Consistent delivery, a clear strategy, and a local-first approach place Hawkins at the top.

Hawkins has secured the top spot in the 2025 New Zealand Construction League, with over NZ$1.2 billion in new construction commencements across 31 projects, reaffirming its position as Aotearoa New Zealand’s most active major contractor.

The annual rankings, compiled by BCI Central and powered by Hubexo, recognise more than just scale. They highlight a sustained focus on public infrastructure, healthcare, education, justice, defence, and airports, and a disciplined strategy that’s delivering through uncertainty.

“In a relatively soft market, our focus on government, institutional and long-term blue-chip clients continues to pay dividends,” said Craig Treloar, Executive General Manager at Hawkins.

“Health, education, defence, justice and airports are pillars of our pipeline, and we’re delivering at scale.”

Building what matters

Hawkins recent standout projects include:

• Auckland Airport’s NZ$850 million Domestic Jet Terminal is reshaping national connectivity
• Manaaki Hōhonu at Waitākere Hospital, a future-proofed ICU and inpatient facility
• Tira Ora Child Health Centre in Whangārei, enhancing paediatric outpatient care
• Tōtara Haumaru in North Shore, delivering 150 beds and a culturally anchored design
• The Kenepuru Science Centre, a sustainable, digitally integrated public health lab

Since becoming part of Downer in 2017, Hawkins has always stayed true to its local roots, strengthened by national scale and a $12 billion pipeline of work across New Zealand.

“Hawkins is building on 80 years of experience in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Craig. “Our reach is national, our relationships are long-term, and our delivery is local.”

Hawkins combines deep local knowledge with the resources to deliver for communities across the country.

Leading through innovation and people

Whether it’s full BIM integration at Auckland Airport or 360-degree site capture at Waitākere, digital is no longer an add-on, it’s embedded across Hawkins’ delivery model.

And behind the builds is a deep commitment to capability development, with structured leadership and cadet programs supporting career pathways from the ground up.

“Legacy only matters if it evolves,” said Craig. “We’re focused on delivering spaces that are ready for what comes next.”

Read the full interview by BCI Central here.