New Zealand engineering firm Beca has expanded its Australian operations, hiring 250 people and growing its business by 30%, while real estate tech company Epique Realty achieved a 13,387% growth rate, reflecting a broader trend of Kiwi firms strengthening their foothold in Australia.
Beca, a leading New Zealand engineering firm known for projects like the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge repairs, has seen significant growth in Australia. We are growing fast, we've hired over 250 people in Australia over the past year,
said Beca Australia managing director Andrew Mailer. The firm’s expansion includes wind farms in Western Australia, wastewater infrastructure in Victoria, and upgrades to ports and defense airfields. This surge aligns with a broader pattern of New Zealand companies acquiring Australian firms to establish a presence, according to Infrastructure NZ chief executive Nick Leggett. It is the last two or three years where we've seen a particular increase,
he noted, adding that such moves help New Zealand firms navigate economic fluctuations by leveraging Australia’s market.
Kiwi Firms Leverage AI and Infrastructure to Expand in Australia
Epique Realty, a Texas startup, exemplifies the tech-driven growth spurring firms in Australia. Ranked number one on Inc. Regionals 2026’s Southwest list, Epique reported a 13,387% two-year growth rate, fueled by its AI-powered platform, Epique.ai. CEO Josh Miller described the success as engineered by giving every single agent the enterprise-level AI tools they need to dominate their markets.
The firm’s model, which includes free essential services like healthcare and childcare support, has enabled it to operate in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Australia. Our financial model of radical generosity disrupted the industry,
said CFO Janice Delcid, but this ranking proves it is also an incredibly powerful engine for scale.
Infrastructure NZ’s Leggett highlighted how New Zealand firms are adapting to Australia’s market. It means that the up and down we've seen quite a lot in the last decade and a half in New Zealand in our infrastructure sector, it's easier for New Zealand-owned firms to weather that storm if they've got states in Australia,
he said. This strategy is evident in projects like Warren and Mahoney’s design for Atlassian’s new global headquarters, a hybrid timber tower set to be the world’s tallest. Tamara White, a principal at Warren and Mahoney, emphasized sustainability in the workplace design, stating, For the workplace design we'宁 undertaking it's very much about the sustainability.
Growth Metrics and Industry Impact
The growth of private companies in Australia is quantified by Inc. magazine’s data, which shows that between 2022 and 2024, 132 private companies in the Southwest region achieved a median growth rate of 79%, adding 9,633 jobs and $5.2 billion to the economy. Epique Realty’s 13,387% growth rate far outpaces this average, underscoring its disruptive approach. The company’s AIPRO certification program trained over 2,000 agents, democratizing access to advanced tools. By absorbing the heavy operational costs for our agents and providing them with unheard-of benefits, we didn't just build a brokerage—we built a community of highly profitable, financially secure entrepreneurs,
Delcid said.
Beca’s expansion reflects a parallel trend in infrastructure. The firm’s 30% growth in Australia aligns with increased demand for renewable energy and public works. Mailer noted, We've grown our Australian-based business by over 30%.
This growth is supported by New Zealand companies acquiring smaller Australian firms to secure a foothold, a strategy Leggett called a positive and creates greater confidence for New Zealand infrastructure moving forward.
What’s Next for Kiwi Firms in Australia?
The trajectory of Kiwi firms in Australia hinges on sustained investment and regulatory alignment. Beca’s projects, including defense infrastructure, position it to benefit from Australia’s long-term public works plans. Meanwhile, Epique Realty’s expansion into Australia highlights the potential for tech-driven real estate models to scale internationally. As Leggett observed, It's easier for New Zealand-owned firms to weather that storm if they've got states in Australia.
The next key development will be how these firms navigate economic uncertainties and leverage AI and infrastructure growth to maintain momentum.
For readers, the takeaway is clear: New Zealand companies are leveraging both traditional infrastructure and cutting-edge technology to establish a robust presence in Australia. Whether through Beca’s construction projects or Epique’s AI-driven real estate model, the trend underscores a strategic shift toward cross-border expansion. As these firms grow, their success will shape the economic relationship between New Zealand and Australia in the years to come.
