Building connections in the South: Highview Builders’ story

When Roy Tikao, Amotai's Supplier Diversity Lead in the South Island, saw an opportunity for New River Primary School in Invercargill, he couldn’t contain his excitement. “I went, woohoo!” he laughs. However, the challenge quickly became apparent: there weren’t enough local Amotai-registered construction companies in the area. Enter Highview Builders, led by Luke Daglish.

For Luke, owner of Highview Builders, local knowledge and trusted relationships have always been at heart of operations. Based in Invercargill, the whānau-run business has earned a reputation for quality work and a down-to-earth approach. Their recent refurbishment project at New River Primary School showcased these strengths, and marked a turning point in their journey as they joined Amotai’s growing South Island network.

Building on local foundations

Established in 2007, Highview Builders has always prioritised staying local. 

“Having local knowledge and connections is crucial,” says Luke. “We always use the same subcontractors, all local. It keeps costs down and strengthens relationships in our community.”

Southland is known for its resilience and practical, no-nonsense spirit, a character that Luke and his team embody in their work. Luke runs his business with a deliberate and grounded approach, balancing growth with quality. “There’s six of us, and that’s big enough for me,” he explains. “We like to line up work so we can get through it efficiently without compromising on quality.”

Adapting to new challenges

The New River Primary School refurbishment project introduced new challenges for Highview Builders, particularly working in a live school environment. “It was our first time in such a setting, so we had to adapt,” Luke explains. His team carefully planned to minimize disruption, scheduling noisy work outside school hours and keeping the site tidy and secure. “The kids were curious, but we managed to keep everything safe and tidy.”

Roy recalls the Ministry of Education’s feedback: “They were impressed with Highview Builders’ communication and the quality of the work. The school principal was thrilled with the relationship they built.”

It is hoped that this project will pave the way for further opportunities for Highview Builders, who are now also registered on the GETS platform for future school projects.

Unlocking new opportunities

Joining Amotai’s network has been another positive milestone for Highview Builders. 

“Roy made it easy to join,” says Luke. “Being part of the network helps us stay in the loop about opportunities we might not otherwise hear about.”

Southland’s steady market may not always grab headlines, but businesses like Highview Builders show how local expertise can deliver results. 

“We’re seeing more diverse businesses register in the South Island,” says Roy. “That means we can offer buyers a wider range of services. Highview Builders is a great example of the quality and professionalism we have in this region.”

As Amotai’s network grows, it creates more opportunities to highlight Southland’s unique talent. By connecting buyers to suppliers with deep local roots, Amotai is helping unlock the region’s full potential.

Looking ahead

“We welcome Highview Builders into the Amotai network and look forward to supporting them with new opportunities in the future,” says Roy. “Their story is a reminder that even in smaller regions like Southland, there’s always room to connect and grow.”

For Luke, growth is all about sustainability and quality. 

“I’m not aiming to be the biggest guy out there,” says Luke. “I like having control over what I do and making sure we deliver the best results.”