Case Study

Dan Butterfield – Kiwi Enviro

Dan Butterfield’s Story

Based in Invercargill, Dan Butterfield is no stranger to the waste industry, but his 8 years of experience running a solid waste removal business (Kiwi Skips) didn’t prepare him for the complications of liquid waste when he started his new business, Kiwi Enviro in 2024. Like his other business, Kiwi Enviro is highly focused on customer service and not letting the customer down, which means their equipment needs to be 100% reliable. Kiwi Enviro is proud to be southland’s only locally owned and operated full-service liquid waste company, delivering fast, effective, and environmentally responsible waste management solutions across Invercargill, Southland and parts of Otago.

The Challenge

Dan wanted to make Kiwi Enviro the number 1 go-to for hydro-excavation in Southland, but as a new business they didn’t have the capital or the expertise to invest conventionally in a hydrovac. The hydrovac work was there and would be a definite payoff – but without capital there was no way Kiwi Enviro could source a truck with the capabilities they needed.

The Solution

Waimea Group provided Dan from Kiwi Enviro with the perfect solution to get his business off the ground. Maska Lewis set him up on a lease-to-own plan, which enabled Dan to use a top-quality piece of equipment with manageable payments. This plan gave him the flexibility to operate with a lower initial cost while building up the capital needed to eventually own the hydrovac outright at a reduced price.

The first Allvac® that Kiwi Skips acquired to their fleet was the Allvac® AV7000H Hydrovac, which quickly proved its value by powering through the work. The truck’s performance made it easy for Kiwi Enviro to transition from leasing to owning the equipment. When the opportunity later arose to expand, Dan didn’t hesitate, immediately acquiring another Allvac® and putting it to work – painted in the iconic black and green.

Kiwi Enviro’s liquid waste operations are now going strong, and they have recently purchased a third Allvac® to support their continued growth. Dan credits his successful growth in the industry to working alongside Waimea Group with their industry expertise and unique lease-to-own package. This plan enabled Kiwi Enviro to start with a hydrovac that featured a powerful 90% vacuum, giving them a significant advantage in the New Zealand market.

The Waimea experience is one they’re planning to keep enjoying!

“I would absolutely recommend Waimea Group, and I trust them, they have been so valuable for us as a key partner as we have launched our liquid waste division.”