Fletcher Construction began when James Fletcher partnered with Albert Morris to build a villa in Dunedin. By 1916, the company had secured its first major contract for the Auckland City Markets, marking a shift in focus to the North Island and setting the stage for future growth.

Renamed The Fletcher Construction Company Ltd, the business expanded its presence with offices in Auckland and Wellington. During this period, it developed a vertically integrated model, investing in timber mills, joinery, brickmaking and concrete production to support major projects such as the Wellington Railway Station.

As Fletcher Holdings, the company became a key contributor to New Zealand’s development. It played a leading role in delivering the country’s first state housing programme and supported national efforts during World War II, with founder James Fletcher serving as Commissioner of Defence Construction. In 1964, the company successfully delivered the Lyttelton Road Tunnel.

The construction division became part of Fletcher Challenge following a major merger, helping create a large trans-Tasman organisation with interests across multiple industries. The Sky Tower remains the most iconic and instantly recognisable Fletcher project from this era. In 1986, Brian Perry Civil was purchased.

A major demerger led to the creation of Fletcher Building, with Fletcher Construction continuing as a core part of the group’s engineering, construction and infrastructure capability. Strategic acquisitions, including Piletech in 2006 and Higgins in 2016, strengthened the division’s expertise and reach. During this period, Fletcher Construction planned, built, maintained and managed significant infrastructure projects across New Zealand and the South Pacific, with a strong focus on safety and ongoing investment in innovation.

In May 2026, Fletcher Construction became part of VINCI Construction, a global leader in infrastructure and construction. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, combining deep local expertise with the strength of an international network. Photo shows, from left, Fletcher Construction Chief Executive Phil Boylen, VINCI Construction NZ Chief Executive Paul-Gilles Parodi, and Fletcher Building Chief Executive Andrew Reding during the handover celebration at Fletcher Building head office.