Our story in Whangamatā
Two decades of hands-on building excellence and local trust
Twenty years on the tools
Building has been part of Kaleb's life for as long as he can remember. He grew up spending countless hours in the garage with his grandfather, building things and learning to work with his hands. Design and woodwork were the subjects he gravitated to at school, and from a young age he knew he wanted to become a builder.
He left school young to chase that goal. Apprenticeships were hard to come by at the time, so he enrolled in a building course while living in Whanganui to gain practical experience. After moving to Whangamatā he found work with a local builder constructing Golden Homes, then moved into commercial construction while he kept searching for the right apprenticeship.
At twenty, Kaleb was offered an apprenticeship with a well-known local Whangamatā builder and stayed with him for the next ten years, working on everything from small repairs and renovations to large, bespoke architectural homes. That variety taught him to think ahead, solve problems and appreciate the finer details, and that every project, big or small, deserves the same care. In late 2020, after the uncertainty of COVID-19, he decided it was time to back himself and started Kirkby Construction.
He wanted to build the kind of company he'd want working on his own home: one that communicates clearly, respects the client's time and investment, and takes genuine pride in doing the job properly. Today he's still on site and leading from the front, personally involved in every project and accountable for the quality of the work carrying the Kirkby name.
He calls this approach The Kirkby Way: clear communication, genuine care and quality craftsmanship. It means respecting the client's home, keeping a tidy site, being upfront about the programme and any challenges, and delivering work he's proud to stand behind. Whether you live here or manage your project from out of town, you're not dealing with a faceless company. You're working with a builder who knows the Coromandel, knows the council requirements, knows the weather, and knows exactly what it takes to build something that lasts.
Building with pride, clarity and respect
From learning the trade in his grandfather's garage to two decades building along the Coromandel, Kaleb started Kirkby Construction to do the work himself, with no shortcuts and no compromises. Just honest craftsmanship and the kind of local accountability every owner deserves, whether they live here or manage from out of town.
Questions
Everything you need to know about working with Kirkby Construction
Kaleb manages your project from the ground in Whangamatā, keeping you updated with regular site photos, progress reports, and honest communication. Whether you're local or out of town, you're never left wondering what's happening on your build or renovation.
The director is on-site most days, not hidden behind a desk. Every decision is made with the same care Kaleb would give his own home. That hands-on accountability is what sets the work apart.
Yes. Kirkby Construction prioritises rapid turnaround on maintenance and repairs, whether it's your permanent home or a holiday home. Being local means quick response times when something needs fixing.
Absolutely. Kaleb has built trusted relationships with skilled local tradespeople across the Coromandel. That network ensures quality work and reliable scheduling on every project.
Twenty years of building in the region means deep knowledge of local council processes and coastal building regulations. Kirkby Construction handles the paperwork and compliance so you don't have to worry.
What clients our say
Their happy, fun, yet professional approach was the perfect fit for us and we highly recommend Kaleb and his team.
