THE 2010s
The 2010s were a decade of rapid expansion for McKay, reflecting both the company’s growing national footprint and New Zealand’s accelerating shift toward digital technology, electrification, and renewable energy.
Over the decade, McKay doubled its workforce, opened six new branches, and acquired several Auckland-based businesses, significantly extending its market reach.
Early in the decade, McKay acquired MGE New Zealand Limited, a switchboard manufacturing business with more than 40 years of history. Formerly part of Schneider Electric, MGE became McKay’s official switchboard division, strengthening its engineering and manufacturing capability across Auckland and Whangārei.
In 2015, the company marked the passing of Joe Faithfull, the long-serving patriarch of McKay, who died aged 86 after 70 years with the business. Joe’s legacy — particularly his training of more than 500 apprentices — left a lasting impact on both McKay and the wider electrical industry.
The mid-2010s saw further strategic growth. McKay acquired a Downer Tenix branch in Kawerau, establishing a Bay of Plenty presence and securing major industrial work, including a $1 million upgrade for Asaleo Care Limited. This was followed by the acquisition of Cervina Marine Industrial Limited, enhancing McKay’s marine automation and design services, and Ward Chandler Electrical Limited, which doubled its Auckland operations and increased the company’s overall size by 30%. New branches in Kaikohe, Rotorua, and Queenstown signalled McKay’s permanent return to the South Island.
Nationally, the Electricity Industry Act 2010 established the Electricity Authority, while electric vehicle infrastructure expanded rapidly through networks such as ChargeNet. Solar energy also became increasingly viable, and in 2019, the Government introduced the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act, committing New Zealand to net-zero emissions by 2050.
In response, McKay launched its Renewables Division in 2019, positioning the company to support the country’s clean energy transition and setting the foundations for its future role in large-scale solar and renewable infrastructure.
KEY LEADERSHIP OF THE DECADE
KEY PROJECTS OF THE DECADE
hawaiki submarine cable landing station
Australian Defence Force Wharf Upgrades
Wero White Water Course Facility
2010 • McKay is awarded an Award of Excellence
McKay is awarded an Award of Excellence for its contribution to New Zealand’s defence capability by the Defence Industry Committee of New Zealand.
2010 • McKay acquires MGE New Zealand Ltd
McKay acquires MGE New Zealand Limited, which becomes it’s official switchboard division.
2012 • McKay is awarded the Te Matau a Pohe project.
McKay is engaged as the leading electrical contractor for the Te Matau a Pohe project.
2014 • Joe Faithfull celebrates 70 years with McKay
Joe reaches a significant milestone with McKay.
2015 • Joe Faithfull passes away surrounded by family
Leaving behind an incredible legacy, Joe continued to come into work every week.
2015 • McKay acquires Cervina Marine Limited
The acquisition of Cervina strengthened McKay’s marine offering, with owner Tony Mitchell joining McKay as Cervina Manager.
2015 • McKay acquires Tenix Kawerau
With the acquisition, the business unit becomes McKay’s Kawerau branch and the base of its BOP operations.
2018 • McKay is recognised by EY
McKay is recognised by EY as one of New Zealand’s top ten fastest-growing technology companies.
2019 • McKay opens branches in Rotorua and Tauranga branch
McKay opens its Rotorua and Tauranga branches to accommodate growing demand in the BOP region.
2019 • McKay wins Master Electricians Award
McKay is awarded the Gold Award at the Master Electricians Excellence Awards within the $1-$5million project category for its role on the Hawaiki Cable Landing Station.
2019 • McKay establishes renewable energy division
McKay launches its renewable energy division to accommodate growing opportunities in the sector.
2019 • McKay grows in Auckland
McKay wins the Auckland Transport central streetlighting contract.