Our Story

A long History of Excellence

Our story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Starting in Northland in 1936, our company has grown and evolved over the years, achieving incredible milestones along the way. From humble beginnings in Dargaville, we have become one of New Zealand's largest and most successful privately owned electrical contracting businesses. As a result, we have earned a reputation for excellence and have been recognized as one of New Zealand's fastest growing technology companies.

Over the course of the past 90 years, McKay has attained some remarkable achievements, consistently enhancing our standing as New Zealand's largest privately owned electrical contracting company. Throughout the past 9 decades we have evolved into one of the fastest growing technology companies in the country by constantly pushing boundaries, leveraging innovative solutions and embracing transformative technologies that have propelled us forward.

McKAY FOUNDED

1936
Tom McKay first founded McKay Electrical in Dargaville
1944
At the age of 14, Joe Faithfull approached Tom McKay for a job at McKay Electrical. Due to his age he was originally turned down, but returned a week later when he turned 15 to start work
1950s
McKay Secures first large dairy project for Northland Dairy company, Kauri
1960s
Joe Faithfull quickly works his way up the business, becoming foreman and then partner
1961
McKay Secures first project for Refining NZ and have remained on site ever since
1982
The Faithfull family buys out the McKay Whangarei branch, which becomes McKay’s head office
1992
Joe’s son Lindsay Faithfull becomes GM and shareholder. Together they work together to grow McKay.
2003
McKay Secures first major switchboard project for Sensation yachts.
2008
McKay establishes USA division.
2010
McKay acquires MGE which becomes the official switchboard division.
2013
McKay forms joint venture Maintenir to deliver total engineering maintenance and project solutions.
2015
Joe passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy instilled in the minds of all McKay staff members. The weeks leading up to his death, Joe still came to work every week and remained an influential figure in his business.
2015
McKay acquires Ward Chandler, doubling Auckland operations. McKay also acquires Cervina Marine which strengthens the marine division.
2017
McKay starts joint venture NB SmartCities.
2018
McKay is recognised by EY as one of New Zealand’s top ten fastest growing technology companies.
2019
McKay announces that they will be returning to the South Island with a permanent branch in Queenstown Lakes District.
2019
McKay secures the southern hemisphere’s first fully electric ferry.
2019
McKay wins the Auckland Transport central streetlighting contract.
2020
McKay begins work on the Waikeria Prison Redevelopment Project.
2023
McKay grows to employ over 500+ people across New Zealand
2023
McKay achieved an exciting and significant milestone in the maritime defence sector, successfully signing a provisional supplier agreement with international defence company, Babcock. This agreement plays a crucial role in the Arrowhead 140 proposal for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Fleet renewal programme.
With tremendously growth, McKay created an Executive Leadership Team and new organisational structure to support the achievement of our strategic goals, ensuring we are well prepared for the future and for sustained growth.
2025
McKay successfully integrated the Ward Chandler brand into its operations, effective January 1, 2025. This strategic move follows McKay's acquisition of Ward Chandler ten years ago in 2015.