Meet the faces behind Parr Builders, a Coromandel-wide building company specialising in premium residential builds. Established in 2020, Parr Builders is led by Brett Parr, with the support of his wife Catherine, and is based in Whangapoua, where they live with their three children.
Having grown up in Whangapoua and attended Mercury Bay Area School, Brett completed most of his apprenticeship in Auckland before returning home to build not just houses, but a business grounded in community, quality, and long-term vision. He specialises in architectural new builds and renovations, bringing experience from both the Coromandel and Auckland regions.
Brett is hands-on throughout every project — the main point of contact, overseeing each stage, coordinating his team, and managing suppliers to keep builds running smoothly.
“Brett plans everything carefully from the outset,” says Catherine. “It saves clients time and money because there’s no need to redo work. We also prioritise local suppliers, which helps maintain quality and keep projects on track.”
That commitment often goes beyond the build itself. Brett has checked on properties during severe weather events to ensure everything remains secure — a reflection of the care he brings to his clients.
“Whether you’re planning a new home, a renovation, or a coastal bach, Brett works closely with clients to create a space that suits how they live. The goal is to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.”
Parr Builders is proudly locally owned, with deep roots in the region. Both Brett and Catherine come from families long connected to the Coromandel. Their grandfathers played rugby together and were close friends, a reflection of the tight-knit nature of Whangapoua. Brett is fourth-generation local.
Catherine’s whakapapa connects her as Tangata Whenua to both Whangapoua and Kennedy Bay. She is also a descendant of Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia (1868–1920), the prominent Māori leader who championed women’s voting rights within Te Kotahitanga in the 1890s. Together, Brett and Catherine hold the principles of community leadership close, raising their three children with those same values.
When The Informer caught up with the family, Brett was at Moewai Park for the start of the junior rugby season, where he also serves as assistant coach for the Mercury Bay Rugby Club Year 4 team.
For Brett, Parr Builders is about contributing to the community he grew up in, supporting local, and building homes that stand the test of time.
