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Meet The Team

CUBA TE KANAWA PAKAI

(NGĀTI POROU), DIRECTOR/ ASBESTOS REMOVAL MANAGER

KEY SKILLS: Project management, stakeholder management, consultancy, staff leadership and training, Operational management

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Project planning, enclosure design, asbestos removal methodology, demolition, deconstruction

With over 14 years’ experience in asbestos removal and demolition, including 10+ years as a Class A Supervisor, Cuba brings deep industry knowledge and proven leadership to ARC.

He has delivered projects across schools, hospitals, and government facilities, consistently ensuring safe, compliant, and high-quality outcomes.

Cuba became the youngest Class A Supervisor in industry history (2015) and continues to lead with a strong focus on safety, team performance, and delivery excellence.

THOMAS BISHOP

GENERAL MANAGER

KEY SKILLS: Operations management, site delivery oversight, HSQE oversight, client relationship management

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Management of highrisk demolition, logistics management, Controlled demolition methodologies, on-the-spot troubleshooting

With a strong background in high-risk demolition and concrete cutting, Thomas brings extensive industry experience gained across large-scale commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects in both New Zealand and Australia.

As a founding Director of ARC, he has played a key role in establishing the company’s growth, systems, and delivery capability. His expertise spans controlled demolition, deconstruction methodologies, and complex project execution.

Thomas is responsible for the day-to-day running of ARC, with a focus on procurement, pricing, contract management, and on-site delivery oversight. His leadership ensures projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high standard.

CLINTON BLACKLEY

(TE ĀTIAWA KI WHAKARONGOTAI, NGĀTI TOA, NGĀTI RAUKAWA), DIRECTOR SAFETY & SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

KEY SKILLS: Project management & delivery, Community engagement, Health & safety leadership, Operational systems & administration

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Health & safety systems, Heavy machinery operation, Digital systems & process development, Project planning

Clinton plays a key role in the development and implementation of ARC’s health, safety, and operational systems. His responsibilities span project management, administration, and continuous improvement of internal processes.

With a background in civil and rural construction, Clinton brings practical, hands-on experience working across a wide range of heavy machinery and site environments. This foundation supports his ability to develop systems that are both effective and grounded in real-world application.

Clinton is focused on driving high standards in safety, compliance, and organisational performance, ensuring ARC’s systems support consistent and high-quality project delivery.

LIAM MOLONEY

PROJECT MANAGER

KEY SKILLS: Project & site management, Subcontractor coordination, Team leadership & mentorship, Risk identification & problem solving.

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: High-risk demolition methodology, Specialised concrete cutting (wire saw, core drilling, wall sawing), Heavy machinery & lifting, perations, Mechanical troubleshooting & equipment maintenance.

Liam brings extensive experience in high-risk demolition and specialised concrete cutting across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. With expertise in wire sawing, core drilling, and structural cutting, he delivers precise and efficient outcomes on technically demanding works.

A former New Zealand Army serviceman, Liam applies strong discipline, planning, and a safety-first approach to every project. He is highly skilled in coordinating lifting operations, interpreting plans, and managing structural removals using cranes and heavy machinery.

JESSE PRITCHARD

PROJECT MANAGER (CIVIL)

KEY SKILLS: Project & site management, Client liaison & stakeholder communication, Programming & coordination, Team leadership & mentoring, Risk identification & problem solving

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Civil earthworks & infrastructure delivery, Heavy machinery operation,
Carpentry & site construction works, Mechanical troubleshooting, Environmental and site compliance practices

Jesse brings over 11 years of experience in civil construction and earthworks, with a strong hands-on background in machine operation and site leadership. He delivers practical, efficient outcomes by effectively coordinating subcontractors, managing site operations, and maintaining programme delivery.

With experience across large-scale infrastructure and roading projects, Jesse combines operational execution with strong planning oversight to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and to a high standard.

ARAPETA JOYCE

(NGĀTI POROU, NGĀTI KAHUNGUNU) CLASS A&B ASBESTOS SUPERVISOR

KEY SKILLS: Project delivery & site coordination, Client & contractor liaison, Team leadership & supervision, Quality assurance & compliance

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Class A & B asbestos removal, Enclosure setup & negative pressure systems, Hazard identification & risk control, Demolition & material salvage.

With 8 years’ experience in Class A & B asbestos removal, Arapeta has delivered complex projects across residential, commercial, and education sectors.

He is known for his reliability, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate teams and maintain compliance in high-risk environments. Having led crews across the South Island and now at ARC, he brings a calm, practical approach to demanding removal work.

Arapeta plays a key role in managing site operations, ensuring projects run efficiently while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Daniel Watt

DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR & OPERATOR

KEY SKILLS: Project coordination & site delivery, Team leadership, Time management & planning, Safety & risk management

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Excavator & heavy machinery operation, Civil works & earthworks, Heavy haulage & transport logistics, Demolition operations.

With nearly 12 years’ experience in the civil industry, Daniel has a strong background in heavy haulage and machinery operation, including transporting oversized loads such as relocatable homes.

At ARC, he oversees daily site operations, coordinating plant, trucks, and sub-trades to ensure projects are delivered safely and efficiently. He is highly proficient across a wide range of heavy machinery.

Daniel’s capability has been recognised through industry competition, including Runner-Up in the 2019 Manawatu Excavator Operator Competition and Winner of the 2025 Manawatu Excavator Competition.

DALE AKUHATA

DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR & OPERATOR

KEY SKILLS: Team leadership & performance management, Site coordination & supervision, Mentorship & on-site training, Health & safety leadership.

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Class A & B asbestos removal, Enclosure systems, Contaminated waste handling & disposal, Decontamination & safe work procedures

Dale is one of ARC’s most experienced team members, having progressed from entry-level to a trusted Class A & B Supervisor since joining at the company’s inception.

He is known for his strong work ethic, hands-on leadership style, and ability to motivate teams to deliver safe and efficient results across a range of complex and high-risk projects.

Dale plays a critical role in site coordination, team leadership, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality in challenging environments.

TE MANAWA NETANA WILLIAMS

(TAITOKERAU, NGĀTI AWA) DEMOLITION SUPERVISOR & OPERATOR

KEY SKILLS: Site operations & logistics coordination, Team support & on-site leadership, Problem solving & adaptability, Safety awareness & compliance

KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS: Excavator & heavy machinery operation, Demolition & structural dismantling, Earthworks & material handling, Carpentry & temporary works construction.

Te Manawa brings a diverse background across demolition, civil works, and carpentry, with strong capability in machinery operation and site logistics.

He is highly regarded for his work ethic, reliability, and hands-on knowledge of tools, heavy plant, and temporary works construction.

His versatility allows him to contribute across demolition, asbestos, and salvage operations, supporting efficient, safe, and well-coordinated project delivery.

Get in Touch

Contact the team at ARC Asbestos Removal and Demolition for your next project. We are always happy to help with any questions and queries you may have and will endeavour to make sure it is a seamless project from start to finish.