Client story
Big projects, clear numbers: how Magner Engineering & Construction is building with confidence
Tahiwi Magner · Magner Engineering & Construction
Tahiwi Magner has always been happiest getting the job done. He began studying mechanical engineering in 2012, spent the following years building his skills and experience, and a couple of years ago decided to go out on his own.
Today, Magner Engineering & Construction is a Māori-led business delivering construction services across the country. Based in the Waikato, its work covers process and pressure pipework, structural steel, plant installation, and mechanical and construction services across commercial, industrial and infrastructure settings.
With companies such as Bluebird Foods, Arnott’s, Waikato-Tainui, Calder Stewart, Iconic Construction and Foster Construction already on the books, Magner is building a strong track record alongside some major names in the industry.
As the business grew, Tahiwi found that one of the biggest challenges wasn’t on site. It was getting a clear picture of the financial side of the business.
With different sources of information feeding into the numbers, it wasn’t always easy to see where the business was heading or what the next few months might look like.
That’s where Oyonnx came in. The aim wasn’t just to get the accounts done. It was to give Tahiwi a clear, reliable view of the business so he could use the numbers to make informed decisions.
The Oyonnx team now handles forecasting, budgeting, tax and IRD, and helps set up the financial systems behind the business.
“I’m no accountant. I just get the job done, so having a third party looking at the numbers gives me reassurance. They can do forecasting for me, create budgets, and know what numbers to put where and what to allow for.”
Oyonnx also supported Magner through Tōtika prequalification. Tōtika is New Zealand’s health and safety prequalification scheme, and major contractors use it to assess subcontractors before bringing them onto a project.
For Tahiwi, it has made a practical difference.
“With some of the contract negotiations we’ve had recently, having Tōtika in place has made the onboarding process a whole lot easier. Being able to show that we’re already prequalified gives them confidence in us and makes the whole process a lot smoother.”
With major clients on the books, prequalification in hand and a solid financial foundation behind him, Tahiwi is doing what he set out to do: taking on big projects under his own name.