumbing team’s work across all projects, from residential to commercial. He is a Certified Plumber and Drainlayer with many years of experience. He also has a Diploma of Business and NZIM Diploma of Business.
Sean runs our team of highly skilled electricians and apprentices with efficiency across all Gemco projects. Whether it be for large commercial projects, small odd-jobs, or for our valued clients, you are in excellent hands. Sean has an extensive background in the industry, including as an owner/operator of his own Electrical business.
Jason brings over 30 years in the coatings industry with a background in trade and management roles. As a ‘finishing’ trade in the construction process, Jason gets a real sense of satisfaction seeing the quality finish that the painting team produces.
Jared manages our experienced plasterer and apprentice team over a wide range of residential and commercial projects. With over 20 years’ experience in the trade, Jared’s passion sees him always striving to get the job done right and on time.
Rod has been honing his craft since 1973 and still enjoys the variety of work that comes with the role. Notable projects include the Lindisfarne Homestead refurbishment and the Te Awa Retirement Village in Cambridge.
Outside of work, Rod has been a dedicated volunteer firefighter since 1973 and has served as the Chief Fire Officer since 2013.
Steph holds a Bachelor of Design with Honours, majoring in Spatial Design. She spent over a decade in Melbourne, working with architects on heritage homes and new residential builds. She specialises in concept design, detailed joinery drawings, and interior selections.
Steph enjoys seeing projects come to life after months of planning and values building strong relationships with clients to understand their lifestyles. Currently, she is working on the Grange Lifecare Village in Dunedin, a long-term project for Gemco.
Carl has been with Gemco for many years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Aged Care/Retirement Village developments throughout NZ, along with other new builds and alterations within the Residential and Light commercial markets nationwide, producing CAD design and consent documentation.
Kelsey Dine brings a diverse background to her role as a receptionist, with three years of experience in commercial real estate and a recently earned salesperson license. Alongside her real estate career, she has co-owned a caravan bar business and runs side ventures as a makeup artist and in art and design.
Kelsey enjoys the variety her role offers, keeping her days busy and engaging. She takes pride in being the welcoming face for Gemco clients, ensuring they have the best experience possible from the moment they walk through the door.
Steph, our bubbly Scottish Accounts Payable has got you covered. With a great working knowledge of the ins and outs of Gemco, Steph ensures that all accounts are received and processed on time.
Whether or not we are actively hiring, we keep an eye out for the very best people to join the Gemco team. Outstanding skill and experience are essential, and so is the right attitude.
