A brief history of RED Contracting.
Built on Family, driven by excellence with 30 years of experience and two generations. One family business built on doing things right.
RED Contracting is proudly family-owned and operated, carrying forward a legacy that began in 1998 when Stephen Matthews founded Matthews Civil Developments.
In 2013, Steve’s son Bradley joined the business, marking the beginning of RED Contracting and the next chapter of a family legacy built on hard work, experience and a commitment to quality.
The name RED represents the three core foundations of our business — Roading, Earthworks and Drainage — the services at the heart of everything we do.
Today, we continue to provide clients with practical, tailored civil construction solutions, backed by decades of hands-on experience and a genuine commitment to delivering quality workmanship.
Our philosophy is simple:
“To execute the BEST job the first time.”
Because after 30 years, we know that our reputation is built on every job, every client and every promise we make.
The Team
Steve Matthews
FOUNDER
With more than 40 years in civil construction, Steve Matthews built his career from the ground up. Starting at just 12 years old helping to build his family home, followed by an apprenticeship as a builder and years working in his father’s civil construction company, Steve eventually stepped out on his own, establishing Matthews Civil Developments.
Built on hard work, integrity, quality and a genuine commitment to his people and clients, the company grew under Steve’s hands-on leadership. In 2013, the business was restructured as RED Contracting, with his son Bradley joining him and becoming an important part of the company’s future.
Steve was respected for his practical knowledge, experience and ability to find solutions to even the toughest challenges. He led from the front and earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.
Steve sadly passed away on 29 June 2023, but the foundations he built remain at the heart of RED Contracting.
Most importantly, Steve prepared his son Bradley to carry the company forward. Today, Bradley continues what his father started, carrying Steve’s values, knowledge and pride in doing the job right into the future.
Bradley Matthews
Managing Director
Bradley Matthews began his career working alongside his father in Matthews Civil Developments, learning the civil construction industry under his father’s highly experienced guidance. From the beginning, Bradley had every intention of one day taking over the company, building his knowledge and experience across roading, earthworks, drainage and general civil construction.
When that day came sooner than expected following his father’s passing in 2023, Bradley was prepared to step up and take the company forward. With strong hands-on experience and a sound commercial understanding, he oversees RED Contracting’s operations, people, clients and projects from tender through to completion.
Bradley has built on the strong foundations established by his father while developing his own leadership and direction. He remains committed to the values the company was built on — hard work, integrity, quality and reliability — with a clear focus on continuing to grow RED Contracting while maintaining its reputation for getting the job done right the first time.
Siva Vishnu
Senior Project Engineer
Siva joined the team in 2019. He has a background in civil and commercial construction, with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He works closely with Steve Matthews and is actively involved in Planning & Developing of all Engineering projects, preparing quotations and managing time frames, documentation and budgets.
Siva is also ensuring that all work undertaken, and behaviour exhibited is in accordance with appropriate technical standards and in accordance with EngNZ Code of Ethics and AS/NZS Standards by undertaking frequent Onsite HSEQ inspections.
Chris Wolley
Head Foreman
With 25 years of experience in the civil construction industry, Chris brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, expertise and practical understanding to every project.
His extensive experience covers machinery, materials and all aspects of civil construction, with particular expertise in pavement construction. A highly skilled grader operator, Chris has worked across a diverse range of projects, from smaller works through to large-scale and highly complex developments.
Chris leads his sites with confidence and precision, managing teams, programmes and resources to consistently deliver quality results within demanding timeframes and budgets. His ability to anticipate challenges, solve problems and keep projects moving makes him a highly valued member of the team.
Combined with his approachable and cooperative manner, Chris has built strong relationships with clients and contractors alike and has become a trusted and preferred choice for many.
Robbie Johnson
Site Foreman
Robbie joined RED Contracting at just 15 years old and has worked his way up through the company, earning his position as Foreman through hard work, loyalty and experience. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience across a wide range of civil construction projects and is highly skilled in both digger and grader operation. He is trusted to run sites independently, solve problems as they arise and keep the job moving.
Robbie leads by example and takes a no-nonsense approach on site, but he is also someone the team can rely on and have a laugh with along the way. His practical knowledge, experience and ability with machinery are invaluable to RED Contracting. After so many years with the company, Robbie is more than just a Foreman — he is a big part of the RED family, and someone we simply couldn’t do without.
Stephen Matthews
Civil Co-ordinator
Stephen started his career with Matthews Civil, gaining valuable hands-on experience in civil construction and developing a strong knowledge of machinery and site operations. After working in and out of the business since leaving school, Stephen joined the RED Contracting team in 2022.
Today, Stephen plays an important role in coordinating our projects, working closely with engineers and site crews to keep works moving efficiently. He also deals directly with clients and suppliers, resolving issues as they arise and making sure everyone has the information they need to keep things on track.
With his practical experience, broad knowledge of civil construction and ability to work confidently across both the site and client side of the business, Stephen is a valued member of the RED team.
Paula Wolley
Business & Strategy Director
Paula Wolley helped found Matthews Civil alongside Steve Matthews in 1996, playing a key role in building the business from the ground up. She was instrumental in its growth and remained closely involved through its restructure and transition to RED Contracting, helping shape the company it is today.
As Business & Strategy Director, Paula oversees the wider business and works closely with the team, with a strong focus on financial management, strategic direction and major business decisions.
Now semi-retired, Paula remains hands-on and continues to provide guidance across the business. Her financial expertise, experience and practical understanding of the company provide valuable oversight and stability, making her an important part of RED Contracting’s continued success.
Kirsten Wolley
Accounts and Office Manager
Kirsten Wolley joined RED Contracting at just 16, starting in the office with filing and administration. Over the years, she has grown with the company and developed an in-depth understanding of its operations, people and clients.
Today, Kirsten runs the office and accounts, working closely with the Directors to keep the business organised and running smoothly. Her role covers finances, accounts payable and receivable, credit control, finalising claims, administration and human resources.
With her extensive knowledge of RED and how the business operates, Kirsten keeps the important details behind the scenes on track and ensures everyone stays connected. She is also a key point of contact for clients and is often the first friendly face they meet.
After so many years with RED, Kirsten’s experience and knowledge make her an invaluable part of the team and a vital part of keeping the business moving forward.