In just thirteen years, Hastings-based Oneshot Earthworks has made a name for itself in Hawke’s Bay’s competitive civil, commercial and residential sectors.

Led by founder Kale Atkinson, the company specialises in subdivisions, siteworks, retaining walls, earth walls, anchor pile drilling and general earthworks, with a growing fleet of modern equipment and a team that prides itself on getting the job done properly.

A Natural Progression

After years of gaining experience working with companies in the civil, commercial and residential space, Kale saw an opportunity to do things differently — and better.

“It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel. It was more about creating a company that values its people, takes pride in the quality of its work, and treats clients with respect,” he says.

That mindset has shaped the culture at Oneshot, where loyalty and work ethic matter just as much as technical skills. Kale’s own experience in the trenches gives him a sharp understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry — not just machinery and manpower, but trust, follow-through, and straight-up hard work.

Starting out with a single machine and a small crew, the business quickly found its feet, with demand growing through word of mouth and a strong network of local contractors and developers.

“We’ve been lucky to work alongside some really good operators in the Bay, and that’s helped us sharpen our game. It also means we’re always learning and improving,” says Kale.

Right-Sized and Ready

Today, Oneshot has a team of eleven and the capability to deliver a solid pipeline of work across residential, commercial and local government. From minor earthworks to medium-scale civil projects, they tackle every job with the same attention to detail, regardless of size.

“We’re not trying to be the biggest civil company out there. We just want to be known as the guys who show up, do the job properly, and don’t cut corners,” Kale says.

It’s a simple philosophy, but one that’s resonating with clients who’ve had enough of blown-out budgets, shoddy workmanship or poor communication.

“That’s where we see the opportunity. If you’re responsive, reliable and respectful, you’ll stand out. And we’ve built the business around those values.”

Investing in the Right Tools

Part of delivering that consistency comes down to having the right tools for the job. Oneshot has steadily invested in its own wide range of equipment to make sure the team can work efficiently and to a high standard.

“We’ve got gear that suits the size and scope of the work we’re doing, and we keep it modern and well-maintained. If you’re always relying on hired machines or waiting on someone else’s schedule, it’s harder to control the job,” Kale explains.

That investment also helps attract the right people. Experienced operators want to work for a company that takes pride in its gear and gives them the tools to do the job properly.

Building a Solid Crew

Kale says finding good people is one of the toughest challenges in the industry — but also one of the most important.

“You can train someone on machinery, but you can’t teach attitude. We look for people who are switched on, dependable and want to be part of our team.”

Most of the current crew have come through local connections or word of mouth, and many have been with the company since the early days. Oneshot takes the time to train and upskill its people on site, with Kale himself often jumping in to share what he’s learned.

“I don’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. It’s a team environment, and that’s how we want to keep it.”

Project Variety Keeps Things Interesting

From small residential jobs through to large-scale projects, Oneshot handles a mix of work that keeps the crew busy and constantly evolving.

Recent jobs have included foundation work for new housing developments, platform construction for commercial buildings, and intricate civil work on tight sites where precision is key. Currently, Oneshot is working alongside multiple key players in the industry.

“No two jobs are the same. That’s part of what keeps it interesting — and it also pushes us to keep improving.”

Punching Above Their Weight

Despite their capability and strong track record, Kale says it’s not always easy for a smaller, independent operator to get a seat at the table, particularly when it comes to larger-scale contracts.

“It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. You need to have completed bigger projects to move up the list, but you need to be given the opportunity to do those projects in the first place.”

While Oneshot continues to contribute to major jobs as a subcontractor — often delivering a large portion of the physical work — their ability to tender as a lead contractor remains restricted by that categorisation.

That can be frustrating at times, especially when the team is doing the bulk of the hands-on work.

“We’re not asking for special treatment. We just want a fair shot. Let us put our hand up and prove what we can do.”

The Long Game

Still, Kale remains focused on the long game — building a reputation that speaks for itself and laying the foundations for sustainable growth.

“We know the quality of work we deliver. That approach is already paying off, with repeat business from clients who appreciate Oneshot’s reliability and can-do attitude.

“It’s not always glamorous work, but it’s essential. If we do our part well, everyone else down the chain can do theirs — and that’s something we take seriously.”

Oneshot Earthworks Services

• Civil Works
• Commercial (including car park construction)
• Anchor Pile Drilling
• Foundation Work
• Earth Walls and Retaining Walls
• Rural Excavation
• Subdivision
• Gravel & Bulk Supplies
• Clean Fill Dumping