Paving contractor pricing in New Plymouth

Per-sqm installed: standard concrete driveway NZ$94-NZ$185; asphalt NZ$50-NZ$105; standard concrete pavers NZ$155-NZ$310; Mt Taranaki basalt local-source NZ$180-NZ$420; Hinuera stone NZ$245-NZ$500; Oamaru stone NZ$200-NZ$420; schist NZ$245-NZ$535. Vogeltown 4310 + Frankleigh Park 4310 + Highlands Park 4312 premium of 25-40% above standard. Oil + gas industrial commercial NZ$245-NZ$580/sqm heavy-duty. State stormwater + LBP scope on every quote. New Plymouth rates 15-25% below Auckland.

Not for non-RBW work. NZ does not require a specific paver licence. However, paving forming part of Restricted Building Work (RBW, e.g. retaining walls over 1.5m, structural slabs) requires LBP supervision. State 'no LBP licence required for non-RBW work' on quotes where applicable. Hold NZBN, public liability NZ$2M-NZ$6M, ACC employer levies if you have staff.

Typical 80-120sqm driveway runs NZ$10,000-NZ$46,650 depending on material. Quote separately: excavation and disposal, sub-base, sand bedding, pavers / concrete, edging restraints, drainage if required, jointing and sealing. Vogeltown 4310 + Frankleigh Park 4310 + Highlands Park 4312 NZ stone driveways NZ$24,450-NZ$122,200+. Quote Taranaki high rainfall (~1,400mm/year) enhanced drainage spec.

Vogeltown 4310 + Frankleigh Park 4310 + Highlands Park 4312 favour Mt Taranaki basalt local-source (NZ$180-NZ$420/sqm, unique to New Plymouth), Hinuera stone (NZ$245-NZ$500/sqm, NZ volcanic), Oamaru stone (NZ$200-NZ$420/sqm, NZ limestone), schist (NZ$245-NZ$535/sqm, Central Otago + Wanaka source). State source, finish (honed, brushed, sandblasted), and cutting (gauged, flame-cut) on the quote; premium clients compare by spec and pay for finished quality. Mt Taranaki basalt local-source advantage is unique to New Plymouth.

Yes, on most major renovations and new construction. Taranaki Regional Council requires stormwater management plans, with coastal sites subject to additional coastal hazard rules. Combined with Taranaki high rainfall (~1,400mm/year, Mt Taranaki orographic effect) drives enhanced drainage spec. Quote drainage design (subsoil drains NZ$135-NZ$310/LM, dry wells NZ$2,000-NZ$6,110, swales, permeable pavers NZ$200-NZ$465/sqm) as separate line. New Plymouth District Council runs parallel.

Per square metre rates are $89 to $310 installed in the US, depending on paver type. Hourly rates ($50-95) only apply for repairs and small remediation work. Most paving contractors quote fixed-price per sqm with adders for pattern, edging, and drainage.

Concrete is cheaper ($28/sqm material), softer, may need re-sealing every 3-5 years, and weathers over time. Porcelain is more expensive ($89/sqm+), harder, requires no sealing, and looks like-new at year 20. Concrete dominates driveways; porcelain dominates patios and pools.

A driveway over poor sub-base sinks 30-100mm over 5 years, cracks pavers, and pools water. Quality sub-base (100-150mm of CBR-tested crushed rock, compacted in lifts) keeps the surface flat for 20+ years. Most failed paving traces to sub-base, not the pavers.

Yes, 2-3 quotes for any paving over $3,330. Compare paver brand, sub-base depth, edging spec, and drainage approach. The cheapest quote almost always cuts sub-base or skips edging, both of which fail within 3-5 years.

If the driveway connects to a public road or changes a council kerb crossing, almost always yes. Council layback permits are $280-1,200 depending on region. The paving contractor should include this in the quote, not hide it.