Our People

Our People are the Key

We never forget that Austin Contracting’s reputation and longevity is also due to the hard work of our multiskilled, experienced and stable workforce, who are known in the industry for their workmanship, reliability and efficiency.

Staff Development

Austin Contracting supports staff in setting and achieving personal goals. e.g. to learn new skills, obtain licences and national qualifications. This includes working with tertiary qualification providers such as NZQA and Connexis, to provide clear pathways for personal development and gaining formal qualifications. Our genuine commitment to this, was recognised in 2022, with a Civil Contractors New Zealand National Award.

Quality Assurance, Health & Safety

We have a dedicated management and operations team in Christchurch, which enables us to respond quickly to crucial aspects such as health and safety, quality assurance and council compliance. Austin Contracting is a Tier 1 Contractor, trusted by councils as having the compliance capability to complete restricted work to council standards.

We have been a member of Site Safe since 2010. All staff are Site Safe trained, with a number of first aid qualified and hold the appropriate training, qualifications and licences required for the machinery and vehicles they operate. Staff have regular health checks and are drug and alcohol tested.

MATES in Construction

We support and work with MATES in Construction – a New Zealand charity that aims to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide, in the New Zealand construction industry. A key aspect of this is raising awareness that mental health and suicide is an industry issue we can address together, through suicide prevention workplace training and ongoing support for construction workers.

Austin Contracting is also a longstanding member of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Key Personnel

Mathew Austin

General Manager

I grew up around the family business. Working in the field gave me the hands-on background that drives quality and productivity in the business today. I also spent time working for large civil construction companies and have experience in sales and business development roles. These combined experiences help us deliver winning solutions to the various stakeholders involved in projects. Outside of work, my four children keep me on my toes. I’m also a keen mountain biker, skier and part time runner – although sometimes my enthusiasm exceeds my ability!

Roger Austin

Owner

While it may seem unrelated, my career started with competing internationally in motocross and speedway. Following this, I worked in the insurance and transport industries. These experiences gave me the self-belief and confidence to set up my own business. After nearly buying an existing business, I bought the machinery instead then began learning everything I could about earthworks and asphalt. It certainly doesn’t feel like 35 plus years ago!

Karl Cranston

Operations Manager

I have 25+ years’ experience in the construction industry. This includes residential foundations, concrete and asphalt pathways, patios and driveways, to large scale commercial projects with carparks, foundations, and ground remediation projects. My primary focus is to ensure all projects are met with the same attention for all clients, to deliver the best possible finish to the project, no matter how big or small. Outside work I enjoy time with my family, restoring my classic car and going on group classic car tours, raising funds for charity.

Maria Cropper

Office Manager

An over-extended European OE culminated in work experience through various industries, including retail credit finance, automotive franchising, and the entertainment sector with fighting robots! On returning to Ōtautahi, I worked in carbon forestry, and now civil construction. My work at Austin Contracting is busy, varied and fulfilling – I work with a great team of people. Family, friendships, sport, and volunteer activities keep me more than occupied outside work.

Barry Allnutt

Projects Manager

Returning to work for Austin Contracting was life coming full circle for me: I worked with Roger in the 90’s then gathered experience in different construction businesses within the south island. I always took onboard Roger’s advice and got my heavy vehicle driving licences so I could move anything anywhere. That’s also helpful with my caravan: I enjoy spending as much time as possible at the southern lakes, relaxing with generations of my family.

Sean Spark

Senior Foreman

Like Barry, I returned to work for Austin Contracting and love it – I work with an awesome team. My initial experience started on the end of a shovel but following advice from Roger, on my employment journey I gathered as many qualifications and licences as possible. I have a busy family life but also really enjoy how my work has evolved with Austin Contracting – it’s epic!