Some of Steelpipe NZ’s longest service employees: Aokuso Nouata, Simone Ponai, Darryl Robson, Peter Roach (next to Darryl), Mark Scott, Andy Tobin, Alfred Mita, Ken Mander, Te Aroha Tumai, John Ryan, Cyril Topia, Stanley Desiher, Ateriano Matulino, Ila Matulino and Joseph Eramiha

Lance Thompson

Steelpipe NZ 450 years +

More than a quarter of all Steelpipe NZ employees have over 20 years experience and just under 60% of the workforce has been at Steelpipe for over 10 years. Their experience and stability has allowed the business to successfully manufacture pipe to support the growth of New Zealand infrastructure across water and wastewater industries, power, gas, road and rail networks.

The total length of service for Steelpipe NZ’s 35 employees exceeds 450 years and extends from the front end of the business to the production unit, testament to the culture that has been fostered over the years. Lance Thompson, General Manager Business Development, who has been an integral part of the business for 22 years, says it’s both the people and the opportunities that Steelpipe has provided over the years that keeps him actively engaged with the business. “I enjoy the challenges that a small domestic manufacturer faces in New Zealand as it’s all about the way in which the people interact in business that makes the difference,” he says.

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.