A lifetime of memories had its beginnings in the 1950’s when 19 year old Brian Perry borrowed £1600 from his father to buy a Quick Way excavator and Brian Perry Limited quickly became a thriving one-man business.
A lifetime of memories had its beginnings in the 1950s when Brian Perry began cutting new ground. When 19-year old Brian borrowed £1600 from his father to buy a Quick Way excavator, Brian Perry Limited quickly became a thriving one-man business. So much so, Brian frequently nodded off over dinner! The increasing demand forced Brian to take on some helping hands.
Growth was in the pipeline as Brian Perry Drainage was formed to diversify into pipe-laying. In a developing Hamilton, Brian Perry Limited was putting itself in the picture.
The expansion of the business saw the need for company offices; the team moved into Manchester Place at the north end of the Te Rapa straight.
The machinery fleet has now numbered five – excavators, big draglines and an excavator mounted on an ex-army 6WD GMC.
High-risk projects, such as the installation of water pipes under the Waikato River, became the norm for the experienced Perry team
The purchase of a Cessna aircraft assisted with the transport of personnel and parts to construction sites throughout New Zealand, often with Brian’s wife Peggy in the cockpit
Diversified into Perry Aggregates, Perry Quarries, Perry Developments and Perry Metal Protection
Brian founded the Perry Foundation with a personal donation of $100,000
Sold the civil construction business to Fletcher Challenge. The company still utilises the Brian Perry name today.
The growing team moved to the current head office at 360 Tristram Street.
Perry Aggregates Refuse Collection division won the HCC refuse collection contract.
Perry Quarries purchased an established quarrying operation at Ngaruawahia.
Perry Developments diversified into commercial and industrial developments.
Perry Foundation established Perrinpark Retirement Village and set aside over $500,000 to assist with the formation of Sport Waikato.
The Perry Dimes joint venture won the Contractors Federation “Contractor of the Year” Award with the $20 million dual natural gas-oil products pipeline from Auckland to Marsden Point.
Brian assumed the role of ‘Founding Chairman’ with son Simon taking on the role of Chief Executive.
Perry Waste was formed to manage new projects in waste collection and remediation.
Perry Metal Protection began operating from their Tauranga site.
Perry sand underpinned the greens on many of New Zealand’s most prestigious golf courses.
Brian Perry retired as Chairman of Perry Group, handing the role to Christine Grice.
Perry Aggregates became involved in mining operations at Tauhei and Waitakere.
Perry Waste evolved into Perry Environmental, diversifying into vermiculture and recycling.
Perry Developments completed the construction of the Riverside Casino and Entertainment Centre, their largest project ever – costing $67 million.
Perry Lime launched a number of new lime-based products.
Perry Group of companies played a major part in the development of the Waikato Stadium with Perry Aggregates’ Loksand contributing to this internationally recognised surface.
Due to industry demand, Perry Metal Protection expanded their operations into Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Through a merger with Scottwood and Castle Trusts, the Perry Foundation became one of the largest gaming trusts in New Zealand.
Simon Perry took over the Chair roles for both the Perry Foundation and the Perry Group, with Murray Gutry moving to the Chief Executive role.
Brian Perry, founder of the Perry Group, passed away on the 3rd of November 2011.
The biggest galvanizing plant in New Zealand based at the Perry Metal Protection Hamilton site was opened by then Prime Minister John Key on 6 December 2012.
Perry Resources, a core business of the Perry Group of companies for over 40 years, was sold to Fulton Hogan.
In 2014 the Perry Group celebrated its 60th year in business.
Aqualine Products was formed to manufacture and distribute ‘behind the wall’ plumbing products throughout Australasia.
The Brian Perry Charitable Trust played a pivotal role in the construction of the Cambridge Velodrome, that was officially opened by their Royal Highnesses William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on 12 April 2014.
Barry Coombes retired as a Trustee of the Brian Perry Charitable Trust after 40 years and Georgia Perry, third generation Perry family, was appointed as a Trustee.
In 2016, when the old Horotiu sand quarry closed, Perry Group embarked on realising their vision to create Waikato’s first master planned, mixed-use development, Te Awa Lakes.
The Perry Bridge, the most iconic feature along the Te Awa River Ride, opened in 2017.
River Terraces, a residential lifestyle development located beside the Waikato River and Ngaruawahia Golf Course, began construction.
Pure Manuka Honey was formed to produce high quality UMF Manuka honey products for both national and international markets.
The Podium Lodge opened in early 2018 providing a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience in Cambridge with 100% of the proceeds returning to the community.
Perry Metal Protection purchased Waikato Sandblasting Services, who are located next door to the Perry Metal Protection Hamilton branch and have been operating for nearly 30 years.
Bridge Housing was launched to provide secure and long-term access to healthy homes at an affordable rate for kiwi families.
100% Pure New Zealand Honey joined the Perry Group. Founded in 1995 by Steve Lyttle and Carolyn Ball, 100% Pure New Zealand Honey is a packer and exporter based in Timaru. 
After 13 years, the Te Awa River Ride celebrated its completion as the last section, the 3km stretch between the Hamilton Gardens and Tamahere, was opened to the public in December 2022
Aqualine Products was sold – the business continues to trade under the new trading name – Aqualine Trading Ltd
