Sectors We Target
We focus on essential service businesses — the trades, compliance, and infrastructure companies that keep New Zealand running.
Kauri Partners targets essential service businesses across New Zealand including fire protection, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, elevator services, security systems, and building services. These sectors share common characteristics: recession-resistant demand, regulatory barriers to entry, and essential physical work requirements.
Why Essential Services?
Essential service businesses share structural characteristics that make them exceptionally resilient and valuable.
Recession-Resistant
Fire systems still need testing. Lifts still need servicing. Essential services don't stop because the economy slows down.
Regulatory Moats
Licensing, certifications, and compliance requirements create durable barriers to entry that protect established operators.
Recurring Revenue
Mandatory inspection schedules, maintenance contracts, and compliance cycles create predictable, recurring revenue streams.
Physical Work
The work requires skilled tradespeople on site. These are not tasks that can be automated, offshored, or replaced by software.
Target Sectors
Fire Protection
Fire alarm installation, sprinkler systems, suppression, and ongoing compliance testing. Every commercial building requires it — and regulations keep tightening.
- Fire alarm installation & monitoring
- Sprinkler system design & maintenance
- Extinguisher servicing & compliance
- Emergency lighting testing
Elevator & Lift Services
Installation, modernisation, and maintenance of elevators, escalators, and accessibility lifts. Highly regulated with mandatory inspection schedules.
- Elevator installation & modernisation
- Ongoing maintenance contracts
- Accessibility lift compliance
- Escalator servicing
Electrical
Commercial and industrial electrical contracting, switchboard upgrades, and compliance testing. Certification requirements ensure only licensed professionals can operate.
- Commercial electrical contracting
- Switchboard upgrades & maintenance
- Test & tag compliance
- Electrical safety inspections
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation and maintenance. Buildings depend on functional climate systems year-round, creating consistent demand.
- Commercial HVAC installation
- Preventative maintenance contracts
- Refrigeration services
- Building management systems
Plumbing & Gas
Licensed plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying services. Strict licensing requirements and essential nature make this a resilient, high-demand sector.
- Commercial plumbing & maintenance
- Gasfitting & certification
- Drainlaying & stormwater
- Backflow prevention testing
Security Systems
Alarm systems, access control, CCTV, and monitoring services. Security is non-discretionary for commercial properties and increasingly technology-driven.
- Alarm installation & monitoring
- Access control systems
- CCTV design & installation
- Integrated security solutions
Building Services
Multi-trade building maintenance, facilities management, and compliance coordination. Essential for keeping commercial properties operational and compliant.
- Facilities management contracts
- Building warrant of fitness
- Multi-trade maintenance
- Compliance coordination
What We Look For
We have clear criteria for the businesses we acquire.
Essential Service Business
Trades, compliance, or infrastructure businesses that provide services people and buildings depend on.
$500K - $15M Revenue
Established businesses with proven revenue and a track record of consistent performance.
Established Team
A capable team in place that can operate the business through ownership transition.
Strong Customer Relationships
Long-standing relationships with customers who trust and depend on the business.
Recurring Revenue
Service contracts, maintenance agreements, or compliance-driven repeat business.
Growth Potential
Opportunities to grow through operational improvement, geographic expansion, or service diversification.
Geographic Focus
We acquire businesses across all of New Zealand, with preferred regions including Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Waikato. Our technology platform allows us to operate effectively across multiple locations.
Own an Essential Service Business?
If your business fits our criteria, we'd love to start a confidential conversation about your options.