Fifteen years in business is more than a milestone. It’s a testament to resilience, adaptability and the strength of the relationships built along the way.
According to Stats NZ data published by Figure.NZ, only 27% of New Zealand businesses established in 2015 were still operating ten years later. Reaching fifteen years places GWE among a relatively small group of businesses that have successfully navigated changing markets, economic cycles and industry challenges while continuing to grow.
Since launching in 2011, GWE has operated through significant events that have shaped New Zealand’s economy and construction sector. The business has weathered the impacts of COVID-19, labour shortages, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, the sustained downturn across New Zealand’s property, development and infrastructure sectors since 2022, and more recently, fuel price and supply chain pressures linked to conflict in the Middle East. Through each cycle, the company has adapted, evolved and continued delivering for its clients.
GWE began with Gareth Williams working from his bedroom as a one-man operation focused on specialist wastewater engineering. Like many successful businesses, growth didn’t come from a grand expansion plan. It came from trust. From building relationships, delivering quality work and partnering with others in the industry to combine expertise and solve increasingly complex challenges.
What started as a specialist water engineering consultancy has grown into a business of approximately 40 people across Auckland, Waiheke, Hamilton and Tauranga, providing expertise in geotechnical, water and environmental engineering.
Growth has come in many forms over the last 15 years. It came through its people and partnerships, expanding expertise, capabilities and regional presence with offices across Waiheke, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga – bringing GWE closer to the communities and clients it serves. It came through the acquisition of Hamilton-based Mark T Mitchell Ltd and Geocon Geotechnical Ltd, strengthening GWE’s geotechnical capability and Waikato presence.
It also came through a willingness to learn.
As GWE evolved, the business expanded from its water engineering roots into geotechnical and civil engineering. While that growth created valuable opportunities and experience, it also highlighted an important lesson: not all growth is good growth.
Over time, it became clear that GWE’s greatest value sat in its specialist expertise across geotechnical, water and environmental engineering. The difficult decision to step away from civil and land development engineering earlier this year, was not a failure; it was a deliberate decision to sharpen focus and improve the client experience.
As Gareth often says, “there are no bad mistakes if you learn from them”.
By returning to its roots and focusing on what it does best, GWE has been able to invest more deeply in technical expertise, improve alignment across the business and create a stronger, more consistent experience for clients.
That reflection led to more than a service line review. It led to a clearer understanding of who GWE is, who it serves and how it operates.
Through conversations with staff and clients, the business developed its LIFT values:
- Listen: to understand every challenge, stakeholder and opportunity.
- Innovate: with a spirit of enquiry to find creative and effective solutions.
- Follow Through: with accountability and technical rigour.
- Team Up: through genuine collaboration with colleagues, clients and partners.
These values are not intended to be words on a wall. They are a benchmark for how GWE operates, makes decisions and holds itself accountable.
The last 15 years have also shaped the type of workplace GWE wants to be.
The business has long supported interns and graduates, providing meaningful work experience and development opportunities while they study and begin their careers. It has invested in creating a parent-friendly workplace, embraced flexible and remote working, supported women in engineering, encouraged a multicultural and diverse workforce, and recognised the importance of family, sport and life outside work.
Whether it’s supporting staff in sports, encouraging participation in community initiatives, accommodating family commitments or creating opportunities for professional growth, GWE has always believed that strong businesses are built by it’s people.
That commitment has helped create a diverse team of engineers, scientists and specialists who bring different perspectives, experiences and ideas to solving complex problems.
As Gareth reflects:
Fifteen years is an incredible milestone. Looking back to where GWE started and where it is today, it’s hard not to feel proud of what has been achieved. What began as a one-person consultancy has grown into a business of talented people working across multiple regions, disciplines and projects. None of that happens without the support of great clients, trusted industry partners and an exceptional team who have contributed their expertise, relationships and commitment along the way. The last 15 years have taught us a lot, and those lessons have helped shape a stronger, more focused business. The next chapter is about continuing to build on those foundations and delivering even greater value for our clients.
GWE’s story is not one of perfect decisions.
It is one of listening, learning and adapting.
From one room to four offices. From a one-man wastewater consultancy to a team of 40 specialists. From growth through expansion to growth through focus.
The next chapter is built on stronger foundations, clearer direction and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes through geotechnical, water and environmental engineering.
After 15 years, the mission remains the same.