Kā te Rama Switched On Group: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Kā te Rama Switched On Group is a whānau and iwi-owned enterprise specializing in construction and facilities management services across New Zealand. Established in 1983 by the Hughes family in Christchurch, the company has evolved from a local electrical business to a national leader in large-scale facilities management, maintenance, fit-outs, refurbishments, and new builds. The Group's mission is to enhance environments for whānau, businesses, and communities across Aotearoa, delivering projects that make a lasting impact for clients, families, and local hapori.

Mission and Vision

The Group's mission is to enhance environments for whānau, businesses, and communities across Aotearoa, delivering projects that make a lasting impact for clients, families, and local hapori. Their vision is to be national leaders in the building and facilities management and maintenance industries, providing personalized, local service nationwide.

Primary Area of Focus

Kā te Rama Switched On Group focuses on construction and facilities management services, including:

Commercial and residential construction

Fit-outs and refurbishments

New builds

Facilities maintenance

They serve a diverse clientele, including government, commercial, and private organizations, housing providers, the education sector, retail and services brands, and more.

Industry Significance

As a majority Māori-owned and Amotai Registered business, Kā te Rama Switched On Group plays a significant role in promoting supplier diversity and supporting Māori and Pasifika communities. Their partnership with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira aligns with their commitment to enhancing cultural, environmental, social, and economic outcomes across Aotearoa.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Deliver comprehensive construction and facilities management services nationwide.

Enhance community well-being through quality housing and infrastructure projects.

Promote supplier diversity by engaging Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Social housing maintenance

Commercial fit-outs

Facilities maintenance

New residential and commercial builds

Key Technologies Utilized

Building Information Modeling (BIM) for project planning and execution

Sustainable construction practices

Advanced facilities management software for maintenance scheduling and asset management

Primary Markets Targeted

Government housing projects

Commercial real estate developments

Educational institutions

Retail and service sectors

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific financial details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the acquisition of PAE New Zealand in June 2025 indicates a strategic investment to expand capabilities and market reach.

Notable Investors

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Incorporated

Hughes family

Utilization of Capital

Expansion of facilities management services

Acquisition of PAE New Zealand to enhance service offerings

Investment in sustainable construction technologies

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Social housing projects in partnership with Kāinga Ora

Commercial fit-out projects for retail and service brands

Educational facility refurbishments

Stages of Development

Planning and design phases for upcoming projects

Ongoing maintenance contracts

Target Conditions

Affordable housing

Sustainable building practices

Community-focused developments

Anticipated Milestones

Completion of new social housing units in Porirua by August 2025

Expansion of facilities management services nationwide

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

In-house developed facilities management software

Sustainable building materials and methods

Significant Scientific Methods

Use of BIM for efficient project management

Implementation of energy-efficient building designs

AI-Driven Capabilities

Predictive maintenance scheduling using AI algorithms

AI-based project risk assessment tools

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Chris Hughes: Chief Executive Officer

Over 25 years with the company, including nearly 7 years as CEO.

Led the acquisition of PAE New Zealand in 2025.

Stepped down as CEO in May 2025 after 25 years with the company.

Christian Smith: Chief Operating Officer

Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Maniapoto descent.

Focuses on local partnerships and supplier diversity.

Paul Rogers: Board Chair

Ngāti Porou ki Hauraki descent.

Oversees strategic direction and growth initiatives.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The New Zealand construction and facilities management market is experiencing growth, driven by increased government infrastructure spending and a focus on sustainable building practices.

Competitor Analysis

PAE New Zealand: Acquired by Kā te Rama Switched On Group in June 2025, PAE NZ was one of the country's largest commercial facilities and asset management companies, managing over 4,000 buildings and completing more than 230,000 maintenance jobs annually.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare: A competitor in the facilities management sector, focusing on healthcare facilities.

Downer EDI Works: Provides integrated facilities management services across various sectors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Incorporated: Majority shareholder, providing strategic direction and community connections.

Amotai: Supplier diversity intermediary, connecting Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses with buyers.

Operational Insights

Kā te Rama Switched On Group differentiates itself through its commitment to supplier diversity, engaging local Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses in projects.