The beginning of better ways
Discover the story behind Pozzolan, our passion for innovative soil stabilisation, and how we're reshaping construction in New Zealand with a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge science.
How it all started
Pozzolan emerged from a belief that certain developments needed a more effective approach — one deeply connected to our environment, aware of its ripple effects, and focused on minimising human impact.
We believe in evolution: in continually seeking better ways of doing things, improving, working smarter, and adapting as times change and the world around us changes. For us, progress means staying curious, challenging the standard approach, and finding solutions that better serve our clients, communities, and the environment.
The construction industry rests on four crucial pillars: health and safety, environment, quality, and socioeconomics. Our business strives to enhance performance across all these areas by offering solution-focused, scientifically driven methods for new or existing projects, while remaining cost and time efficient for our clients.
Our philosophy: use the ground to fix the ground
We offer a distinct approach: ground improvement designed to work with individual soils using binders sourced from nature. This method requires precise testing and advanced scientific understanding, enabling us to work smarter, not harder.
Our techniques draw on ancient wisdom, refined by modern science and significant advancements in ethical ground improvement over the last decade. This allows us to provide a unique solution that not only saves resources but also actively protects and enhances the environment.
Our core values: Science-led, earth-friendly
Our work is grounded in rigorous science, innovation, and a deep understanding of natural systems. We follow the philosophy of “use the ground to fix the ground,” developing site-specific solutions that work with the earth rather than against it. This allows us to improve ground performance while reducing environmental impact, programme time, and overall cost compared to traditional methods.
Off-grid sustainable R+D laboratory
These values are also reflected in how we operate. In the North Island, we have our own off-grid sustainable laboratory, managed by a highly qualified member of our core team with a BSc in Earth Sciences and CETANZ membership.
Our lab is not a conventional soils testing facility. It is focused on research and development, helping us explore new materials, refine application methods, and develop innovative, site-specific ground improvement solutions. Having been part of Pozzolan from the beginning, this work reflects the principles our business was built on: integrity, sustainability, innovation, and doing what is right for future generations.
Our technology: dustless in-situ soil stabilization
The STEHR stabiliser carries out dustless, in-situ soil stabilisation by treating the existing ground directly on site, rather than excavating unsuitable soil and replacing it with imported aggregate. Using specialised technology imported from Germany, the Claas Axion 930 Tractor with STEHR SBF Stabiliser attachment — a world-first configuration of this kind — combines binder spreading, soil cutting/milling, and moisture application in one controlled pass. Lime, cement, or other binders are introduced inside the machine’s enclosed chamber, where they are immediately mixed into the native soil by the cutting rotor, helping prevent airborne dust and reducing exposure around roads, buildings, parked vehicles, and sensitive sites. The binder and water quantities can be precisely controlled and documented through the machine’s onboard system, creating a consistent stabilised layer at the required depth. The result is a stronger, more durable working platform with far fewer truck movements, lower emissions, less material waste, and reduced disruption compared with conventional dig-out-and-replace methods.
Meet our team
Pozzolan was shaped by four key team members who, years ago, began dreaming of doing things differently. Each brings their own expertise, but they are united by a shared passion for their work, a commitment to innovation, and a belief that New Zealand can embrace smarter, more sustainable ways of building.
They think outside the box, challenge traditional approaches, and continually research, test, and expand their knowledge. Their drive to improve, evolve, and lead by example sits at the heart of Pozzolan — proving that better outcomes are possible when science, experience, and forward thinking come together.
Paul Horrell
Managing Director, NZCE (Civil)
Paul is the Founder and Managing Director of Pozzolan, bringing together the people, ideas, and expertise that made the business possible. With over 25 years’ experience in the civil construction industry, he has a deep understanding of the challenges projects face on the ground. Paul is passionate about innovation, investing in new technologies, and finding smarter, more effective ways to deliver better outcomes for clients and the environment.
Stuart Moulding
Technical Consultant, BSc (Earth Sciences)
Stuart is the science mind behind Pozzolan’s custom solutions, developing the right “recipe” for each project through careful testing, analysis, and technical expertise. Passionate and deeply dedicated, he goes above and beyond because this work is more than a job — it is his true passion. As one of the people involved from the very beginning of Pozzolan, Stuart helped shape the vision of doing things better, reducing human impact, and protecting the planet for future generations.
Thorsten Froebel
Business Development Manager, B.Sc. Eng. Civil Engineering
Thorsten brings a lifetime of knowledge and expertise dedicated to the civil construction industry, with a particular focus on pavement engineering. He is highly regarded across New Zealand industry networks and organisations for his professionalism, hard work, and technical insight. As one of the people involved in Pozzolan from the beginning, Thorsten has made a significant contribution to shaping what the business is today.
Alex Powell
Engineer, Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
Alex is a highly capable Civil Engineer whose fresh perspective and passion for innovation strongly align with Pozzolan’s values. Having worked across the civil construction industry in both Australia and New Zealand, he brings valuable practical experience, technical insight, and a methodical approach to every project. Alex is driven by excellence and is committed to delivering smart, well-considered solutions that achieve strong project outcomes.
Jeremy Bridges
Operations Supervisor
With extensive experience in the civil construction industry, Jeremy brings a wealth of practical expertise to the Pozzolan team. As the operational force behind our method, he combines technical understanding with hands-on leadership to ensure the science behind our process is successfully translated into the field, delivering consistent and reliable results. Methodical, efficient, and passionate about his work, Jeremy is a forward thinker and strategic planner who is deeply committed to his responsibilities and takes a practical, solutions-focused approach to every project.