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 premises 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.
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.
2015
McKay acquires Ward Chandler Electrical Ltd and Cervina Ltd, doubling Auckland operations and strengthening marine capability.
2016
McKay delivers work on R/V Spirit of the sound, the first hybrid electric research vessel in the United States based at the Maritime Aquarium in Connecticut.
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, to build the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully electric passenger ferry, the Ika Rere.
2020
McKay enters recreational electric transport market and delivers electric outboards for Blackdogcat vessels.
2021
McKay completes work on the Ika Rere, which to this day is still the Southern Hemisphere’s first electric ferry.
2022
McKay delivers the first full-size, fully electric ship-handling tugboat in Port of Auckland, New Zealand.
2024
McKay grows to 500+ staff.
2025
McKay acquires Marine and Industrial Electrics Ltd in Whangarei, New Zealand, and absorbs the Ward Chandler brand in Auckland. McKay is appointed to serve as electrical systems integrator for the Golden Gate Ferries of San Francisco, Liwa Class ferry programme (8x hybrid ferries).
2025
McKay delivers Project E-Alia, a fleet of five solar and battery-powered electric catamarans delivered to the islands of Samoa.