Māori-owned construction group expands nationally with major acquisition of PAE New Zealand

The acquisition (effective 27 June) creates a uniquely iwi and New Zealand-owned Group with the scale and experience to deliver end-to-end facilities management, asset management and maintenance services (FMS) nationwide. It brings a Māori-owned, Amotai Registered business forward as a national provider for both the public and private sectors. 

“Bringing PAE NZ’s 30-year legacy alongside our Group’s 40-plus years in construction and social housing will help us build more long-term partnerships with property owners who need a total facilities management solution. It’s a huge opportunity for a Māori enterprise to deliver national FMS services to government and large commercial organisations,” says Kā te Rama Switched On Group Board Chair Paul Rogers (Ngāti Porou). 

The strategic acquisition showcases the capability of Māori-owned businesses to scale significantly and provide top-tier, national services across sectors. Ultimately the Group aims for its growth to enhance more living and working environments to achieve positive community outcomes. 

“The growth of the Group aligns with our Ngāti Toa Rangatira intergenerational vision to advance wellbeing and prosperity to achieve a state of Mauri Ora. We work with partners who share our focus and values to achieve enhanced cultural, environmental, social and economic outcomes. Infrastructure plays a major role in influencing the wellbeing of communities, and this helps shape community outcomes that enable healthy and prosperous living,” says Ngāti Toa Rangatira Chief Investment Officer Boyd Scirkovich (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rakaipaaka). 

Switched On Group has long been a trusted provider of community housing facilities management, complemented by construction services including fit-outs, refurbishments, and new builds. The acquisition of PAE NZ significantly expands the Group's capability to deliver commercial and government contracts, while maintaining a commitment to local service delivery and local impact. 

“Our people, trade partners, and the communities and local economies we work across will all benefit from our now national presence and impact, which is all part of our growth plan,” Rogers says. 

PAE NZ, established in 1991, has a strong track record in FMS, managing 4,000 buildings and completing more than 230,000 maintenance jobs annually. Previously owned by global corporations, the move to local shareholding is a strategic decision to grow the business further while continuing to deliver longstanding contracts with local clients. 

“Our commitment to our clients remains unchanged, but now we’re part of a Group that shares our focus and values. Together, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind, kiwi and iwi-owned national facilities management provider that will benefit Aotearoa,” says Chris Pile, PAE NZ Chief Executive. 

The two organisations are already beginning to work together, having secured a significant multi-year opportunity where PAE NZ will manage the contract and care for large assets, and the Group will deliver specialist social housing FMS. 

“Our emerging mahi together shows the immediate value of our combined strengths. We’re now able to offer a more comprehensive, integrated service that enhances the quality and local benefits our clients expect” says Rogers. 

 

For more information or interviews:
communications@switchedon.net.nz
or phone Hannah McKnight, Switched On Group GM Communications: 027 344 4396. 
High-resolution images available on request. 

About Kā te Rama Switched On Group
Kā te Rama Switched On Group is a whānau and iwi-owned construction and facilities management business, founded by the Hughes family in Christchurch in the 1980s. The Group has deep roots in social housing and has grown to deliver construction, fit-outs, refurbishments, new builds, and maintenance services across Aotearoa. In 2021, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira became shareholders, making the Group majority Māori-owned and Amotai registered.

About PAE New Zealand
PAE NZ is a commercial facilities and asset management specialist, established in 1991. With a legacy of long-term partnerships, including with the New Zealand Defence Force, the company manages over 4,000 buildings and completes more than 230,000 maintenance jobs annually.

More: www.pae.co.nz