24 Mar 2026
The main focus of Campbell Dawson CMEngNZ CPEng’s career to date has been building and maintaining BCD Group’s Hamilton operation.
He’s been leading an office of around 70 staff, while steering major projects and fostering strong client relations. Always keen to push himself to be better, in early 2026 Campbell will relocate to Christchurch to establish BCD Group’s first South Island office. Outside of work he recently established the new sports centre Padel Park in Hamilton with Black Sticks captain Nic Woods.
How did the idea for Padel Park come about?
During a conversation at a social event when someone mentioned the racket sport padel. My friend and now business partner Nic Woods had been playing a lot overseas and we agreed this was something lacking in New Zealand. After research into the padel market and the potential for growth of the sport here, we decided to take the risk and start a business in Hamilton.
Your facility offers padel and pickleball, what’s the difference?
The main difference is possibly the amount of movement. Padel is a forgiving tennis and squash cross where you will be moving a lot around the court/bouncing off walls to return the ball to your opposition. Pickleball is a little less movement as it is a third of the size of a tennis court but is very fast in succession of hitting to and from your opposition. Both are super easy to learn so I’d encourage anyone to try.
Photo: Supplied
What is your role with Padel Park?
Director is the title, but Nic and I do everything. Being a small business and a start up, we have both had to take control of everything from design, procurement, marketing, funding, accounting, construction management to vacuuming the warehouse concrete floors.
What other sports have you been involved with?
I have always loved all types of sport and have tried just about everything – football, rugby, rowing, tennis, skiing, swimming – the list goes on. Nic is similar; however he’s captain of the Black Sticks and has dedicated his life to hockey.
Who is Padel Park aimed at?
All ages and demographics. We are aiming it at people who like either competitive or social competition, and want it to be part of a community where you can exercise, have fun and form new social connections.
This is the first business you’ve established. How did being an engineer influence the way you approached this?
Having an engineering background has helped me meticulously plan and programme things, as well as assess and manage the project’s risk throughout. Problem solving is also crucial when starting up a business and like engineering, you must be quick to pivot and come up with solutions without stressing over the small things.
How has your engineering knowledge influenced the design and construction of the facility?
I was able to visualise and design the layout of the facility. My understanding of construction programming and breaking large projects into smaller bite-sized chunks made it easy. Gaining appreciation for architecture during my structural engineering career also helped me with requirements around layout and visual appeal.
Tell us something about establishing this business that might surprise people.
People are willing to lend a hand to support local startups. We had an incredible team of industry partners, our parents and even my grandma helping get the vision up and running. Word got out and we had Kiwis from the UK who play padel reach out and offer help.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about setting up a new business?
Marketing in this day is everything – from my good friend and our accountant Chelsea.
What’s next for you?
Establishing our Christchurch branch, and then another business venture for sure. Maybe another sports club, but it could also be something totally different.
This article was first published in the March 2026 issue of EG magazine.
