In the heart of Hawke’s Bay, TW Group has grown from a small construction outfit into one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and community-minded development companies. From a handful of employees, the company has become a story of regional success, vision and teamwork. Today it employs more than 430 people nationwide and is recognised for innovation, collaboration and the delivery of increasingly complex projects.
The philosophy behind TW has always been bigger than building structures. It is about building communities. That purpose has guided the group’s evolution into 14 business divisions across construction, civil and infrastructure, property, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, scaffolding, roofing, painting, joinery, landscaping and traffic management.
Cam Ward says the company’s growth reflects this long-term mindset. “We have gone from one painter and one builder to hundreds of skilled people working across the country. The growth has been huge.”
This focus on people shapes the culture across TW Group. Staff describe it as a place where they feel genuinely valued and supported, with a strong sense of pride in the quality of work delivered. The investment in people is deliberate and ongoing.
“We are currently supporting 41 apprentices and encouraging staff to pursue further learning with the support of a training and development manager. It is important that our staff have a pathway, no matter what level they are working in,” Cam says.
A headquarters built for collaboration
TW Group’s new Hawke’s Bay headquarters brings every division together for the first time. Led by TW Property and delivered by TW Construction, the building reflects the organisation’s integrated model, showcasing the craft and capability of its own teams.
“It was designed to support relationships, creativity and shared ambition,” Cam says.
Major projects with purpose
As the organisation has expanded, so has the scale of its work. TW Property has delivered hundreds of social housing homes nationwide and multiple commercial and industrial projects, including Broadlands Road Industrial Park in Taupō and a bespoke facility for Vulcan Steel in Napier.
TW Construction recently completed the new Acute Mental Health Unit at Gisborne Hospital, achieving Core Green Building Certification, alongside projects such as the Airport Fire Station, Port of Napier upgrades, Quest Hotel in Havelock North, the new Woolworths in Flaxmere and Pukemokimoki, an inner-city apartment development with Mana Ahuriri Trust.
TW Construction regional manager Kelly Allan says the commitment remains consistent across every project.
“We focus on delivering work that is high quality, purposeful and genuinely beneficial to our partners and the communities we serve.”
Investing in Hawke’s Bay: Flaxmere’s bright future
TW Group’s community focus is especially visible in Flaxmere, a suburb experiencing significant revitalisation. In 2025, TW Property purchased the Flaxmere Village Shopping Centre, returning the 2.17-hectare hub to local ownership after 17 years.
Terry May, TW Property chief executive, says the purchase reflects belief in the suburb’s potential.
“It is an up-and-coming area appealing to first-home buyers and families. Strong community infrastructure and quality amenities are essential, and we share the council’s vision for Fabulous Flaxmere.”
TW Property is preparing a master plan for the town centre in partnership with Hastings District Council and the local community. Flaxmere Ward councillor Henare O’Keefe says the approach should be viewed as a template for other communities across New Zealand.
Creating opportunity through development
Addressing New Zealand’s housing affordability challenge is another priority. Multiple developments in Flaxmere will provide affordable, high-quality homes for families, seniors and first-home buyers.
One major project includes around 130 homes on land behind the Flaxmere Community Centre and next to Flaxmere College, with a mix of two- to four-bedroom homes for ownership and rental. Construction is underway, with a further 120 homes planned over the next three to four years and the first resource consent lodged.
Cam highlights the wider impact of these developments.
“Home ownership is really important. For many, it is the start on the property ladder and helps build strong communities. It also helps attract and retain quality employees. It is a win for everyone.”
A new supermarket for Flaxmere
TW Property is also leading the development of a new Woolworths supermarket. The 3,460-square-metre full-service store, including an additional retail tenancy and 171 car parks, will give residents modern shopping facilities for the first time in decades.
It is scheduled to open in July 2026 and is being delivered using TW Group’s own construction and trades teams, many of whom live in Flaxmere.
Supporting whānau through Mamia
TW Group’s community commitment extends well beyond property development. The company recently supported Mamia, an organisation led by Dr Aria Graham that supports new mothers and babies.
TW Group led the development of a new whare at Waipatu, donating materials, labour and project management expertise, and coordinating contributions from more than 50 local sponsors.
Senior development manager Isaac Aitken says the aim was simple: “We wanted to deliver it at no cost to Mamia. We wanted to give back.” Teams worked after hours and on weekends to bring the project to life.
Civil and infrastructure: setting a new benchmark
TW Civil and Infrastructure (TWCI) strengthens the Group’s capability across roading, drainage, subdivisions and environmental management. Branch manager Ian Tager says the integrated model is a major advantage.
“With surveying, roading, drainage, concrete, plumbing, landscaping and traffic control all in house, we can streamline delivery and remove delays.”
TWCI also places strong emphasis on respect for people and place, with significant Māori and female participation across its workforce. Current projects include Te Rorotiti with Mana Ahuriri and Wairatahi, a major wastewater project for Hastings District Council.
Looking ahead
Despite its national footprint, TW Group remains strongly connected to Hawke’s Bay. Its vertically integrated model ensures quality, consistency and cost-efficiency while supporting hundreds of local jobs.
From its new headquarters to its expanding construction and civil divisions and the long-term revitalisation work in Flaxmere, the company continues to focus on places that matter.
“We are proud of what we have built, but even more excited about what is ahead. Our people are our strength, and together we will continue creating places and opportunities that make a real difference,” Cam says.
