HISTORY
The Ground Support Group is a group of companies that together form a family business. Michael Kooiman (Mike) has two sons in the industry.
Mike has been in the construction industry for over 40 years initially commencing an apprenticeship with Fletcher Construction in primarily commercial construction during the late ’70s and then quickly moving into residential development and construction thereafter.
Mike found that most of the residential builders were not well-trained in foundations, retaining walls, and concrete construction and there was an opening for some with these skills in the residential side of the industry.
Mike has a vast experience in design and can assist in suggesting design changes to reduce costs or increase function as required.
Over time, the residential side of the building industry has become more sophisticated in the construction methods used, Ground Support was established to cater to this ever-improving building environment.
Mike is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) and supervises all Ground Support work. Mike is one of only three LBP’s licensed in the Class of Foundations (F1 and F2) in Wellington as well as being licensed in Site 2 and Carpentry.
NOW
Ground Support owns all its own equipment which we modify and adapt to the jobs, building specialised equipment, to complete any job that cannot be completed with shop-bought gear. This gives Ground Support a distinct advantage over its competitors.
We build gear for tight spaces and work on steep sites. It would not be unusual for Ground Support to be working on sites with slopes over 45 degrees or even underground tunnelling in a parking solution.
We also assist in the basic management of EQC site remediation claims and complete all landslip clean-up and remediation for clients no matter how tight or steep the work.
We are currently building a new 450m2 workshop at our yard in Makara Wellington.
THE FUTURE
Mike now has one of his grandsons working in the business part-time and expects the future will ultimately be in the next generation.
The increase in adverse environmental conditions leads to an increase in landslips, erosion, inundation, and earthquakes. Who knows when the next event will happen! However, smart people know that good engineering and preparation is our best defence. Ground Support will be here to apply those more complex engineering solutions for retaining walls, foundations, and piling into the future for the benefit of those clients that need us.
Ground Support believes it has a solid base to work from and looks forward to being part of the solution for our clients.
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Mike Kooiman
Mike manages the work and is responsible for providing the solutions and any proposed or amended designs.
Mike is happiest on-site operating the machinery and working with the guys.
Kate Foot
Kate is Mike’s boss and keeps the boys focused on the prize.
Kate is a licensed real estate agent and has a vast knowledge of property and land development.