MCLStead History
In September 2022 the idea behind MCLStead Ltd was discussed by John Bower (previous Managing Director MCL) and Jeremy Stead (Managing Director Stead Construction). They felt that Hawke’s Bay needed a larger commercial based construction company capable of successfully constructing and delivering projects that none of the current existing commercial construction companies could deliver by themselves.
2022
Idea of a joint venture was discussed between Stead Construction and MCL Construction
2023
Further conversations about a joint venture, however no suitable Hawke’s Bay projects were being tendered.
2024
Napier City Council released Registration of Interest to the construction market for their Civic Precinct Project. MCLStead moved to formally register as JV company.
2025
MCLStead were awarded their first construction contract, turning the dream of a joint venture company to keep local jobs local into a reality. Construction commenced on this first contract delivering the Civic Precinct Project in partnership with Napier City Council and Mana Ahuriri.
MCLStead are a powerful joint venture company, bound by MCL and Stead. Simply put, MCLStead are delivering by local for local and with local.
Building for the next generation
Expertise
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About us
MCL Construction
MCL Construction Ltd was founded by JC Mackersey Ltd in 1948, with a philosophy based on excellence, honesty and integrity.
Since then, the company and its reputation has grown under the strategic leadership of Managing Directors to become Hawke’s Bays leading construction, joinery and interiors firm. MCL has been involved in transforming the skylines in Hastings, Napier and throughout the Bay and beyond.
In their 77th year of operation MCL has delivered over $1.5b in successful projects to the highest standard of construction.
MCL has over 100 directly employed staff covering our divisions which includes:
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MCL Joinery Ltd - a high end commercial and residential joinery business.
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MCL Interiors division - specialising in suspended ceilings, office partitions and passive fire measures/material.
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MCL Concrete Cutting and Drilling Division.
Stead Construction
Stead Construction was founded by Jeremy Stead in 2005. With a philosophy based on principles of good partnership, doing the right thing by the communities we serve, our partners and the economy.
Since then, the company and its reputation grew rapidly on the back of a range of successful educational and commercial projects coupled with Jeremy’s strategic leadership, knowledge of the construction industry and exceptional quantity surveyor credentials.
In our 20th year of operation Stead Construction has delivered over $900m in successful projects to the highest standard of construction. Stead Construction acknowledges their most valuable asset is their people and encourages them to grow along with our business. Stead Construction’s goal is to ensure our job sites are a safe, healthy and enjoyable place to work and to undertake business professionally, partnering with our clients to create high quality assets for our local communities.
Stead has over 100 directly employed staff across the following roles:
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Project Managers
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Construction and Site Managers
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Quantity Surveyors
3686
Hawke's Bay projects delivered
$2.6b
Value of Hawke's Bay Projects
14
Current apprentices
44%
Cultural diversity in workforce
MCLStead
MCLStead is a joint venture company founded by the Managing Directors of Stead Construction and MCL Construction in 2024.
Each Managing Director shared a vision for an entity formed by locals for locals. A coming together of locally owned and operated firms, who together had all of the expertise, experience and physical resources to complete large infrastructure and construction projects that come around every five years or so.
MCLStead has a local workforce, a successful delivery record of high-quality buildings, subdivisions, schools, and commercial assets in Hawke’s Bay alongside an authentic commitment to working in partnership with clients to deliver positive cultural, social, economic and environmental outcomes for Hawke’s Bay.
MCLStead
MCLStead is a joint venture company founded by the Managing Directors of Stead Construction and MCL Construction in 2024.
Each Managing Director shared a vision for an entity formed by locals for locals. A coming together of locally owned and operated firms, who together had all of the expertise, experience and physical resources to complete large infrastructure and construction projects that come around every five years or so.
MCLStead has a local workforce, a successful delivery record of high-quality buildings, subdivisions, schools, and commercial assets in Hawke’s Bay alongside an authentic commitment to working in partnership clients to deliver positive cultural, social, economic and environmental outcomes for Hawke’s Bay.
MCLStead History
In September 2022 the idea behind MCLStead Ltd was discussed by John Bower (previous Managing Director MCL) and Jeremy Stead (Managing Director Stead Construction). They felt that Hawke’s Bay needed a larger commercial based construction company capable of successfully constructing and delivering projects that none of the current existing commercial construction companies could deliver by themselves.
2022
Idea of a joint venture was discussed between Stead Construction and MCL Construction
2023
Further conversations about a joint venture, however no suitable Hawke’s Bay projects were being tendered.
2024
Napier City Council’s released Registration of Interest to the construction market for their Civic Precinct Project. MCLStead moved to formally register as JV company.
2025
MCLStead were awarded their first construction contract, turning the dream of a joint venture company to keep local jobs local into a reality. Construction commenced on this first contract delivering the Civic Precinct Project in partnership with Napier City Council.
Leadership
Jeremy Stead
Director
Jeremy brings over 20 years director level experience in the construction industry to MCLStead alongside strategic planning expertise, a focus on fostering innovation and a drive for business growth. Jeremy is also a qualified builder and quantity surveyor. Jeremy understands the importance of people, his relationship management skills are second to none and he is committed to growing and developing his staff.
Philip Mitchell
Director
Phil brings over 20 years experience in the construction industry and 10 years director level experience to MCLStead alongside strong client relationship skills, a focus on team goals and delivery of the highest quality construction. Phil is also a qualified project manager and quantity surveyor. Phil understands the importance of community and is committed to growing and developing local talent.
Alastair Cairney
Project Manager
Alastair brings over 18 years of experience in the both the UK and NZ construction industries across a variety of commercial projects to MCLStead. Alastair is the Project Manager for the Napier Civic Precinct Project and has recently become a Director of MCL Construction. Alastair understands the complexities of managing large construction jobs requiring detailed coordination of multiple trades to deliver successful builds.
Fiona Clark
Stakeholder & Engagement
Fiona brings over 20 years of stakeholder engagement experience in both private and public sectors to MCLStead, alongside strong project management skills, a focus on collaboration and delivery in partnership with clients. Fiona understands the importance of taking a strategic approach to building relationships and maintaining a focus on continuous improvement.
John Goldsworthy
Independent Construction Advisor
John brings over 40 years experience in the construction industry and a wealth of knowledge gained from involvement in many large and complex projects to MCLStead. John has been at the forefront of construction innovation over the last 10+ years and holds technical skills in mass timber, steel, concrete through to high-end finishing, technical commissioning, BIM management and DfMA process management.
At the heart of our construction philosophy is a deep commitment to our local communities—we believe in building not just structures, but strong relationships.
