THE 1980s
The 1980s marked a turning point for McKay, defined by economic change in New Zealand and the end of its founding era. The decade closed one chapter of the business while setting the direction for future leadership.
The 1980s marked a key decade for McKay, shaped by both national economic change and a change in ownership. New Zealand entered the decade facing energy insecurity following the 1979 oil shock, which led the government to launch the “Think Big” strategy in 1981. Designed to drive energy self-sufficiency through large-scale industrial investment, Think Big aligned closely with McKay’s long-standing involvement in major infrastructure and energy projects.
A flagship project of the strategy was the expansion of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery – one of the largest industrial construction programmes in New Zealand at the time.
Alongside domestic work, McKay’s international presence across the Pacific Islands continued throughout the 1980’s, with teams completing airport developments in Western Samoa in 1984 and Tonga in 1987, extending the company’s reputation beyond New Zealand.
The decade also marked a generational shift within the business. Lindsay Faithfull completed his apprenticeship, accelerated through his NZCE, and went on to graduate with honours in engineering from the University of Canterbury. His progression reflected broader changes in New Zealand’s workforce, as higher education and professional pathways became increasingly important in a rapidly evolving economy.
A defining moment came in 1982, when Tom McKay sold his shares in McKay Electrical Whangārei to Joe Faithfull, making Joe the sole owner of the business. At the same time, Tom and his family regained full ownership of the original Dargaville operation, which continues today as 100% McKay’s Electrical. Tom’s departure from the Whangārei business marked the end of a foundational era for McKay.
Despite the change in ownership, Joe chose to retain the McKay name, honouring the company’s family heritage and recognising the role of his wife, Jackie Faithfull (née McKay), in the business’s success. As New Zealand moved into a period of economic reform, introducing GST, restructuring the electricity sector, and enduring the 1987 stock market crash and subsequent recession, McKay entered a more uncertain but competitive environment.
KEY LEADERSHIP OF THE DECADE
Joe Faithfull
- Role:
- Director
- Starting role:
- Apprentice
- Start Date:
- 1944
- End Date:
- 2015
Joe Faithfull was the driving force behind McKay’s growth into a national and international electrical powerhouse, a visionary leader whose innovation, work ethic and belief in people transformed a small Northland business into one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned electrical companies.
KEY PROJECTS OF THE DECADE
Funafuti Power Station, Tuvalu
The marsden point oil refinery expansion
Fua’a motu International Airport, Tonga
1982 • Tom McKay exits McKay Whangārei Limited
The Faithfull family buys out the remaining shares, all divisions included, of McKay Whangārei Limited, while Tom McKay buys Joe’s shares from the Dargaville division.
