Retaining Canterbury is a family owned business, born out of a passion for landscape construction and a desire to make homes and properties the most enjoyable spaces they can be.

Based in Christchurch, we cover the wider Canterbury region specialising in constructing retaining walls and landscaping. Where many contractors focus exclusively on the house itself, we bring a wider perspective to ensure that what surrounds your home is as liveable and enjoyable as what's inside.

Whilst landscape construction is our speciality, we have over 15 years building experience in new builds, renovations, earthquake repairs, bridge builds and commercial works.

Our client's experience is of utmost importance to us. We are as careful about the service we provide as we are about the quality of workmanship and the outcomes we deliver. That means listening and working with you to create a tailored solutions, and following through with honest pricing, timely communication and complete focus on your project.

We pride ourselves on our reputation for quality work, backed up by our membership with New Zealand Certified Builders and supported by our reliable network of associated trades and specialists.

It is our aim to provide high-quality outcome and an enjoyable process for each and every client we take on board.

Why engage us?

Quality workmanship and experience

Certified Builders with 15 years’ experience, you can trust us to complete your job to the highest standard. Whether working indoors or out, we use quality materials and detailed craftsmanship to ensure your project will hold up to the demands of the environment and general use. We love what we do and we pride ourselves on creating spaces that will look good for years to come.

Open communication and transparent pricing

We offer the best of both worlds – construction expertise and conscientious management. From the start we price your project with total transparency so you can see exactly where each dollar is spent. Should scheduling hit a snag, we let you know immediately and tell you why. The better informed you are, the more enjoyable the process will be.

A small team focused on your job

Our team is purposefully small and we are selective about how much work we take on. Because we work on a very limited number of jobs at any one time, we can give each project our complete attention and ensure it is tightly managed from briefing to sign-off. It also means the owners of the business have a vested interest in any job we undertake, including yours.

If you have a project you think we could help you with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Chris Dalzell and Alicia Harper - Directors

Chris: Director, project manager and our main man on the tools, Chris began his building career 15 years ago. With experience in both commercial and residential building and landscaping, Chris is well versed in a range of construction styles, materials and techniques and has a great knowledge base regarding land, buildings, retaining walls and other structures.

Originally from the West Coast, Chris has a great love of the outdoors and enjoys fishing and hunting when he has a spare day or two.

Alicia: Is co-director of Retaining Canterbury and looks after all finance and marketing aspects of the company. Having worked as a graphic designer for over a decade, Alicia now concentrates on the day-to-day running of the business.

Also born and raised on the West Coast, Alicia has a passion for architecture and photography. She enjoys researching new styles in landscape and building design, offering a creative eye that sees the potential in each home.