Our Story

A long History of Excellence

Our story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Starting in Northland in 1936, our company has grown and evolved over the years, achieving incredible milestones along the way. From humble beginnings in Dargaville, we have become one of New Zealand's largest and most successful privately owned electrical contracting businesses. As a result, we have earned a reputation for excellence and have been recognized as one of New Zealand's fastest growing technology companies.

Over the course of the past 90 years, McKay has attained some remarkable achievements, consistently enhancing our standing as New Zealand's largest privately owned electrical contracting company. Throughout the past 9 decades we have evolved into one of the fastest growing technology companies in the country by constantly pushing boundaries, leveraging innovative solutions and embracing transformative technologies that have propelled us forward.

McKAY FOUNDED

1936
McKay is founded in Dargaville, Northland by Tom McKay.
1960’s
Joe Faithfull, quickly works his way up the business, becoming a Partner.
1982
The Faithfull family eventually buys out the remaining company shares and acquire the Water Street premeses as McKay’s head office.
2003
McKay Secures first major marine switchboard project for Sensation yachts, Auckland.
2007
McKay establishes its Devonport branch having been awarded a 10-year contract with the New Zealand Defence Force and Ministry of Defence to support the Royal New Zealand Navy Protector Fleet.
2008
McKay enters the Middle East for swift 141 Superyacht project
2010
McKay completes work on Cakewalk, the largest superyacht (by volume) ever built in the United States of America. McKay also acquires MGE NZ Ltd, which becomes the official switchboard division.
2011
McKay completes frigate shorepower upgrades at the XYZ marina in XYZ
2015
McKay acquires Ward Chandler Electrical Ltd and Cervina Marine Ltd, doubling Auckland operations and strengthening its marine capability.
2016
McKay delivers major refit work on Cakewalk, now Aquila
2017
McKay enters hybrid electrification market with projects delivered in partnership of Derecktor Shipyards USA
2017
The New Zealand Defence Force extends McKay’s contract to support the Royal New Zealand Navy’s fleet by a further 10 years.
2018
McKay is recognised by EY as one of New Zealand’s top ten fastest growing technology companies. First of many tug boats are also delivered with client Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in the USA
2019
McKay is awarded the East by West Ferry contract in New Zealand
2020
McKay enters recreational electric transport market and delivers electric outboard for Blackdogcat vessels
2021
McKay completes work on the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully electric passenger ferry, the Ika Rere of Wellington, New Zealand.
2024
McKay grows to 500+ staff.
2025
McKay acquires Marine and Industrial Electrics Limited and absorbs Ward Chandler brand in Auckland