Our Team.
We’re builders, but also communicators. Every project is managed hands-on by me, James — and supported by a tight-knit team of trusted builders who take their work personally.
Here are the friendly faces you'll see on-site.
We work together every day — and that consistency shows up in the quality of our work.
Owner / Builder
James Fell
The hands-on leader, project manager, and client point-of-contact throughout every stage.
Foreman
Oliver Hawke
Your site Foreman, responsible for workflow, team coordination. and quality on the tools.
Lead Carpenter
Nathan Wells
Your Lead Carpenter, turning plans into reality with precision on the tools and ensuring quality in every detail.
Apprentice
Lachlan May
Part of our future generation of skilled tradespeople, mentored and trained on every project.
MSO Contracts & Admin
Amanda Chisholm
Amanda and the MSO team, overseeing accounts and contracts to keep everything running smoothly.
About Pōneke Construction
From the Ground Up:
Where It All Started
I’m James, the owner of Pōneke Construction, and I’ve been around tools and renovation projects for as long as I can remember. Growing up helping my dad rebuild our family home gave me an appreciation for construction early on — but it wasn’t until after a stint as a pastry chef that I found my true calling in building.
After completing my apprenticeship in Wellington and working across high-end residential builds in Wellington, I founded Pōneke Construction to do things differently. Our focus: quality homes, great relationships, and a transparent process that keeps clients informed and confident from start to finish.
We’re now a small but highly capable team of builders, led by strong communication and a shared passion for detail. Whether we’re delivering a full architectural renovation or building your forever home from the ground up, you can count on us to show up, get it right, and treat your home like it’s our own.
Our Process
Initial Assessment
01
Design & Vision
We start with a conversation — over the phone or on-site — to hear about your ideas, goals, and budget. We’ll send through a short questionnaire to help you clarify your priorities and give us the info we need to make your first consultation count.
02
Site Visit & Feasibility
We’ll walk through the space together and provide ideas, technical guidance, and a sense of what's possible. If you don’t yet have plans, we’ll recommend a designer that fits your style and project scope.
03
Estimate & Budget Planning
Once we understand your vision, we’ll develop a budget estimate and walk you through your options. We’ll be transparent about what’s achievable, where savings could be made, and where we recommend investing.
Construction
01
Pre-Start & Programme
With consented plans and a signed contract in place, we’ll agree on a start date and set up your client dashboard for daily updates. You’ll know exactly what’s happening and when.
02
On-Site Communication
We’re on-site daily — and so are our updates. Expect weekly summaries and regular walkthroughs to stay in the loop. Any variations will be discussed and approved with full transparency.
03
Quality Delivery
From first pile to final coat, your home is built with care. We use a 287-point quality checklist and keep you updated at each milestone so there are no surprises.
Post-Construction
01
Final Walkthrough & Handover
We’ll walk you through your new home to ensure every detail meets expectations. You'll receive the keys, warranties, and a folder with everything you need.
02
Aftercare Support
We stay in touch post-handover to check in, help with any questions, and make sure you’re 100% happy. Our support doesn’t end when the job does.
03
Warranty Confidence
All work is backed by our comprehensive building guarantee, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
About Us
Why we're here
01
Our Vision
To create homes that reflect the people who live in them — built with care, character, and attention to detail.
02
Our Mission
To deliver a building experience that’s as strong as the result: grounded in trust, clear communication, and true craftsmanship.
03
Our Goals
To be Wellington’s go-to residential builder for thoughtful renovations and architectural new builds — and to keep every client informed, involved, and excited throughout.
Our Values
01
Craftsmanship
We take pride in doing things properly. From framing to finishing, every detail matters.
02
Communication
You’ll always know what’s happening and why. We keep the updates coming — and the surprises out.
03
Reliability
We show up, do what we say we’ll do, and take ownership from start to finish.