ABOUT COLSPEC
With more than 45 years of proven experience, Colspec Construction has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable workmanship across a diverse range of projects, from major commercial developments to bespoke and complex residential builds and renovations. Our long-standing history in the Manawatū region reflects our commitment to consistent delivery, trusted relationships, and industry leadership.
Our operations and culture are anchored by six core values: Integrity, Quality, Personal Responsibility, Pride, Fairness and Professionalism. These principles are embedded in every aspect of our work, shaping our decisions, guiding our client relationships, and inspiring our team to deliver results that exceed expectations.
As Registered Master Builders (since 1981), we take pride in offering a comprehensive and professional construction service built on integrity, precision, and fair value. Our experienced team manages every aspect of your project with care, ensuring a seamless process and exceptional results from start to finish.
We are proud to play a key role in shaping the commercial landscape of the Manawatū region. Our trusted reputation has enabled us to deliver multiple significant projects for local clients as well as national organisations including the Ministry of Education and Health New Zealand. Our proven success in managing complex, high-profile projects reflect both our capability and our unwavering commitment to excellence.
HISTORY
Colspec Construction Limited was established on 1 April 1980 and has grown to become one of the Manawatū region’s most trusted and respected construction companies. With more than 45 years of continuous operation, we have built enduring relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, many of whom have partnered with us for decades.
Founded in Colyton by the late Shane O’Brien, Colspec has always been proudly local. Shane lived his life in the Feilding and wider Manawatū community and remained committed to delivering construction excellence exclusively within the region. This legacy of local dedication, community support, and genuine partnership remains at the heart of our business today.
From humble beginnings as a one-person operation focused on rural and residential builds, Colspec has evolved into a leading contractor known for quality, integrity, and reliability. Today, we employ more than 40 permanent staff and deliver a diverse range of projects, from multi-million-dollar commercial developments to residential construction and maintenance services.
For over four decades, our commitment has remained the same: to build with craftsmanship, to support our community, and to stand behind every project we deliver.
Our Culture
At Colspec, our people and our culture are at the heart of our success. We are proud of the values that guide us every day. These principles are shared across all levels of our organisation and form the foundation of how we work, collaborate, and support one another.
Our long-standing reputation is built on integrity, fairness, and genuine partnership. We believe in honest effective communication, accountability, and delivering work to the highest standard. This commitment to quality, combined with efficient and disciplined project delivery, has earned the trust of our clients and the enduring relationships we value so highly.
Our culture of excellence is reflected not only in the work we do, but in the recognition we have received. Most recently in 2024, Colspec was awarded a Gold Award in the Carters Commercial Category at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards for the HFHL Offices, a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement in construction.
Within Colspec, we know with our healthy and strong team culture, the successful delivery of our projects become the by-product of our team’s everyday commitment to each other and the company. As Peter Drucker famously states, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”.
Our People
With more than 150 years of combined construction experience, including over 110 years collectively dedicated to Colspec, our management team brings exceptional depth, continuity, and leadership to every project. This experience, paired with long-standing tenure across our wider workforce, reflects our culture of loyalty, stability, and shared commitment to excellence. Over a quarter of our team have been with Colspec for more than a decade, ensuring consistency, strong project knowledge, and trusted delivery.
As a member of the NZ Registered Master Builders Association since 1981, Colspec upholds the highest industry standards in quality, safety, and professionalism. Our team also includes members of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) and the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM), ensuring our processes align with industry best practice and ongoing professional development.
We are proud to support the growth of our industry as a BCITO Partner. Training Apprentice Carpenters is a core part of our culture, and many of our apprentices have progressed into senior positions, including Site Foreman and Construction Manager roles. This continued commitment to developing talent not only strengthens our business but also contributes to a skilled and sustainable construction workforce for the Manawatū region.
At Colspec Construction we place emphasis on the quality of our people
They’re central to the success and growth of our business and your project
We’re confident our team makes the building experience an enjoyable one
Hamish O'Brien
Managing Director
Hamish O’Brien is the Managing Director of Colspec, bringing two decades of experience and leadership to the business. He joined the company early in 2006 as a Cadet Quantity Surveyor, following some hands-on site experience, and progressed through every level of the organisation, from labourer into senior leadership and finally into ownership. His deep understanding of both practical construction and commercial management underpins his approach to leading the company today.
Shane O'Brien
Founder
Shane O’Brien founded Colspec on 1 April 1980, leading and growing the company for over three decades, during which time, establishing itself as one of the Manawatū region’s most trusted and respected construction firms. His unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and reliability laid the foundation for the reputation Colspec continues to uphold today.
Sadly, Shane passed away in March 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire our team and guide our work every day.
interested in becoming part of our team?
We are always seeking talented individuals to join our team. If you believe you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, we would be delighted to hear from you. Should there be no current vacancies, we will retain your details on file and contact you when suitable opportunities arise.
Please send a copy of your CV to team@colspec.co.nz along with a brief note on why you’d like to join us.
We look forward to reviewing your application and will be in touch.