Members Stories
Access Solutions
Celebrating a quarter century of grit, growth, and gratitude
Celebrating a quarter century of grit, growth, and gratitude, Access Solutions’ story begins in 2000 when Senior Manager Michael Biddick chose not to move to Australia and instead bought the New Zealand assets of Oldfields Access. “Running a business wasn’t my preferred option,” he admits, “but I believed in the people around me.” With a modest fleet of scaffolding and 17 elevated work platforms, he launched the business from a small Onehunga site. Early years were defined by long days, tight margins, and loyal customers as the business stayed close to its elevated platform roots. The Global Financial Crisis exposed the need to diversify, and forklifts offered a steadier line of business. In 2012, Access Solutions purchased the Wellington operation of forklift supplier Powerlift Material Handling, creating sister company Forklift Solutions and marking the first step toward national expansion. A Christchurch branch soon followed, and fleets grew to more than 1,200 platforms and forklifts. In 2015 the company received the prestigious Gold Award in the Hire Excellence Awards from HIANZ.
From there, relationships, staff numbers (now over 50), and national reach continued to grow. “Sometimes it’s not always just about what equipment you have. It’s about the people who trust you,” Michael says. Survival through the GFC, COVID-19 and more recent uncertainty reflects foresight, discipline and collaboration across SARNZ, EWPA, HIANZ and NZFIA. Access Solutions’ story is also defined by teamwork and family, with wife Wendy working alongside Michael from the beginning. Now marking its 25th anniversary, Michael is focused on succession and balance, enjoying rugby, time up north, and the satisfaction of a quarter century of endurance. “You can’t not be proud.”
Read the full story from Michael Biddick on page 18 in the December 2025 Issue 26 magazine.
Pacific Linen
Pacific Linen’s purpose is threaded with sustainability
When Gaylene Ashby talks about Pacific Linen’s origins, her pride is tangible. “We started in 1997, dealing with the likes of Carlton Party Hire when that was still an individual entity,” she recalls. “And we still have those products today — 30 years later — still available for hire.” What began as a small family operation in Auckland has evolved into a national brand recognised for professionalism, consistency, and sustainable practice. Pacific Linen now services everything from intimate dinners to corporate galas of over 3,800 guests. Its model rests on one principle: “We reuse and reuse, it’s the essence of what we do.” In an age of disposable décor, Pacific Linen tests every fabric for durability, wash resistance and longevity, uses gentle laundering, and repurposes damaged items into napkins and smaller products. This closed loop approach aligns with circular economy principles and reflects timeless selection over fast fashion trends. “We’ve seen some colours come around four times in 30 years.”
Behind the fabrics is a team committed to service. Pacific Linen employs around nine staff in Auckland and up to 30 in the South Island during peak season. After a major fire at its Cromwell branch in 2023, the team rebuilt operations and continued supplying clients. Agility during events — from overnight turnarounds at Spark Arena to “linen emergencies” at weddings — is matched by meticulous quality control: “If you want six napkins, you get six, and they’re all perfect.” Like many hire businesses, Pacific Linen remains a family story dating back to the 1990s, with Gaylene and sister Jo now preparing the business for future succession. As Pacific Linen celebrates 28 years, its commitment to repair, reuse and recycling reflects sustainability, teamwork and longevity. “We’ve never chased trends; we’ve built something that lasts.”
Read the full story from Gaylene on page 28 in the December 2025 Issue 26 magazine
Motueka Hire
Hard Work, honest service, and homegrown pride
In the heart of Tasman Bay sits Motueka Hire, a name synonymous with reliability for contractors, orchardists and homeowners alike. Established in 1995 by Eric and Nita Jackett, the business has grown from a modest family operation into a cornerstone of the Motueka community and remains proudly independent under their son, Gordon Jackett. Motueka Hire has long been part of HIANZ, providing valuable support, camaraderie and industry guidance. Now approaching its 30th anniversary, the company continues to embody values of trust, practicality and a genuine willingness to help people get the job done. Gordon returned home in the late 1990s after working for John Deere, joining his father and brother Ross. Back then the business employed five or six staff and maintained a modest fleet; today that fleet has more than tripled. Rather than tie up capital in larger specialty equipment, Gordon has built partnerships with other hire companies, allowing the business to offer more without owning everything. For Gordon, success comes down to looking after people and helping them do the job right, building lasting loyalty across the district.
That approach has shaped a business known for straight advice, fair prices and friendly service. “Honesty’s a big thing,” Gordon says. Motueka Hire is also known for its laid-back, old-school atmosphere and strong work ethic. Gordon admits his work-life balance wasn’t great for a long time, but he’s always learning. Motueka’s economy revolves around horticulture and small enterprise, and the business has stayed nimble by listening to what customers ask for. Being part of HIANZ has strengthened industry connections and reinforced that they’re not on their own. As the company nears its 30-year milestone, Gordon—now 63—is considering succession options, perhaps selling if the right person comes along. For now, he remains dedicated to running a business built on community and character: “I just enjoy helping people, helping them succeed, and helping them to better themselves.”
Read the full story from Gordon Jackett on page 24 in the December 2025 Issue 25 magazine.
Huntly Hire
No drama, just delivery: The grit and grace behind Huntly Hire
Ask Amy Wiggins what gets her out of bed in the morning and the answer is simple: “Helping people get the job done without the drama.” As owner-operator of Huntly Hire in the heart of Waikato, she’s known for a no-fuss approach and the ability to get things sorted. Raised in Ngāruawāhia with five siblings, Amy learned teamwork early. Today, she’s a proud mum of two and runs the business alongside her dad Steve, while her husband manages their other business, Wiggins Building Solutions. Huntly Hire has earned a loyal customer base because they deliver when it counts, making sure equipment works, customers feel supported, and problems are solved quickly. That no-drama ethos has fuelled growth, including expanding the fleet and diversifying services.
Days start early with bookings, prepping gear, coordinating deliveries and juggling the unexpected. Yet the atmosphere stays upbeat, with humour keeping the team grounded. Steve is a linchpin, keeping things running smoothly and saving the day with his attention to detail and repairs, while Carolyn is “fantastic with customers” and makes them feel valued. For Amy, the key to success is strong relationships, within the team, with customers, and across the hire industry.
Read the full story from Amy Wiggins and Steve on page 22 in the July 2025 Issue 25 magazine
Swift Construction Hire
How Swift Construction Hire carved out its niche in a crowded market.
Chasing industry domination wasn’t on Aaron Beard and Mark Gregory’s bingo card when they launched their access equipment hire company in July 2016, they just wanted to do things better. Nearly a decade later, Swift Construction Hire is thriving in Auckland and the Waikato, proving that speed, integrity, and good relationships count in a fast-moving, price-driven industry. “We both started in hire back in Hamilton in the late ’90s,” Aaron says. “We’d joked for years about going into business together, but in hindsight, we probably weren’t ready back then. Eventually, the stars aligned; we had enough experience, maturity, and a shared view of how things should be done.” When proposals for expansion at their respective companies fell flat, they wrote their own plan and backed themselves. Swift opened with 14 electric scissor lifts and today the Auckland branch boasts 85 machines and five staff, with a second Waikato operation in partnership with Kirstin and Ryan Tautari (Tainui).
From the start, Swift built its identity around responsiveness and reliability. “We wanted to be known as the ‘good guys’ in the industry,” Aaron says. “We do things by the book, treat people well, and don’t cut corners. The name ‘Swift’ stuck, partly thanks to a brainstorming session over a few beers and my obsession with Taylor Swift, but mostly because it reflects how we operate: fast, but smooth.” Customers stick with them not always because of price, but because they answer the phone and help them plan. They don’t play the price war game, focusing instead on being nimble, responsive, and easy to deal with. “Even during overheated markets, we never overextended.”
Read the full story from Aaron Beard and Mark Gregory on page 10 in the July 2025 Issue 25 magazine.
Hireshop Kaitaia
From Stihl shop to local staple
Sitting still isn’t in Carol Carr and Jonathan Brien’s nature. When winter in Kaitaia slowed sales of lawnmowers and weed eaters at their Stihl Shop, they didn’t panic, they pivoted. “In winter, grass doesn’t grow as fast so mower sales slowdown. But we still had to support our team and their families, and ourselves,” Carol says. So the pair expanded their Stihl equipment business, first opened in 2007, and in 2013 opened another set of doors. What began as a need to support the quieter months soon found its footing as a business in its own right, HireShop Kaitaia. Today, it’s a fixture in the Far North (managed with the help of Lee Dye), supplying everything from diggers and trailers to lawnmowers and rolling machines to a loyal and growing client base. The decision wasn’t without its risks. “He questioned me,” Carol laughs, recalling Johno’s hesitation. “But we were eager enough to make it work.”
And work it did. Over a decade later, the pair have gone from leasing space on Commerce Street to owning their own building on 134 North Road (the old Toll site), with further expansion on the horizon. In the early days, stock was limited. “We used to have a couple of everything,” Carol says. “Now we’ve got five or six diggers, ten trailers, and growing. We’ve always put everything back into the company.” The key to that growth? Listening. “If someone comes in and asks for something we don’t have, and we think there’s value in it, we’ll get it. Someone wanted an enclosed cab digger, so we got one, and it’s basically paid for itself.” That responsiveness has helped the Kaitaia team stand out in a rural market.
Read the full story from Carol Carr and Jonathan Brien on page 16 in the July 2025 Issue 25 magazine.
Tool Hire Taranaki
A decade of success and expansion
Celebrating 10 years in business is no small feat, but for Charlotte and Daniel Lock, the duo behind Tool Hire Taranaki, the milestone is just the beginning. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Taranaki’s leading equipment hire businesses, the Locks have gone from strength to strength. Their journey began with a personal challenge: Daniel, a successful builder with over a decade of experience, was sidelined by a severe back injury. Faced with an uncertain future, Daniel and Charlotte pivoted, turning Daniel’s extensive collection of tools, along with friends’ growing habit of borrowing them, into a new venture. In 2014, just a month after deciding to start a hire business, Tool Hire Taranaki opened its doors in a small shop in Strandon, New Plymouth. With Daniel managing operations and Charlotte handling the administrative side, they were determined to make the business a success. What began with a single digger has now expanded into a fleet of more than 20 diggers and over 1,500 tools and equipment items, with a client base of 80% tradespeople and 20% DIY enthusiasts.
Ten years on, the business and the team have grown. The original three-person operation (which boasted Daniel’s 85-year-old dad) now boasts a team of 14, including family members like nephew Jackson Davey. The Locks take pride in the family-oriented culture they’ve cultivated, with Daniel still being the friendly face customers see at the counter, while Charlotte works diligently behind the scenes managing marketing, social media, and administration.
Read the full story from Charlotte and Daniel Lock on page 22 in the December 2024 Issue 24 magazine.
The HireKING Story
From Party Rentals to Portaloos
“Never thought I’d get excited about portable toilets,” Carla Bacon says, recalling the early days of HireKING. “But here we are, ten years later, and I can tell you more about them than I ever imagined possible.” Sitting in their bustling Fitzgerald Ave office, Carla and her brother Mark share the winding road that led them to create one of Canterbury’s most trusted equipment hire companies. Back in 2014, they were running Party Warehouse, dealing with everything from chair rentals to marquees, and it was a persistent headache that sparked their next venture. “We’d be organising these beautiful events,” Mark recalls, “and then the portable toilet supplier would show up late, or the units would be less than ideal.” Then came the Christchurch earthquakes and a construction boom nobody predicted. “The city was changing before our eyes,” says Carla. “Every street had building work going on, and every site needed basic facilities. We looked at each other one night over dinner and thought, ‘Why not us?’”
Their first “office” was a cramped portacom that Mark describes as “cozy, if you’re being generous.” But it was theirs, and more importantly, the beginning of something bigger. Providing local, responsive, and flexible service to customers who needed trustworthy equipment, HireKING quickly earned a reputation as a company that prioritised both its products and relationships. The team at HireKING, many of whom have been with the company for years, are considered family as well.
Read the full story from Carla Bacon on page 14 in the December 2024 Issue 24 magazine.
Trafco - Keeping it small and keeping it real
In the dynamic landscape of New Zealand’s hire industry, Trafco Hire Centre has made its mark not just through the variety it offers, but through the personal touch of its service. At the core of this success story is Alan Gray, whose career has been shaped by hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the industry from the ground up. His path to running the Darfield hire centre (nearly 50 kilometres west of Christchurch) was layered with experiences required to assure customers that he knows what he’s talking about. “I’ve done it all, from truck driving and delivery to office work and management. And starting from the bottom keeps you level-headed,” Alan says. Trafco originally started as a conversation between Alan’s wife and the partner of business partner Brent Trafford. The idea had legs, so Alan did some research. “It’s got to be a winner,” he remembers. “When we started, it was just a big empty shed, 300 square meters on about an acre of land.” From establishing the website and managing logistics to setting up booking and communication systems, Alan’s hands-on involvement was crucial in laying the foundation for Trafco’s growth.
What truly sets Trafco apart is Alan’s commitment to maintaining a personal connection with clients. This direct interaction ensures clients feel valued and supported, a stark contrast to impersonal companies. “The person you ring is probably going to be the person dealing with you directly. It’s just me and Brent here, with an offsider every so often, but you can get hold of us and it’s only us. We’re just about keeping it small and keeping it real. We don’t want to be bigger than Texas but we want to be big on service and expertise; we’re knowledgeable, experienced and reliable.”
Read the full story from Alan and Brent on page 32 in the December 2024 Issue 24 magazine.
Hire Works
A former deep-sea diver suffering a little homesickness, who cut his teeth in the Middle Eastern and Asian oil and drilling rig industries, thought buying a Kiwi business was just what the doctor ordered. “I wanted to settle back in New Zealand but also wanted to ensure that I would still be progressing and decided the move back would involve me purchasing a business of some sort,” says Shaun Cameron. So, with no prior knowledge of the hire industry, he placed an offer on Mangawhai Hire. With the support of his father, a successful businessman in his own right, Shaun stepped into the world of hire – or in his words: “It’s an industry I fell into but one I intend to continue with.” A year after purchasing Mangawhai, Shaun acquired Hire Works, which had branches in Warkworth and Snells Beach. Initially, they operated as separate entities, but in 2021 Shaun streamlined operations by rebranding under the name Hire Works, simplifying things for both the business and customers.
Six years on, as Hire Works Managing Director, Shaun oversees every aspect of operations, strategy, and performance. With three branches in Warkworth, Snells Beach, and Mangawhai, his role is to support his managers and steer the business toward success in Rodney, Wellsford, Kaipara, and surrounding areas. Despite a slight decrease in pace over the past twelve months, the team remains focused on high quality and is incredibly hardworking. “I have always believed in promoting from within, allowing our team members to grow alongside the company, and this has helped with staff retention. As cliché as it sounds, we are a family here. Having a smaller team works well for us; the long-standing staff have got to know each other, including how they work and communicate. This understanding helps us get the job done faster.”
Read the full story from Shaun Cameron on page 14 in the June 2024 magazine.
Silk Estate
On a dinner date without their young children, Jason Blundell told wife Kate he was ready for a change. So, on the heels of a challenging post-COVID environment, they bought Silk Estate. It wasn’t a rash decision but a strategic one. Buying the premium marquee and event hire company in late 2022 meant the pair could finally blend and leverage their distinct skill sets. Kate is a visionary in New Zealand’s event management industry; long before Silk Estate she founded Collective Concepts in 2008 and has been providing exceptional event planning services ever since. Jason’s background in carpentry and construction brought a practical and creative edge to their partnership. Taking the plunge late in the year with summer events already on the books allowed them to showcase their expertise. Without missing a beat, they managed one of the largest marquee weddings they had ever taken on just a week into ownership. “There was trepidation for some of the clients,” Kate says. “But when they realised our breadth of experience, they knew they were in safe hands.”
Performing under pressure was the perfect opportunity for the Blundell’s to demonstrate their ability, and they’ve continued to grow that reputation. Silk Estate specialises in premium marquee experiences for weddings and corporate events. Known for its high-quality, locally made marquees, the company offers a full-service experience from planning to on-site execution. Clients benefit from a one-stop-shop approach, as Kate and Jason coordinate trusted suppliers including photographers, caterers, and styling companies, providing guidance and support throughout the process.
Read the full story from Kate and Jason Blundell on page 20 in the June 2024 magazine.
X-Site - Masters of own destiny
X-Site Owner and Founder Hamish Lamb is the master of his destiny, and his passion to meet and exceed his customers’ expectations fuels his drive. “You’re the master of your own demise if you don’t do it well, but you’re also the benefactor of your success. Fortunately, we’ve been the latter.” That belief has led him and his team to grow the business over 31 years into one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned marquee and infrastructure hire companies. X-Site now boasts 17 staff and can supply marquees from 3m x 3m to 25m x 55m. At National Fieldays, X-Site erects more than 15,000m² of marquees – about three rugby pitches of canvas. X-Site got its start at Fieldays back in 1992. As Matangi Landscape Supplies, Hamish provided a service to local DIY-ers and then to exhibitors. Landscaping took a backseat and X-Site Management was born in 2000 to focus on exhibitors’ sites and events throughout the country.
Sixteen years and multiple business purchases later, marquee hire and infrastructure and design and build installations became a mainstay. “We’ve worked bloody hard over those 31 years, but at the same time we do it well, so I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished (now with my wife Donna) over the last 12 years,” Hamish says. He puts success down to hard graft, a passionate team – who helped the business see out COVID-19, and lasting relationships. The horizon looks promising, including a recent pitch for the 2024 ITM Taupō Supercars event, for which he was awarded a couple of weeks ago.
Read the full story from Hamish Lamb on page 25 in the December 2023 magazine.
Lowes Hire & Engineering: More than just a hire centre
More often than not, a business springs up out of necessity and does exactly what it says on the tin for decades, but only the good ones become an integral part of their community. Opotiki-based company Lowes Hire & Engineering Ltd is one such example: “so much more than just a hire centre”. They’ve got the accolades to prove it too; in October the company was recognised at the jointly held New Zealand–Australia Network Conference on the Gold Coast for its decades-long service to Hydraulink, with another award for Sales Growth (%) North Island – a far cry from the humble days in 1981 when Grant and Raewyn Lowe first set up shop with Grant’s brother and wife. The business is now run by the new generation of Lowes: Jamie and his brothers Andrew and Matt, after their parents built “the business into the beast it is today”. “Mum and Dad have worked their whole lives to build this business, so taking over the business was just sort of a natural progression for us brothers,” Matt says.
Expanding from their little building on King Street into a well-established retail, hire and engineering specialist on Bridge Street, they’ve got most of the East Cape’s needs covered. Supplying brands like Honda, Kohler and Husqvarna means their catalogue is varied; marquees make up a decent chunk of the business too, but porta-loos and mini-buses are their bread and butter. Opotiki’s kiwifruit, dairy and forestry industries keep them on their toes. Officially taking over just over a year ago, the brothers first set about modernising the software, bolstering the team and keeping the business family-owned for another generation. “We’re just glad we can keep it family-owned and operated; there’s not too many businesses around like that these days.”
Read the full story from Lowes Hire & Engineering Team on page 38 in the December 2023 magazine.
Edward Sound & Vision
From humble beginnings to a sound and audio-visual powerhouse
If the myths are to be believed, some of the most legendary Silicon Valley companies started in a garage: Apple, Google, Amazon. So, it is only right that New Zealand has a few similar legendary beginnings of its own: enter stage right Edwards Sound Systems. Started in the 1960s by Alastair Neil and Paul Edwards, the former was a bassist in a local band called the New Mystics. Playing live shows and recording albums gave Alastair a decent appreciation for good sound equipment. Add to that his ear for music, passion for sound, and talent for electronics and design, and you can imagine where this might lead. Paul’s Mt. Eden garage was the perfect location to handcraft amplifiers and speaker systems, which would then be installed in churches, schools and commercial venues by the same guys making them. The rest, as they say, is history. The new owner, Jonathan, followed in his dad’s footsteps, minus the band, working part-time building amplifiers, working in the shop on Friday nights and helping on the hire counter on Saturdays.
“We not only have a hire business, but we also have a sound and audio-visual installation business, so we reach across the different sectors of the industry and are well-known to professional sound, lighting and audio-visual suppliers. Having a hand in both businesses means that we stay ahead of trends and can anticipate where the market is heading.” “The best day for us is when we see our customer’s vision brought to life, especially those complex events or installations that have stretched our thought processes.” The team has since developed its own rental booking and management software, called Hirewin, designed around its sound system, lighting, AV and events requirements. Interestingly, life in the events industry can move counter to economic cycles, which has proved a winning recipe for Edwards Sound, morphing a small family-run business into a diverse medium-range employer.
Read the full story from Johnathon on page 13 in the December 2023 magazine.
Get Set Events
The inspiring story of building a successful event hire business
After working as a retail assistant, Tracey Thompson was given an opportunity to join her parents in a new business venture. After spending two decades working in the hire industry, she discovered her true passion as the proprietor and leader of Get Set Events Taupo, a full HIANZ member. With a sterling reputation, the small business provides its services to large and small events alike, including the famous Ironman Triathlon events. Through years of dedication, the company has built a long-standing relationship with Ironman, an event that has been a big part of the Taupō community since 1999. In a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained, they simply asked for the business. They now provide a wide range of product each year, from marquees to catering equipment and decorations for prize giving ceremonies, as well as equipment for volunteers’ dinners and other parts of the event. Tracey notes that other amazing hire companies supply equipment Get Set Events can’t provide, and says the event needs coordination among many businesses, creating strong relationships.
The seasonal nature of the work means staff turnover can be high, but key employees stay for the long haul, giving organisers a supplier with years of experience. During peak season, university students are often employed and gain valuable life skills like backing trailers, driving manuals, and setting up marquees. As with most business, Covid hit hard, but the team adapted by leasing a shop in town to increase visibility and sell equipment as well as hire it. Now Tracey has bought a wedding venue, branded as Sequoia Estate, filling a gap in the Taupō market and giving couples the advantage of having a hire company provide everything they could need.
Read the full story from Tracey on page 35 in the July 2023 magazine.