Wellington Spotlight: TG Civil – Giving Back to the Kāpiti Community

When Toby Gillanders joined the Icehouse Owner Manager Programme he expected to grow his business, he didn’t expect to be running marathons...

For Toby Gillanders, owner of Wellington-based TG Civil, giving back to the Kāpiti community is a proud milestone.

Living in the Nikau Valley has been great for Toby and his family. His earthmoving business grew from the region, and now, thanks to an approach to the Council, he’s contributing time and services to help build the Kāpiti basketball courts.

“Supporting this project is an amazing opportunity. My time at Icehouse reinforced the importance of giving back, and now we get to do that. My son loves playing in the park, and one day, he might play on the courts we helped create and see our company logo. It’s pretty cool” he says.

Growth, tech and leadership

Toby launched TG Civil in 2020 after returning from Australia during Covid. Starting with just a truck, a digger, and loyal customers, the business has now grown to seven full-time employees. Technology has played a big role in that growth.

“Everything is digital now, which means better cost accuracy and efficiency. Developers and property owners get real-time assurance that projects stay on track,” Toby explains.

TG Civil uses app-based tracking for time sheets, site plans, SSSP, and mileage logs. Even architects’ files are sent directly to the diggers, eliminating guesswork and errors.

“Our sites are geo-fenced, so hours are accurately recorded. Machines are equipped with in-house surveying, it’s like having a permanent surveyor on-site, preventing over-excavation,” he says.

Toby is focused on leading in his space. “I want to deliver the same quality as a tier-one contractor, without the middle management costs. We’ve got the tools to compete at that level.”

A mindset shift: business and personal growth

Joining the Icehouse Owner Manager Programme was a turning point, not just for his business but for himself.

“I wanted my team to improve, but I realized I wasn’t pushing myself. That’s when I opened up to learning – it was a lightbulb moment,” Toby shares.

Inspired by a programme speaker, resilience specialist Brad Hook, he took on a new challenge - running. Completing the Queenstown Half Marathon sparked a big shift.

“I wasn’t happy with my time, so I trained harder and ran 40 minutes faster at Round the Bays. Now, I run daily. It helps me switch off, sleep better, and stay focused. I’m only competing against myself, and the results show in the data. There’s no room to hide.”

Some close friendships have been formed in the Icehouse and the encouragement from these mates has been important, particularly in a tough economic environment.

“We had a great group and It’s been really cool to realise that you’re not alone on this journey because the struggles being an owner manager can be pretty isolating.”

Navigating a tough market

With government contracts being chased by contractors nationwide, competition in Wellington and the lower North Island is fierce although the majority of TG Civil’s projects are residential and commercial.

“The big fish are swimming into the small pond, which is challenging but staying client-focused has paid off,” he says.

Since completing the Owner Manager Programme, Toby says the business has become more structured, with clear intent and shared responsibility.

“I’ve given a lot more responsibility to staff and realized I can’t do it all and if I try to do it all then things get missed. I know now I’m better to let others step up.”

But one of the biggest changes from the improved structure? “I’m more present at home. I’m not thinking about a million things I’ve got to do, or haven’t done.”