Broader Outcomes

At Holmes, we believe our work should make a lasting, positive difference - not just in the finished product, but in how we get there. We take pride in working responsibly, supporting our kaimahi, and strengthening hapori engagement in the regions where we operate.

Taiao (Environmental Impact)

We are realistic about our environmental footprint and proactive in reducing it. Our approach focuses on practical, measurable actions that make sense for both our business and the earth.

Reducing emissions: In 2023, our partnership with Gazley enabled us to replace every vehicle across our business, saving over 20 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. We have also recently replaced four work vans with lower-emission alternatives.

Solar power at Greytown office: Our Greytown office features a solar system. This reduces operational energy costs and demonstrates our commitment to energy-efficient, future-focused practices.

Recycling and waste reduction: We prioritise smart waste management and responsible material selection across all of our projects. Examples of this can be seen at the Carterton Events Centre, we used recycled materials, locally milled timber from JNL Mill, and designed for recyclability to reduce transport emissions. We are members of ECHO, the national e-waste recycling programme, and in September received a Certificate of Recycling for diverting 97 kg of e-waste from landfill.

Environmentally certified materials: We specify FSC-certified timber, low-VOC paints, and other sustainable products that improve air quality and ensure long-lasting results.

Energy-efficient practices: Motion-sensor lighting, energy audits, and structured waste separation systems across sites and offices help embed good environmental habits.

Ahurea (Cultural Impact)

We take pride in working respectfully within the cultural and social fabric of each hapori. Every project is an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect local identity with ngākau pono.

Culturally significant projects: Holmes has delivered projects such as Te Kura Kaupapa Māori, Carterton Events Centre, and Te Puia, engaging iwi and mana whenua throughout design and construction.

Te reo Māori and cultural inclusion: We are introducing bilingual signage across our sites, ensuring translations are accurate and delivered with respect.

We actively encourage the use of te reo Māori in internal communications, supporting correct pronunciation and normalising its use in meetings through karakia and mihi.

Cultural participation: Our teams take part in site karakia, ceremonies, and other tikanga on culturally important projects, acknowledging the significance of the work, whenua, and the people who have gone before.

Community giving: In 2023, we donated Te Reo “Learn to Read” books to Wellington primary schools and Ronald McDonald House, supporting te reo Māori learning and whānau in need. We also regularly donate to schools in the region.

Partnerships and suppliers: Holmes is a registered Amotai buyer, partnering with Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses wherever possible. We maintain strong relationships with local suppliers and subcontractors, keeping skills and spend within the community.

We acknowledge mana whenua in each region we work and seek to engage early and meaningfully to understand local histories, values, and aspirations.

Ōhanga (Economic Impact)

We aim to build stronger, more resilient local economies through how we hire, spend, and invest.

Local investment: Our “buy local” policy prioritises regional suppliers and subcontractors, balancing safety, quality, and value.

Sponsorships and giving back: We support Wellington Free Ambulance, Life Flight, Coastguard NZ, local sports teams, community events, and many other organisations — strong hapori are actively built, not assumed.

Employment and training opportunities: Our apprenticeship and development programmes create sustainable career pathways and strengthen the construction workforce across Aotearoa. We work with training providers and community organisations to provide opportunities for emerging talent from diverse backgrounds. Currently, we are partnering with Mana College to give students hands-on experience through a specific project, providing a pathway into the construction industry. We also work closely with Le Fale, engaging their members, subcontractors, and local businesses to enable participation in community projects.

Annual scholarship commitment: We have recently committed to an annual scholarship with Ara Institute of Canterbury. Through Holmes Waitaha, we will fund the first year of study for eligible students undertaking a Diploma in Construction or Quantity Surveying, a Bachelor of Construction, or a Bachelor of Applied Management. This initiative helps remove financial barriers, supports regional talent, and contributes to the future capability of our industry.

Holmes is committed to training the next generation with a strong apprentice programme in place to ensure no one gets left behind, no matter what stage they are at. Our programme includes regular check-ins, access to skills development across our sites, and recognition as progression occurs to maintain motivation.

Supporting SMEs and social enterprises: Where possible, we work with small-to-medium local businesses and social enterprise suppliers, contributing to local growth and meaningful employment.

Volunteering opportunities: We are exploring structured company volunteer days, enabling staff to give back during work hours and make tangible community impacts.

Pāpori (Social Impact)

Our tangata are at the heart of what we do. We aim to provide a safe, supportive environment where everyone feels valued, cared for, and proud of their work.

Worksite and wellbeing improvements: We continually review our health and safety practices - assessing the latest programmes, training, and PPE to ensure we stay up to date with evolving standards and products, and that our teams have access to the best options. Health and safety isn’t a box to tick; it’s a culture we live by every day.

Health and wellbeing initiatives: Tangata receive full health insurance, with regular health checks and safety refreshers reinforcing our commitment to physical wellbeing and hauora. We also support industry initiatives like Mates in Construction, giving our team access to counselling and wellbeing resources. While we don’t yet have a dedicated in-house programme, we are exploring discounted gym memberships and additional wellbeing benefits for our people.

Training and apprenticeships: We are committed to growing talent from within. We currently have 11 apprentices - around 14% of our workforce. Over the past five years, we’ve supported more than 38 apprentices across the Holmes Group, with dedicated mentors assigned to create a supportive, skills-focused learning environment.

Ongoing training programmes include:
Leadership & Wellbeing development, Site Safe Gold Passport, First Aid, Manual Handling Workshop, Ramset & Hilti licenses, Accident/Incident Investigation & Prevention (US17601), Safety Representative Training, Supervisor Training, Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Certificate, Level 5 Main Contract Supervision, Unit Standards for manual handling, working at height, safety harness, elevated work platform, MATES in Construction, BCITO Level 4 & 5 Carpentry/Joinery, PITO Landscape Apprenticeship, BCITO Foundation Construction.

Team connection and culture: We host BBQs, Friday morning teas, team get togethers, weekly quiz challenges, charity golf days, and quiz nights to bring our people together.

Community engagement: Holmes Group actively supports local and national charities. See below for some of the organisations we continually support.

Holmes acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand and recognises Māori as tangata whenua.

We respect the relationship mana whenua have with their whenua, wai, and taonga, and we are committed to engaging respectfully and appropriately within the regions in which we work. Guided by the principles of partnership, participation, and protection, we strive to build in ways that honour people, place, and community.