Backing the Businesses
New Zealand Depends On
We acquire and grow essential service businesses across New Zealand — the trades, compliance, and infrastructure companies that keep the country running.
Kauri Partners is an Auckland-based firm that acquires and grows essential service businesses across New Zealand — trades, compliance, and infrastructure companies with established teams and strong customer relationships. Backed by institutional capital, we provide business owners with speed, certainty, and continuity.
Hundreds
Businesses Evaluated
Across New Zealand's essential services landscape
Complete
First Acquisition
Proving our operational playbook
2 Weeks
Conditional Offers
From receiving an information memorandum
NZVC
Backed By
An institutional NZ venture capital firm
The Succession Crisis
New Zealand has a succession crisis. Approximately 150,000 SMBs are owned by people aged 55 and over, with no succession plan. These aren't just businesses — they're the essential services that communities depend on.
When these owners retire, their businesses — and the jobs, customers, and communities they support — are at risk. Kauri Partners exists to provide a better path: acquiring these businesses, retaining their teams, and investing in their growth.
Sectors We Target
We focus on essential service businesses with physical work requirements, trust-based relationships, and regulatory barriers.
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
Analytics
Real-time dashboards that give operators visibility into business performance.
Automation
Automated scheduling, invoicing, and compliance workflows that save hours each week.
Communications
Modern customer communication tools — booking confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups.
Operations
Streamlined operations platforms purpose-built for essential service businesses.
Ready to Start a Conversation?
Whether you're considering selling your business or exploring investment opportunities, we'd like to hear from you.