Robinson Asphalts’ reputation rooted in its contribution to Northland’s growth

Supporting Northland’s continuing growth means far more than laying asphalt for Robinson Asphalts; its ability to deliver integrated civil and landscape construction services has made it a valued partner on developments throughout the region. Locally owned and operated for more than 50 years, the Whangārei-based company has grown into one of Northland’s most versatile civil and landscape contractors, serving residential, commercial and government clients.

“We can take care of everything outside the building while they focus on the vertical construction itself. We’re in the business of doing the things that fall into everybody else’s too-hard basket.”

General manager Cole Johnston says offering such a broad range of in-house services gives clients a simpler way to manage complex construction scope, and streamlines communication and programming throughout construction. It allows builders and developers to work with a single team responsible for all exterior civil and landscape works, reducing interfaces between trades while maintaining consistency from site preparation through to final landscaping. “We can take care of everything outside the building while they focus on the vertical construction itself,” says Cole. “We’re in the business of doing the things that fall into everybody else’s too-hard basket.”

This strategy has also helped Robinson Asphalts build long-term relationships with major commercial contractors, leading to repeat involvement on many of Whangārei’s largest developments. The business works across the residential, commercial and public sectors, with contracts ranging from subdivisions and retirement villages to schools, parks and civic facilities. Employing 55 staff, Robinson Asphalts has maintained a strong workload, despite softer market conditions.

Investing in experienced people has been just as important as investing in plant and equipment, and tackling technically diverse work also benefits staff by exposing them to a wide variety of disciplines rather than a single area of civil construction. Its integrated approach has also strengthened Robinson Asphalts’ position when tendering for larger contracts, often competing against national contractors. Rather than pricing individual elements, such as drainage, concrete or landscaping, the company offers complete site-works packages that simplify delivery for clients and main contractors alike.

“At the core, it’s having the skillset to deliver the works,” says Cole. “We’ve got really high staff retention; I think our average is around nine years. We try to look after our staff as best we can, and that creates continuity across their skill set, and they take a lot of pride in their work.”