“The fondest memory I have in New Zealand is the day I got my PR,” says Maninder Singh, founder of MD Projects NZ Ltd, speaking to The Indian Weekender during celebrations at Princess Wharf marking the completion of over 190 houses in 2025.
Describing New Zealand as a “game-changer” for him, Singh credits the country for giving him a chance, a chance he then turned into a thriving construction business.
“I came to New Zealand in 2008 and worked several jobs here,” Singh recalls. “I was a bus driver at NZ Bus in 2013, driving around Auckland. And now I own a Rolls Royce,” he adds with a smile, highlighting the journey from modest beginnings to entrepreneurial success.
Hailing from Ambala, India, the Singh family faced a turning point in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt.
With a solid understanding of the construction industry and strong guidance, Maninder and his wife, Gagan, decided to pursue construction as a full-time career.
Singh emphasises the importance of valuing clients’ money. “I understand the value of money. There have been times when I was struggling, so I know how hard it is to earn,” he said.
MD Projects NZ Ltd reflects this ethos, delivering projects on time and with precision, ensuring clients’ investments are respected.
Starting from humble beginnings, Singh believes that hard work and the right environment are key to business success.
“New Zealand is the fairest country one can work in. If you work hard, the country will respect that,” he said.
“I have never faced any racism. All my co-workers and people here have been very supportive of me,” he added.
With years of experience in the construction sector, Singh has successfully managed both residential projects for large companies and private clients. His journey began with house renovations, but his passion for construction soon led him to take on full-scale residential builds, consistently delivering top-tier quality within budget and on schedule.
Since 2020, MD Projects NZ Ltd has managed over 800 projects, employing between 700 to 800 people daily through subcontracts. Singh encourages capable individuals to start their own businesses, sharing the expertise MD Projects NZ Ltd has accumulated.
“The favourite part of my job is seeing a project evolve from demolition to completion,” he said. “Supervising the house to take shape is incredibly rewarding.”
Singh reassures potential clients, particularly Kiwi-Indians unfamiliar with construction, that MD Projects NZ Ltd is reliable.
“We make sure plans are proper, projects run smoothly, and deadlines are met,” he said.
The company aims to complete projects within six months whenever possible.
MD Projects NZ Ltd saw significant growth over the past five years, with a turning point during COVID-19. “Many companies were going into liquidation, and MD Projects NZ Ltd stepped in to manage their projects,” Singh explained.
Despite supply chain disruptions and a downturn in the construction market, the company thrived.
Maintaining transparency and trust is central to MD Projects NZ Ltd’s philosophy.
“We never charge a variation,” Singh said. “If we miss something, that is our problem, not the client’s. That is the trust we have built with our clients.”
His message to the Indian community? “Work hard and be honest. Honesty is the only key to success,” Singh says with a proud smile.
As MD Projects NZ Ltd continues to grow, Singh remains guided by the same principles that shaped his journey — hard work, honesty, and gratitude toward the country that gave him his first chance.