PEPPER CONSTRUCTION - 88 YEAR OLD FAMILY BUSINESS CONTINUES TO EVOLVE

When you enter Pepper Construction in New Plymouth, take a moment to peruse the portrait of Len Pepper. He founded the company in 1936.

As you stand in the weatherboard headquarters on Ōmata Rd, imagine that this man had the foresight to offer his workers buy-in to inspire their loyalty. Through 88 years, the company has weathered the highs and lows of New Zealand’s construction industry. It has evolved from a small start-up into a robust business that continues to shape the built landscape of Taranaki – and beyond.

The ever-evolving building firm is still in family hands. Grandson Andrew Pepper is now the director, and his wife Paula manages office operations and human resources.

Andrew recalls that his grandfather began his journey on a motorbike, travelling around the South Island. “He started building during the Depression, and it was really tough,” he says, recalling chats with Len.

“He was from Dunedin and started building in Central Otago and Ida Valley, eventually moving up through South Canterbury, where he built Art Deco-designed houses that still stand today.”

Len’s travels took him to various parts of Aotearoa, from Timaru to Blenheim, and eventually to Taranaki. He started building in Waitara and also worked at the back of the Bowl of Brooklands before establishing 29 Ōmata Rd as the company’s nerve centre.

One of Len’s most innovative ideas was the concept of co-ops. “He would give the workers ownership of the business,” says Andrew. “It was a great way to ensure productivity and quality by having the workers have an actual stake in the game.”

This forward-thinking model set a precedent for business practices that would influence the company’s operations for decades.

This forward-thinking model set a precedent for business practices that would influence the company’s operations for decades.

After World War II, Pepper Construction expanded significantly, particularly in state housing. “They built hundreds of houses in Auckland and all over the place –

predominantly state houses right up into the ‘70s,” says Andrew.

This period of growth was marked by a strong partnership with the Ministry of Works, which saw the company play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s housing boom.

As the company grew, so did the responsibilities of the Pepper family. Andrew’s father, Graeme, who joined the business in the early ‘60s, helped the company work through complex civil engineering projects, including the development of the Whakawhiti area in Marfell.

“It was a swamp, and they had to come up with solutions to build roads and houses there,” says Andrew.

After about three decades, the boom years faded. In the 1980s, the housing market contracted, and the Government’s involvement in state housing waned. This prompted Pepper Construction to branch out.

“Dad changed the business into the commercial sector,” says Andrew. “He diversified into schools, local body, and civil works.”

When Andrew took over the business in 2013, he led a period of significant growth and modernisation. But before that, he started with the basics.

“When I came back from overseas in 1998, Dad threw me in the back room with a scale ruler and some plans and said, ‘just start measuring,’” he laughs. “It was a health and safety nightmare in here, but it was a great learning experience.”

Under Andrew’s leadership, Pepper Construction has grown from a small operation to an industry leading company that employs 24 people and 8 contractors. He has also placed a strong emphasis on training and development.

“We’ve put at least 20 apprentices through over the last 10 years,” says Paula, who joined the business in January 2022. “We also went to the schools and got in on their Gateway schemes, giving a lot of young people a go.”

This commitment to professional development is not just about building skills but also about instilling a strong work ethic. “Learning is earning,” says Andrew. “You get qualified and become more valuable, not just to yourself but in the work you do.”

Pepper Construction is also dedicated to supporting the community, particularly Life Education Taranaki, WISE Charitable Trust, Taranaki Futures, Marfell Community Trust, Devon Intermediate, Be Safe Taranaki and Building Wellness Taranaki.

Building on a foundation of 88 years, Pepper Construction is in a solid position. “It’s a highly productive little unit – adaptable and very diverse. We can flick in and out of most forms of construction. We can do commercial, residential, and industrial.”

Some of its latest projects include the pocket neighbourhood John Mana Way, Yarrow Stadium’s temporary facilities, and about 40 state houses in Wellington. The company has also learnt the importance of thinking agile and diversifying with a line of sheds, and asbestos removal.

As the company looks to the future, the legacy of Len Pepper’s pioneering spirit continues to guide its path.

However, it’s unlikely a Pepper will remain at the helm forever, as Andrew and Paula’s daughter Phoebe has other plans.

Therefore, succession from the outside has begun, with Craig Oliver, who has more than 30 years of business experience across multiple industries, now serving as the general manager.

In the meantime, Andrew’s advice for business and life is: “Just be good at what you’re doing. Don’t settle for second.”

Contact: (06) 753 6159 or craig@pepperconstruction.co.nz