In 2017 Ben and his family were evacuated from their home in Edgecumbe, Whakatane, the force of Cyclone Debbie was contributing to the collapsing the Edgecumbe river stop banks. The very same cyclone days before had visited and left devastation for his twin in Queensland Australia. Like many others Ben and his family left there home’s knowing everything left behind would soon be submerged in water and lost forever.

After a stressful few days the water receded and the clean up began. But with one massive problem, Tradespeople had become near impossible to get, and get them them on time or just working on a timeline, leaving many homeowners frustrated and looking for solutions.

Ben born, raised and married in Whakatane and a proud father of 4 (2 at that time)decided to turn frustration into action and turned a vision into reality. A collaboration with his father Gary a registered electrician and local, began ERF Building & Electrical.

‘get the job done right, first time and on time’.

Today ERF has a reputation for quality workmanship and reliability. Gary is still an essential part of the ERF team and Ben’s Firstborn Son Lukus has joined the company, making it a family legacy.