McConnell Group History

The McConnell Family, the owners of the businesses making up McConnell Group, has a strong construction, infrastructure and property pedigree.

In 1960 the late Malcolm McConnell co-founded McConnell Dowell and built this business into a leading international construction company*. He was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services towards the export of engineering and New Zealand business.

The next McConnell generation has continued to build on his legacy establishing the McConnell Group* of companies. This began with the purchase of 50% of Hawkins Construction in 1996. The subsequent acquisition of Steelpipe NZ and the founding of McConnell Property made 1997 a momentous year and by 2002 the remaining 50% of Hawkins was purchased. 

In 2008 Element NZ Ltd was established; this company has the licence to distribute the St Gobain range of BPB Plasterboard wall and ceiling products in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. 

* The McConnell Group is not part of McConnell Dowell.

 

So who is McConnell Group?

McConnell Group is made up of a group of complementary businesses - Hawkins, McConnell Property and Steelpipe.  As one of New Zealand's largest privately owned construction, property and infrastructure groups our passion is 'creating and building project based businesses.' More>>

Who leads McConnell Group?

The leadership of McConnell Group is made up of the combined leadership resource of Hawkins, McConnell Property and Steelpipe. Chris Hunter, CEO Hawkins; Ken Mander, CEO Steelpipe, and David McConnell as CEO McConnell Property and Managing Director, (McConnell Group) are part of the McConnell Group leadership team.  They see value in being part of a group, sharing and learning from each other through the complementary 'project focused' nature of the businesses. John McConnell is Executive Director and Mike Wardle Chief Financial Officer.

What is the role of McConnell Group?

The role of McConnell Group is to support and strengthen the operating businesses. McConnell Group is not an operating company. It ensures that, if and when required, targeted resources are found and put in place to support and strengthen the operating businesses.