Opportunities created after challenging year

BOARD chair Guy Gaddum paid his respect to steadfast and loyal Quality Roading and Services staff working in the days and months after Cyclone Gabrielle, during a meeting with company owner Wairoa District Council on Tuesday. [Tuesday 10 October 2023]

“In the six months since Cyclone Gabrielle, I have nothing but admiration for the determination of QRS staff and management to get things cleaned up and opened up for the community.”

“Our staff have borne so much of the brunt of the region’s recovery work. They were flung into an extraordinary situation where the community needed their help. Without their selfless dedication, Wairoa would not have made the progress it has.”

Alongside the staff endorsement, Mr Gaddum announced the company’s largest-ever distribution payment to the council of $1.05 million for the year ended June 2023. This is well over the $250,000 agreed with WDC in the Statement of Intent.

“Thanks to central Government emergency roading funding after Cyclone Gabrielle, we were able to fully utilise our workforce while working on high value contracts.”

Mr Gaddum says the return to council will help it mitigate the rates burden on locals. “It was one of the only good things to come out of the havoc and devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.”

In the financial year QRS generated $33m in revenue ($18.34m last year). It made a pre-tax profit of $3.4m ($1.38m last year).

Chief executive Jeremy Harker says as well as the company’s weather response, he is proud of QRS’s other achievements over the past 12 months.

The concrete plant is now producing over 200 cubic metres a month ensuring locals are no longer having to pay large travel costs involved with getting concrete from out of town.

The traffic management division created in 2022 has grown from five to 15 staff and been a positive acquisition that integrates well with the business.

“We are also honoured to have been able to donate just over $138,000 in sponsorship to schools, marae, health initiatives, and sports teams. These are some of the most satisfying decisions we make on behalf of the community every year.”

Mr Harker said the impact of the cyclone will be felt for years. “We are all still experiencing varying degrees of distress. I wish to convey my personal thanks to all staff and their whānau for your commitment, as well as gratitude to the company’s directors, who helped elevate us during the tough times.”

“There is a long road ahead for Wairoa and at QRS we’re here for the community.”

Read the full annual report. 

Watch our photo montage played at this year's annual report presentation to our shareholder.

13 October 2023

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