ABOUT US

Kent Blackler is the Managing Director and co-owner of Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, where he provides strategic leadership and oversees all aspects of the company’s operations. Working closely with co-owner Beau Broadhurst and the senior management team, Kent is responsible for setting Ongrade’s long-term vision and maintaining high standards of quality assurance across all projects.

Kent brings extensive hands-on experience in civil construction, drainage, and excavation, supported by strong leadership and operational capability. His background spans residential and large-scale civil works, including subdivisions, wastewater and stormwater renewals, water supply infrastructure, pump stations, and complex earthworks. Kent has led numerous high-profile projects across the region, working collaboratively with councils, consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders to deliver reliable and compliant outcomes.

Kent holds multiple industry certifications, including Registered Drainlayer (Level 4), water reticulation qualifications, and CCC approvals for drainage and water supply installation. His practical knowledge, combined with proven leadership in project delivery, financial management, and team development, ensures Ongrade consistently delivers safe, efficient, and high-quality infrastructure solutions for the public and private sectors.

Beau Broadhurst is the Managing Director and co-owner of Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd. He takes a hands-on approach to leading the business and works closely with co-owner Kent Blackler and the wider team to guide Ongrade’s direction and day-to-day operations. Beau is passionate about delivering quality outcomes and takes pride in maintaining high standards across every project, with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and doing the job right.

Beau brings extensive hands-on experience in civil construction, drainage, and excavation, underpinned by significant time working in large-scale mining and heavy construction environments in Australia. His experience in civil and residential excavation and pipe laying within the mining sector has given him a strong grounding in high-risk works, strict safety systems, and complex logistics. This background has shaped his disciplined, safety-first approach to project delivery.

Building on this foundation, Beau has delivered a wide range of residential and major civil works. Beau holds multiple industry certifications, including Registered Drainlayer (Level 4), New Zealand Approved Supervisor (PGDB), and CCC approval as a drainlayer. His qualifications, combined with proven experience in project management, subcontractor coordination, and multi-crew operations, ensure Ongrade consistently delivers safe, compliant, and high-quality infrastructure solutions for public and private sector clients.

Matt Rutledge is the General Manager at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, responsible for overseeing crews and contracts across the business. He manages all aspects of project delivery, including pricing, programme control, production performance, quality assurance, and contract management. Working closely with Ongrade’s Managing Directors and project teams, Matt ensures projects are planned, resourced, and delivered efficiently from inception through to completion.

Matt brings extensive experience in large-scale civil construction and contract management, with a strong background in subdivisions, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, and complex commercial projects. He has successfully managed multi-million-dollar projects for local authorities, principal contractors, and private clients, maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and programme certainty. His collaborative approach enables effective liaison with councils, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Holding qualifications in Quantity Surveying and Contract Management, Matt combines strong commercial acumen with hands-on civil construction expertise. Matt’s leadership and technical knowledge play a key role in Ongrade’s ability to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality infrastructure solutions across the public and private sectors.

Kyle Brunt is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience in civil construction, project management, and site leadership.

Kyle has a strong background across a wide range of civil infrastructure projects, including subdivisions, wastewater and stormwater renewals, pump station works, water main extensions, kerb and channel renewals, and urban infrastructure upgrades.

Kyle holds a range of industry qualifications and is highly experienced in site-based quality assurance, construction set-out, plant operation, and project scheduling.

Rob Van Tuel is the Site Supervisor at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience in the civil construction industry across foreman and supervisory roles. Rob leads his own civil crew and is responsible for overall site management, ensuring works are delivered safely, to specification, and in line with project programmes. He works closely with Project Managers to maintain clear communication and consistent quality across all stages of construction. Rob holds multiple civil construction and water reticulation qualifications and certifications, including Level 4 Water Reticulation.

Corey French is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience in the delivery of civil infrastructure projects and the leadership of site-based teams. Known for his high standards of workmanship and reliable programme delivery, Corey leads civil contracts with a strong focus on quality, safety, and efficiency. He has been a key member of the Ongrade team since its early years, progressing from Senior Operator into a foreman role.

He specialises in the operation of GPS-equipped machinery and associated software, enabling accurate excavation, detailing, and shaping to tight tolerances. His technical capability supports precise construction outcomes on complex and highly regulated sites.

Mike Middleton is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, where he leads a civil crew specialising primarily in water reticulation and associated infrastructure works. Since joining Ongrade, Mike has proven to be a highly capable and dependable leader, recognised for his technical knowledge, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to respond effectively to changing site conditions while maintaining programme and safety requirements.

He has worked on numerous council-led projects and complex live-network environments, ensuring works are delivered to specification while maintaining clear communication with project managers, clients, and stakeholders.

Mike holds the New Zealand Certificate in Water Reticulation (Level 4), along with additional qualifications in pipeline construction. His hands-on leadership, strong focus on safety and quality assurance, and commitment to mentoring junior staff contribute significantly to Ongrade’s ability to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality civil infrastructure solutions

Callum Lavery is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience across the civil construction industry. Having progressed from labouring roles through to foreman and project management positions, Callum offers a well-rounded understanding of civil operations, project delivery, and site leadership.

Callum holds a Level 4 National Certificate in Infrastructure Works, multiple leadership and safety certifications. His hands-on approach, problem-solving capability, and strong health and safety focus contribute to Ongrade’s ability to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality civil infrastructure solutions.

Paul Townsend is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the civil construction industry. His depth of industry knowledge supports consistent, high-quality delivery across complex civil environments.

Paul has a strong background in civil construction and excavation, with particular strengths in subdivisions and capital works. He has held long-term supervisory and foreman roles, where he has been responsible for crew leadership, site-based quality assurance, programme delivery, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Aaron Doherty is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience in drainage and three waters infrastructure, supported by strong technical capability and site leadership.
Aaron has a solid background in sewer, stormwater, and drinking water works, with experience delivering council-led renewal projects and complex drainage installations. He holds New Zealand Certificates in Infrastructure Works (Levels 3 and 4) across sewer, stormwater, and drinking water, along with civil trades certification in pipeline construction and maintenance.

Sam holds the New Zealand Certificate in Water Reticulation (Level 4), along with additional industry qualifications. His ongoing professional development, strong safety awareness, and hands-on technical capability contribute to Ongrade’s ability to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality civil infrastructure solutions.

Sam Hemmings is a Foreman at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd and a highly valued member of the team, recognised for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement. Since joining Ongrade, Sam has progressed from labouring roles into a foreman position, demonstrating reliability, capability, and a proactive approach to site leadership.

Sam holds the New Zealand Certificate in Water Reticulation (Level 4), along with additional industry qualifications. His ongoing professional development, strong safety awareness, and hands-on technical capability contribute to Ongrade’s ability to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality civil infrastructure solutions.

Denny Heyward is a Foreman and Hydroexcavation specialist at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd. He brings extensive experience across civil construction, drainage, and water reticulation projects, along with a strong ability to lead crews and deliver complex works to a consistently high standard.

Denny has broad experience across residential and large-scale civil works, including water main renewals, sewer upgrades, stormwater infrastructure, and public infrastructure improvements. He is regularly involved in live-network environments and complex infrastructure upgrades, working closely with project managers, councils, and stakeholders to resolve issues.

Denny holds multiple senior industry qualifications, including Registered Drainlayer (Level 4), Level 4 Utilities Maintenance (Water Reticulation), and CCC authorisation as both a Drainlayer and Water Supply Installer.

Danella Tuisamoa is the Office Manager at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing a strong background in human resources, contract management, and project administration.

With extensive experience across office management and business support functions, Danella plays a central role in supporting Ongrade’s operational, compliance, and project delivery requirements.

Holding a Bachelor of Commerce with an endorsement in Human Resources, along with a New Zealand Certificate in Contract Management (Level 5), Danella brings a high level of professionalism and organisational capability to the role. Her experience in document control, governance support, financial wellbeing, and workforce planning supports Ongrade’s ability to deliver structured, compliant, and high-quality infrastructure solutions for clients.

Tracy Uren is the Health & Safety Coordinator and Senior Administrator at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience in operations coordination within the civil construction industry. Tracy supports the Management Team and field staff through a wide range of operational, administrative, and compliance-focused responsibilities that underpin safe and effective project delivery across the business.

Tracy is responsible for health and safety coordination across Ongrade’s projects, including the preparation of site-specific safety plans, site audits, and accident and incident investigations. Her role ensures that safety systems, equipment compliance, and operational processes are consistently applied across multiple projects and work environments.

Holding New Zealand Certificates in Applied Workplace Health & Safety Practices at Levels 3 and 4, Tracy brings strong technical knowledge and a practical approach to risk management and compliance. Her experience in auditing, injury management, contractor coordination, and workplace safety planning supports Ongrade’s commitment to maintaining high standards of health, safety, and operational performance.

Mike Nevin is the Senior Project Manager at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience in managing large-scale and high-profile civil construction contracts. He is responsible for the successful delivery of complex civil development projects, ensuring works are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with contractual and quality requirements. Mike maintains strong client relationships and provides clear project reporting and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Mike has a strong background across subdivision developments, three waters infrastructure, pump station works, kerb and channel renewals, and major urban and roading upgrades. He has delivered a wide range of council-led and commercial projects, coordinating internal teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders to achieve safe, efficient, and compliant outcomes. His practical, site-based knowledge supports informed decision-making and effective issue resolution on complex projects.

With decades of experience in civil construction and project management, Mike combines strong leadership with in-depth technical expertise. His qualifications span civil construction management, plant operation, quality systems, and foreperson communication and programming. Mike’s structured approach to contract management, quality assurance, and environmental controls plays a key role in Ongrade’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions.

Scott Winter is a Project Manager at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, providing clear leadership and direction to project teams to ensure works are delivered efficiently and to a consistently high standard. Scott is recognised for his ability to manage complex civil infrastructure projects while maintaining strong oversight of programme, quality, and safety outcomes across all stages of delivery.

Holding a Diploma in Civil Engineering and multiple civil infrastructure and project management qualifications, Scott combines strong technical knowledge with proven project management capability.

Scott brings extensive experience across civil construction, drainage, and three waters infrastructure, having progressed through site-based roles into project management. He has successfully delivered a wide range of council-led and commercial projects, including watermain renewals, sewer upgrades, stormwater improvements, flood response works, and subdivision infrastructure. His collaborative approach supports effective coordination with councils, consultants, contractors, and internal crews to achieve high-quality outcomes.

Robin Raphael is a Quantity Surveyor at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, providing strong support to the delivery of civil infrastructure projects.
Robin holds a Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. His qualifications, combined with ongoing professional development and a collaborative working style, make him a valued member of the Ongrade team and support the delivery of well-managed, transparent, and high-quality project solutions.

Robin plays a key role in compiling pricing for submissions, including detailed take-offs, supplier and subcontractor pricing, and final cost schedules. He also manages variations, payment schedules, subcontractor claims, and site measurements to ensure accurate project reporting and contractual compliance. His methodical and detail-focused approach supports consistent documentation standards and clear cost visibility throughout the project lifecycle.

Jose Mabazza is a Surveyor at Ongrade Drainage & Excavation Ltd, bringing extensive experience across all aspects of civil surveying within the construction industry. With a strong technical background and many years working on complex civil projects, Jose provides critical survey support that underpins accurate, efficient, and high-quality project delivery.

Jose is experienced in a full range of civil surveying services, including site surveys, set-out, as-built surveys, and topographic surveys. He specialises in the use of Trimble survey equipment and the creation of survey models for GPS machine control, supporting precise earthworks, drainage, and infrastructure construction. His expertise also includes earthwork volume calculations and maintaining survey accuracy across fast-paced, multi-stage projects.

Jose holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (NZQA Level 7 recognised). In addition to his surveying responsibilities, he provides mentoring and technical support to project and site engineers in the use of survey instruments, GPS systems, and total stations.