About us.
Hutch
Ngāti Kahungunu
Hutch has been building since he was 16, bringing over 27 years of hands on experience, right from residential renovations & new builds to commercial refits.
Hutch’s passion for building comes from his whānau. Growing up in Pōrangahau, Hawkes Bay, he comes from a proud lineage of skilled craftsmen. His father, Jim Hutcheson, a Ngati Kere Kaumatua & Kaitiaki, instilled in him a strong duty of care and responsibility to the moana, whenua & community.
Raised around natural materials through his father Jim’s work in forestry, Hutch was equally influenced by his grandfather, a builder himself, who built many of the homes in Pōrangahau, often seen biking between job sites with his apron on
“Building’s just in me, I’ve been around it my whole life”.
Being able to offer both residential and commercial work is important to Hutch. It broadens the scope of projects they are able to take on and continually challenges the team to grow, with each type of build requiring a unique set of skills and techniques.
“That variety pushes us to always be thinking innovatively and really helps fine tune our skill sets and problem solving skills which is really important, it makes us all stronger builders I think”
“We’re just as comfortable on resi sites where craftsmanship, problem-solving, attention to detail are key as we are on commercial jobs, where you have to deliver all of that but the deadlines are tighter, the scale is bigger and the scope can include anything from suspended ceilings to steel framing”
Producing quality work and delivering is important to Hutch
“I know I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but we understand the importance of timelines. We don’t compromise - we find smart, efficient ways to get it done properly, to deadline and produce results we’re proud of - that’s where the magic happens really”
Good communication and delivering on promises are really important to Hutch. “I’m pretty straight up - being honest, open and going the extra mile is good for us and good for the client. It keeps the quality high and makes sure we’re delivering on expectations.”
Having a strong team and a positive culture is another key to delivering quality work. “We’ve built a really solid team and I’m proud of where everyone’s at. What you put in is what you get out, we work hard, share a laugh and genuinely enjoy what we do. I think our clients feel that too and they enjoy being part of it. At the end of the day if you love the mahi, the quality will always show”
“Work hard, stay focused, cultivate a positive culture, and create something we can all be proud of, that’s the dream really.”
Likes - Spending time with whānau, being in the water, getting crays, watching rugby”
Dislikes - That’s easy...sitting still
Bridgette
Ngāpuhi
As the other half of Hutch, Bridgette sits behind the scenes supporting everything that happens off-site on all the operation functions from HR, strategy, BD, finance & marketing.
With a background in branding and advertising across New Zealand and London, she brings a creative lens and strategic focus, making sure the incredible mahi happening on site is shared clearly, authentically and with care. But most importantly that together with Hutch, internally and externally, as a team that as a business Hutch Construct delivers ton it’s brand promise.
“I wear many hats - strategy, camp mum, baker, HR, BD, operations, marketing and storyteller. I love it all, but storytelling is the thing I love most. If it were up to the boys, they’d just crack on and move from project to project, it’s what they do every day and they’re incredibly humble about it. But I’m constantly in awe of their skill and dedication and it’s my job to bring that to life to show people what it feels like to build with us. Because it’s never just a transaction; it’s a relationship we enter built on trust, respect and a shared commitment to doing things right, no matter the size of the project.
People need to see that we’re not just good at what we do, we’re good people. We show up, follow through and deliver without compromise and we do it while having a laugh, making the process enjoyable and walking away proud of what we’ve created together and with the client.”
In addition to her work at Hutch, Bridgette also plays an active role in her whānau’s long-standing retail & trade paint business, WPC, where she leads all marketing and HR functions. For her, the connection between Hutch and WPC runs deeper than operations - it’s about shared values.
“Both businesses are grounded in family values, service and the belief in always going the extra mile. It’s something mum and dad instilled in us kids in the beginning. Hutch and I carry those same beliefs into everything we do at Hutch Construct. There’s something really special about being part of a business where relationships matter just as much as results.”
“Whilst relationships sit at the heart of what we do, so do our values, that’s a big one for us and reflects who we are as a Māori-owned business.
We keep our team small by design. It allows us to ensure we work alongside like minded builders who share those same values and allow us to maintain control over quality and deliver consistently high quality craftsmanship. When larger projects come up, we scale up by drawing on a trusted network of builders who share our standards and values”
At the heart of it all are Bridgette and Hutch’s four Tamariki, who continue to inspire everything they are building together. “Everything we do is about creating a future for our kids and showing them the values of hard work, resilience, relationships, determination & and the art of the hussle - because sometimes you just got to put your head down and go for it. We’ve also got a duty of care supporting our team and their whānau, because that’s also what it’s about at the end of the day as well”
“And ultimately the end game is about delivering for the businesses and clients who trust us with their homes and projects. That’s a responsibility we never take lightly. Whether residential or commercial, we understand the privilege of being invited into something important and we approach every project with care, integrity and dedication”.
Likes - “Hanging with the kids at the beach, being in the water, smashing out a good early work out, a good playlist and solving a million problems with my friends over a marg/coffee!”
Dislikes - “I think there is a theme running here in our team, I hate sitting still! But also not getting through my to-do list”
Meet the team.
We take great pride in our team, who consistently deliver the highest calibre of work for our clients. We believe that quality craftsmanship is only possible with a skilled and dedicated team.
Lewis
Ngāpuhi
Lewis is Hutch’s Leading Hand - a respected builder known for his maturity and skill well beyond his years. Starting on the tools at just 16, years of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and high-spec architectural builds.
LBP qualified and with a drive for quality, Lewis has become a an important part of the Hutch team. Known for his high standards, leadership, and constant push to work smarter. He has an ability to guide apprentices, maintain momentum on site, whilst helping to fostering a positive culture
What sets Lewis apart is his curiosity and constant drive to improve. He’s always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to work - making sure every detail is planned out so things track smoothly and meets a high standard. He thrives on seeing progress and being part of something from start to finish.
“Every day on site is different and I like that. You’ve got to problem solve and think outside the box to keep things moving. And being part of starting something, seeing it progress and finishing it - there’s no better feeling really.”
His whakapapa on both his mum’s and dad’s side is a big part of who he is - it shapes his values, work ethic and leadership style, his grandad in particular has had a strong influence on the person and the builder he is today.
At Hutch, Lewis likes the autonomy, respect, team culture & collective drive to keep raising the bar.
“Being part of the Hutch team is great I love it. There’s always a bit of banter and a laugh, but we all work hard and there’s real respect across the team. We are all focused on doing the best job and that’s really important. I like the independence as well, Hutch trusts me to get on with it - he knows I’ll get the job done to a high standard and having that kind of trust and freedom means a lot. If we hit a issue, we just have a quick hui, throw some ideas around and figure it out together. It goes both ways - we’ve got each other’s backs and that’s something I really value.”
Likes: Hunting, fishing, watching or playing league
Dislikes: “Sitting still and bad weather.”
Sam
Ngāti Kahungunu
Meet Sam (the other Hutch), Hutch’s brother. Growing up together in Pōrangahau, Hawke’s Bay, Sam was raised in the same whānau and immersed in the same proud lineage of skilled craftsmen. Their father, a respected Ngāti Kere kaumātua and kaitiaki and with his work in forestry, and their grandfather, who built many of the homes in Pōrangahau, set a strong foundation of values and mahi from an early age.
Manaakitanga whanaungatanga, hard work and humility are values he carries with him every day, especially on site. Being also raised with a strong work ethic, not just to do the work, but to do it properly, with pride. “I’ve got a real strong sense of responsibility to do good quality work, not just for myself, but for my whānau”
“What I enjoy most about building is getting stuck into the work. I’m old school - I like rolling up my sleeves, staying busy, going from task to task, things being different every day and solving problems on the fly, looking at thing a different way and seeing something real take shape from nothing. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of stepping back at the end of the day and seeing what you’ve built.”
His path eventually led him to train and serve in the New Zealand Police as a leading detective in the crime squad, quickly rising and earning deep respect in the policing community. But something was always missing. Sam missed the tools. He missed being outside, leading projects, the physical satisfaction of seeing something you’ve built take shape day by day.
Sam brings not only strong building skills to the Hutch team, but also a natural gift for people. He’s a relationship-builder, a problem-solver and he is a connector and brings people together. He’s someone who’s always thinking ahead on the job - constantly questioning how to get the best outcome and never cutting corners. For Sam, the team culture is everything. It’s what makes Hutch more than just a job.
“One of the best things about working at Hutch is the people. I get to work alongside my brother and a solid crew who have real fire in the belly to get things done and done well. There’s a lot of mutual respect and good banter to keep things always interesting. Teams everything really, when you're building with a good solid team, it doesn’t feel like work.”
Likes - Darts, Rugby
Dislikes - “Sitting still”, I always like to be occupied!
Keena
Keena is one of Huitch Construct’s originals. Keena has been with us since the very beginning. Almost fully qualified, he’s the kind of builder who lets his work speak for itself - humble, steady, and always focused on getting things done right.
Family sits at the heart of everything for Keena. “My family is my reason why. They keep me grounded and remind me every day what I’m working for.” That sense of purpose carries through in everything he does from the way he approaches each job, to how he supports the team around him.
Born and raised in a proud Tongan family - respect, hard work and humility were values taught from an early age.
“I was always taught if you’re going to do something, do it properly. Don’t rush it, don’t cut corners. Just do it once and do it well.”
On site, he’s known for his quiet focus “I’m not really a big talker,” he says with a grin, “I just like getting stuck in, keeping busy and learning every day.”
What he enjoys most about building is seeing the results of his mahi come to life. “It’s a good feeling, stepping back at the end of the day and seeing what you’ve built with your own hands. Especially when you know you’ve given it your best.”
Having been part of Hutch from the start, Keena has seen the team grow and evolve but the values have stayed the same.
“It’s like a family here. Everyone looks out for each other, and that makes you want to give your best every day.”
Likes - Family, a good tune, being outside
Dislikes - Not being busy
Ants
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
A proud Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei descendant, Ants first joined us through the iwi’s Hawaiki Development project, hutch construct worked on for Brightline & Vivian Construction – a Māori-led housing initiative that was all about creating homes by whānau, for whānau, on their own whenua.
“I still remember my first day on site I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he says. “It just felt right, working with my hands, learning every day and being part of something that means something to our people.”
Working alongside Hutch Construct on the Hawaiki project, Ants helped build three of the architecturally designed townhouses – homes that now stand as symbols of mana motuhake and whanaungatanga. For Ants, the project wasn’t just about construction; it was about connection. “Building on our whenua hit different. It’s special knowing what you’re building will stay here, for our whānau and the next generation.”
“I like to do things properly,” he says. “Even the small details – it all adds up in the end.”
When the project wrapped up, there was no question that we wanted him on the team. He’s since joined Hutch Construct as a full-time apprentice, continuing to grow his skills and build his future. “Every day I’m learning something new. The boys are always teaching me and I’m grateful to be part of a team that looks out for each other.”
For Hutch Construct, having Ants on the team is more than just adding another great apprentice – it’s about supporting Māori pathways into the trades and backing the next generation of builders who will shape Aotearoa’s future.
“It’s cool seeing where I started and where I am now,” Ants reflects. “One day I want to be fully qualified, maybe even take on some of the younger ones and show them what’s possible. I want my whānau to be proud.”
Likes - Whanau, being outside and getting things done around the house, Sundays
Dislikes - Not being busy!
Karley
Karley runs Hutch Construct’s finances and keeps things ticking along and is a master at making the numbers look easy.
Karley was born and raised on a dairy farm in Opunake. “I had to put up with two older brothers, so I think it put me in good stead to become a practical, hardworking person and able to build solid connections with those I work with”
Karley has a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University and a background working in the banking, hospitality, finance and energy sectors, always from a numbers perspective. “I definitely have a numbers brain. My two kids are very creative, and they certainly didn't get that from me!”
“I love working with Hutch and Bridgette. I really value the strong working relationship we've built. I'm a perfectionist, but also easy going, which I think is the right balance when it comes to supporting their business.
I'm also busy Mum to two children, a wife to a man who loves an ultramarathon and a volunteer firefighter so life is pretty busy. Bridgette totally gets that, and I appreciate that we are on the same page. I really enjoy being part of their journey and helping them by keeping the numbers side of things as stress-free and easy as possible”
Karley’s attention to detail and knack for impeccable process and delivery ensures that Hutch Constructs finances are always super tight
Bridgette says, “I’m always telling Karley she can never break up with us! Having her in that seat allows us to focus on the other bits without worrying, because we have full confidence she’s got it in hand. She’s an absolute weapon with the numbers, but also incredibly process-oriented which is really great for us internally but also for the client. Her ability to track and manage large project budgets, handle multiple supplier invoices and keep everything on point with reports and updates is incredible. She makes it all look effortless, even while juggling a million things, ensuring our clients always have transparency and accurate budget tracking.”
Loves: Reading, travelling and a fitness challenge
Dislikes: Inactivity and cold water