The Higgins Group was started in 1951 by family patriarch Dan Higgins who built the company into a multimillion-dollar construction, roading and contracting company that employs more than 1100 staff.
These days it is run by sons Sir Patrick and Bernard, who is managing director.
Sir Patrick and Bernard both started their careers by working with the road crews before moving into management – driving excavators and spraying bitumen.
In 2016, the company’s construction business was sold to Fletcher Building for $315 million.
However, the family retained a 40-year-old ready-mix concrete company employing 70 staff in seven lower North Island locations.
Higgins Family Holdings’ interests are now Higgins Concrete, HFH Properties and Hifarm Ltd.
The family also manages extensive property interests through the jointly owned Hibros Ltd.
Sir Patrick was knighted in 2011 for services to philanthropy and the community and was also inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.
His official citation tells of his support for community groups, including Arohanui Hospice, Manawatu Cancer Society and the Louise Perkins Foundation, and sporting pursuits, including the Manawatu Turbos, Manawatu Rugby Academy and Manfeild Park.
2018: $430 million