A new industrial zone covering 75ha in Hautapu has opened unmatched opportunities for businesses looking for space, accessibility and lifestyle to establish themselves and
latch on to the strong growth in the area.

Sitting just north and south of Hautapu Road, the site wasn’t originally planned for development until after 2035, but Waipā’s industrial sector continued to boom and the demand continued to grow for somewhere with the space to accommodate growing businesses.

Accelerating this growth was another plan change in the rezoning of Carters Flat to a commercial zone, which saw industrial businesses based there move to the new industrial precinct.

The completion of the Waikato Expressway in 2015 positioned the Hautapu precinct as a prime location for businesses looking for connectivity and efficiency. The expressway provides direct links for businesses to connect their haulage and operations to the Golden Triangle – the powerhouse of New Zealand’s economy nestled between Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland. This key piece of infrastructure has improved transportation links, attracted businesses, created jobs and ultimately stimulated impressive economic growth in Hautapu.

Connecting with innovative businesses

Shaw’s have been innovating in the New Zealand heavy industry since 1909. As wire rope, rigging, lifting and forestry specialists, the company has forged strong links with a wide range of industries including forestry, construction, transport, shipping, oil and gas, mining and commercial fishing.

Shaw’s moved to Hautapu in 2017 as the business had grown to a point where they needed more space and Hautapu sat as the perfect location. Director of Shaw’s, Jonny Schick, said transport and accessibility were big deciding factors, “but it’s also great to be based in
a hub with innovative businesses who we connect
with daily.”

“We love the strong local networks, Cambridge is a tight-knit community and as a family-owned business that is really important to us,” says Schick.

Schick, along with three local businessmen have banded together to launch a new company Precision Readymix, offering ready-made concrete mix with their new plant under construction and set to open its doors in the Hautapu precinct in early 2025.

From a small lock-up container

Watchu Security Waikato Ltd was established by Justin Fisher and Adrian Holmes in Cambridge in 2007 from a small lock-up container at Carters Flat. Today, their new purpose-built premise in Hautapu is the base for almost 30 staff spread across management, sales and administration, technical installation, service, engineering installation and fabrication. 

“Before we chose Hautapu, we had been looking for a few years to confirm our next step and prepare Watchu for the demand we hoped to build. We wanted the building and location to signify a commitment to the region and our team,” says Justin.

He noticed the data coming through on Hautapu traffic movements, access to motorway connections, council planned growth cells, and the other businesses doing amazing
things for the region which gave him the confidence that Hautapu was going to be a destination for industry players with a long-term outlook.

Justin says having a business based in Cambridge holds significant weight. “Our town is known for quality work and standing by our products. We have some talented tradespeople in our region and I noticed the respect people have for them and how local businesses deliver well above expectations.”

Location, location, location

With a strong construction and manufacturing base, a diverse range of companies such as Shoof International, Leisurecom Homes, and Emmerson Transport have set down roots at Hautapu with plenty of opportunities for more businesses to set up shop and connect to a collaborative and forward-thinking business community.

Provisions for pocket parks of recreation have been made in the precinct and the development has been the catalyst for a transformative shift in neighbouring areas where Hautapu Sports Club and the Pacific Medical Hub sit.

Sitting just five minutes outside of central Cambridge the proximity to key services, coupled with high connectivity and the sheer land size available, the Hautapu precinct is positioned to boom over the coming years boosting the recovery of the economy and bringing more job opportunities to the local community.

Family roots

Cambridge-based business C & R Developments, owned by the four Ross Brothers - Mike, Tony, Tim, and Simon - is one of New Zealand’s leading civil and mining contractors and bulk earthmoving companies.

One of the first companies to move to Hautapu, in the late 1990s C & R outgrew their Cambridge site and needed ample space to set up their workshop facilities and park their transport fleet on Hannon Road.

“The Hautapu precinct will pull in significant national and international businesses thanks to an attractive location, easy access to the Golden Triangle and room for larger developments too, says Tim Ross.

“We’re privileged to be able to support the Cambridge community and have actively been involved with many projects.” One such project was the funding the development of the Cambridge Community Pool.

With one of the country’s largest and most impressive private collections of classic muscle cars, vintage trucks, and equipment, C & R have opened its doors to the public to visit the Ross Bros. Museum.

Visitors can marvel over the impeccable line-up of classic cars and motorbikes, inside a themed 1950s-style diner and bar, with neon lighting, a jukebox, and walls adorned with memorabilia. 

Stepping through an innocuous door leads you to the big boys – the heavy machinery, including one of the biggest production-built bulldozers in the world, a Komatsu 575A-2 Super Dozer. Adding to the grand display of diggers and dozers is a row of old American fire trucks, classic tractors and massive diesel generators. Those wanting to visit are encouraged to get in touch with C & R to make a time.