Malcolm Hammond wins steel industry's top NZ award

Malcolm Hammond of MJH Engineering has received the 2026 Steel Construction New Zealand Chair's Award, which recognises a significant and lasting contribution to New Zealand's structural steel industry.

Steel Construction New Zealand Chair Mark Fletcher presented the award to Hammond at a gala dinner in Wellington. Hammond's contribution to the sector spans more than four decades.

Hammond founded MJH Engineering in Petone in 1982. The business grew from a small workshop into a structural steel fabrication and installation company with a long-standing presence in the New Zealand market.

Fletcher said the award reflected more than the company's commercial growth, pointing to Hammond's record in workforce development, including his support for apprentices and long-serving employees.

"It is about recognising a leader who understood that great companies are built by great people. Throughout his career, Malcolm has invested heavily in developing others, creating opportunities, supporting apprentices and helping generations of employees build rewarding careers in our industry. Many of his team have spent decades with MJH, a reflection of the loyalty, trust and respect that Malcolm has inspired throughout his working life," Fletcher said.

Industry record

The award also recognised Hammond's role in introducing new production methods to the business, including early use of advanced fabrication technologies and automation, alongside investment in staff training and workforce development.

"It is also about recognising a person who embraced innovation. From early adoption of advanced fabrication technologies and automation through to investment in training and workforce development, Malcolm consistently looked forward, ensuring his business remained capable, competitive and ready for the future," Fletcher said.

Beyond MJH Engineering, Hammond was recognised for his involvement across the wider structural steel sector. Fletcher said he supported industry initiatives, backed quality systems and contributed to efforts to raise standards across the profession.

His support for organisations including Steel Construction New Zealand and the Heavy Engineering Research Association formed part of that record. Fletcher said Hammond saw broader industry engagement as important to strengthening the sector as a whole.

"As the structural steel sector evolved, Malcolm saw the value of industry-wide engagement, supporting steel initiatives, embracing quality systems and helping lift standards across the profession. His longstanding support of organisations such as SCNZ and the Heavy Engineering Research Association reflects a belief that a stronger industry benefits everyone," Fletcher said.

Personal legacy

Fletcher also described Hammond's standing in personal terms, citing his relationships with employees, suppliers, clients and industry colleagues. He said Hammond's approach helped create a culture in which people felt respected and valued.

The award recognised both business leadership and a broader personal legacy within the trade. Fletcher said Hammond's contribution could be seen not only in projects delivered, but also in long-term professional relationships.

"Those who know Malcolm often speak first about his character. His approachable nature, generosity, humility and genuine care for people have helped create a culture where employees, suppliers, clients and industry colleagues alike feel valued and respected. It is a legacy measured not only in tonnes of steel or impressive projects, but in relationships that have endured for decades.

"This award honours a man whose vision, leadership and dedication have left a lasting mark on both his business and our industry," Fletcher said.