Taggart

18/06/2026

What happens to the material that leaves our sites?

It's something more people are asking, and it's a good question. Where possible, we're always looking for opportunities to recycle, recover and reuse materials rather than sending them straight to landfill.

Every project is different, but finding practical ways to reduce waste and improve environmental outcomes is an important part of how we operate.

It's one of the reasons we're proud to hold EcoChoice accreditation and continue looking for smarter ways to deliver projects across Canterbury.

Eco Choice Aotearoa

16/06/2026

Less complexity. Better delivery.

One of the biggest challenges on large construction projects is keeping everyone moving in the same direction. At Taggart, we make that easier by offering a full range of services with our own team. From earthworks and drainage through to roading, demolition and haulage, our team can manage every stage of the project under one roof.

It means fewer moving parts, clearer communication and better outcomes for our clients. That's how we've been helping deliver Canterbury projects for more than 70 years.

06/06/2026

13/05/2026

From the cab!
We’re always excited to show our tools in action.

At the Smiths City demolition in Christchurch, our hydraulic pulveriser is crushing through of the remaining concrete structures. It bites into walls, crushing them down into manageable rubble while neatly exposing and separating the reinforcing steel rods at the same time. It’s a fast, controlled way to bring down heavy concrete without losing precision on site.

To keep conditions under control in a busy urban environment, the team is also using integrated water spray systems to dampen the material as it’s being broken up. This helps suppress concrete dust at the source, keeping the air clearer around the site and reducing impact on the surrounding city streets.

Efficient, clean demolition is made possible with the right tools on site.

07/05/2026

Project Kick off: Smiths City Demolition in Christchurch.

We’re proud to be kicking off the demolition of the former Smiths City building on Colombo Street. This complex spans ~7,000m² in the centre of the city, clearing the way for future homes and a renewed urban precinct.

The project includes full soft strip, asbestos removal, multi-stage structural demolition, and precision crane lifts to remove large concrete panels, along with slabs and foundations.

We will be working within a tightly constrained urban environment, every stage is planned and delivered with a strong focus on safety, sequencing, and efficiency. Taggart looks forward to helping shape the next chapter of Christchurch’s
city centre.

22/04/2026

16/04/2026

Last week we lost one of the industry’s pioneers and legends
Ron Taggart passed away peacefully aged 90
He started contracting in 1953 as a 17 year old with a flat deck truck and a shovel, those were the days when 6x4 tippers were rare and hydraulic excavators hadn’t been invented
Ron had a passion for the industry and was always thinking outside of the box to find a better way of doing things.
He will be sadly missed but his legacy will continue through the next generations
RIP Ron, you will never stop moving dirt

26/03/2026

After first joining Taggart in 2015, our Principal Project Manager, Tim Bloor, recently returned for a second stint with the team, bringing years of experience across multiple projects.

Ask him what he enjoys about the job and the answer is simple: it’s the challenge of each project that keeps things interesting. And as any good Project Manager will tell you, staying on your toes comes with the territory.

What’s most rewarding?
Seeing someone’s vision become reality.

“Construction is the dreams and lifestyle business. Taking somebody’s dream and bringing it to life to improve other people’s lifestyle.”

While only about 10% of a project is visible, it’s the unseen 90%, the planning, coordination and teamwork, that makes it all possible.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants every day.”

24/03/2026

Tech-Forward Site
Gone are the days of just "eyeballing it." Modern earthmoving is all about precision. With GPS-guided "Total Control" systems, operators can level a site to the millimeter with the push of a button. No more manual lasers,just high-tech efficiency from the cab.

23/03/2026

Look after your equipment and it’ll last a lifetime.

Case in point: our 1979 Caterpillar 627B twin-engine motor scraper, still getting put through its paces by Rob on site.