In 2020, Winstone Wallboards (WW) announced it was relocating its manufacturing and distribution operation from Auckland to Tauranga which meant a whole new workforce was required. After a robust testing process, the AJ Construct team was chosen to be the WW recruitment partner for the entire Tauriko project and I was the lead Consultant working with them to source and place talent.

There were a number of different challenges involved in recruiting for the Tauriko plant in Tauranga, including:

• This was a high stakes project! The Tauriko plant was an integral part of the Winstone Wallboards’ future and would be able to produce plasterboard more sustainably and effectively. Having the right capability in place to ensure successful commissioning and operation was vital.
• We were working towards some ambitious diversity and inclusion targets and making sure that we were communicating with and supported by the local iwi was integral to finding success
• There was a serious talent shortage, especially in the regions like Bay of Plenty

With a lot of grit and determination, I'm stoked to confirm that we recruited 100% of the roles required four months ahead of the WW target and over the course of this time, we got to know their business, their people and became a true partner to the internal hiring team.

I am incredibly proud to have been part of this milestone project, and am humbled by what the WW team have to say about the work we produced.