Builder Lawrence Thomas (Laurie) McGuinness established LT McGuinness Ltd in 1950. His small firm later passed on to his sons Jim, Peter and Brian. The tradition continues with seven third-generation family members now at LT McGuinness. Five other inter-generational families also work within the firm.
Today we are one of New Zealand’s largest privately-owned construction companies with a talented and dedicated staff of around 300 in Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga and Palmerston North. LT McGuinness operates like a family but has the resources of a major company. Here are some landmarks in our 75-year history:
Laurie McGuinness builds a house at 20 Trelissick Crescent in Ngaio (left in the photo), his first recorded job. He then built the house on the right.
Laurie McGuinness joins together these two old buildings in Tui Street, Te Aro, to set up his joinery workshop. Later he moves one street up to Francis Place.
LT McGuinness Ltd established at 9 Francis Place Wellington when LT moves up the road to Francis Place after a land swap with St Pats College. Laurie (centre) is pictured flanked by son Brian (right) and apprentice David Spiers.
LT McGuinness’s first truck, a Bedford O Model, is decorated to support the Onslow Rugby Club in a parade through Courtenay Place.
Jim McGuinness drives the LT McGuinness van, a trusty Thames Trader, outside Wellington Railway Station.
A foray into house moving convinces the brothers their future lies in construction.
Laurie’s sons Peter and Brian McGuinness join their brother Jim at LTM. Jim had began as an apprentice with Laurie in 1962.
Success on a complex job, the First Church of Christ the Scientist in Willis Street, catches attention.
“Pete’s Park” is commemorated at Broderick Park in Johnsonville.
LTM nearly doubles their staff to 25 for the Government Life job on Customhouse Quay, their first big-scale refurbishment. Among the newcomers are Chris Guile, Dion Russell, Nick Tuilaepa, and John Malthus, who become long serving and senior managers.
The Prime Minister’s residence, Premier House, is fully renovated in six months.
Jobs on the Rankine Brown and Kirk Buildings begin a 30-year relationship with Victoria University.
Third-generation family members Sean, Matt, Jack, Dan, and Aaron McGuinness join the firm, while Kerrin Manuel joins his father Billy.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt’s Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre, is completed.
LTM introduces a safety card system from the UK to boost Health and Safety performance.
The completed NZX Centre brings new life to Wellington’s waterfront.
More waterfront renewal as old warehouses are converted into offices and Mac’s Brew Bar, the NZX Centre and St John’s Bar and Restaurant.
The Chews Lane project, with its heritage restoration, apartments, retail stores and hospitality outlets, wins the NZ Property Council’s supreme award.
LTM brings drug testing to sites and becomes the first commercial builders to test subcontractors.
An Australian heritage expert describes the Government House renovation as an “exemplary project”.
Five key staff, including two McGuinness family members, relocate to Auckland to begin LTM operations there.
LTM introduces Procore from the USA. It is now New Zealand’s most widely used construction software.
Polytechs Weltec and Whitireia appoint LTM as 10-year construction partners.
Judges describe the award-winning Clyde Quay Wharf as a “design, engineering and construction masterpiece”.
Heritage restoration and seismic strengthening of St Mary of the Angels features on the national news.
B207, LTM’s first University of Auckland project, is successfully completed.
The opening of Te Auaha, the Weltec Whitireia campus on Cuba Street, completes the firststage of a major urban renewal project.
Up to 400 staff complete Wynyard Central, LTM’s first large-scale Auckland project.
LTM is appointed to a Massey University panel for its major projects across New Zealand.
The stylish PWC Centre on Wellington’s waterfront employs the latest seismic methodology and claims a top building award.
Dave Grindell celebrates 30 years service, following in the footsteps of Chris Guile, Nick Tuilaepa, John Malthus and Dion Russell.
The Charles Fergusson Tower, part of the Bowen campus behind Parliament, wins the country’s supreme building award. Next door at the Bowen State Building, LTM undertakes its biggest ever concrete pour.
Despite Covid lockdowns, the Farmers Building, stage 2 of the Cuba Precinct urban renewal project, is completed on schedule.
Seven demanding summer projects for VUW are completed ahead of the semester start.
LT McGuinness opens its new Central office in Palmerston North. Our first project there is the restoration and strengthening of Massey University’s historic Refectory Building.
30 Madden, the final stage at Aucklands Wynyard Quarter is completed. This was one of LTM’s largest projects at $160m and the largest in Auckland. 30 Madden offers 150 high quality apartments on the Auckland waterfront.
Tākina, Wellington’s Convention and Exhibition Centre, is completed. Built to the highest sustainability standards, Tākina has been awarded 5 Star Green Star Certification, representing New Zealand excellence for environmental sustainability
Builder, Civil Engineer, Innovator and Family Man 1947—2023. Peter, along with his father and brothers, was a foundation stone of LT McGuinness. Over nearly 50 years, his formidable energy and engineering expertise was behind the successful completion of many of our benchmark projects. In 2020, the NZ Institute of Building bestowed a fellowship on Peter, one of only five New Zealanders who can hold that award at any one time. After a long battle with cancer, Peter passed away in the loving presence of his wife Susie and their seven children on Sunday 26 November 2023. R.I.P.
The 3000m2 Living Pā at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington has been designed and built to the world’s most rigorous environmental standards. In drawing together mātauranga Māori and sustainability practices, the mass timber Living Pā was built with non-toxic materials, 90% of waste was diverted to landfill, it is carbon neutral, has its own water systems and generates all its own energy.
