About us
Proud locals, delivering hard work and care to the land and community we call home.
Rivercity Tree Services began with one truck, a chipper, and Joe Marshall (Te Atihaunui-a- Pāpārangi) knocking on doors to earn his first clients. Raised on a farm in Rānana along the Whanganui River, Joe’s old-school work ethic; start at sunrise, finish at sunset - was instilled in him by his late father, Vincent “Bandy” Marshall. After his father passed away in 2002, Joe sold the last of the family’s farm stock in 2008 to honour his dad’s legacy of hard work and determination. That legacy became the foundation for a business built on care, quality, and a commitment to making a difference.
In 2014, Joe’s wife Siobhan joined the business, bringing her expertise in management, customer service, and health and safety. Together, they’ve grown Rivercity Tree Services from a humble tree care operation into an award-winning team of over 20 skilled professionals. Offering a wide range of services—including tree care, civil construction, earthworks, and more—they now serve communities across Whanganui, Waimarino, South Taranaki, Rangitīkei, and Horowhenua. From trimming backyard trees to managing large-scale projects, their focus has always been on delivering results that make a difference.
The business’s growth has always been about adapting to serve the community better. New challenges inspired new opportunities—adding diggers and trucks to expand into earthworks, establishing a traffic management team, and launching innovative solutions like green-waste repurposing and tyre recycling. Beyond their work, Rivercity Tree Services actively supports local initiatives, from sponsoring youth sports teams to backing community events. Every step forward has been driven by their commitment to leave the land, the community, and every project they touch in better shape for the next generation.
Meet the owners
Joe and Siobhan Marshall are the hands-on leaders behind the family-run business, Rivercity Tree Services. With years of experience and a shared commitment to quality, they’ve built a trusted local business that delivers reliable solutions for the regions.
Joe Marshall
Founder & Director
Born and raised in Whanganui, Joe Marshall (Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) has over 20 years of experience in the tree care industry. With a deep connection to the land and a work ethic forged on his family farm in Rānana, Joe turned his vision into reality by creating a business focused on quality, care, and making a difference in the community.
Joe’s focus has always been on doing his bit to leave the land in better shape for the next generation. Whether mentoring his team, driving innovation in tree health and waste management, or leading by example on-site, Joe continues to set the tone for the business with his commitment to quality and care for the land and community.
Siobhan Marshall
Director
Siobhan Marshall joined Rivercity Tree Services in 2014, bringing a fresh perspective and her expertise in customer service, HR, and health and safety to the growing business. Originally from Southland (with Niue and Irish heritage), Siobhan moved to Whanganui in 2002, where her practical approach and strong organisational skills have been key to the company’s success.
From compliance to training, Siobhan plays a vital role in shaping the systems and culture that keep the business running smoothly. Her focus on supporting the team and maintaining high standards has been instrumental in helping Rivercity Tree Services expand into new areas while staying true to its roots.
Awards
2024
Gold - Sustainability & Environment, Whanganui Regional Business Awards
Silver - Construction Trades & Infrastructure, Whanganui Regional Business Awards
Bronze - Innovation, Whanganui Regional Business Awards
2021
Westpac Supreme Award, Te Manū Atatu Māori Business Awards
Best Māori Business - Trade Services, Te Manū Atatu Māori Business Awards
Environmental Excellence Award, Te Manū Atatu Māori Business Awards
2018
Rural Award - Whanganui Regional Business Awards
2017
Highly Commended – Service & Trade, Te Manū Atatu Māori Business Awards
What drives us
At Rivercity Tree Services, our values are shaped by our roots:
Respecting the land: Every project is a chance to care for the whenua (land), adding value and leaving it better than we found it.
Supporting the community: Whanganui isn’t just where we work—it’s where we’re raising families, hiring locally, and backing the initiatives that strengthen the region we all call home.
Safety first: Ensuring our team gets home safe every day is a non-negotiable. We work closely with WorkSafe NZ, maintain rigorous health and safety practices, and continuously train our team to work smarter and safer.
Earning your trust: We let our work do the talking, and we’re proud of the trust our clients place in us—whether it’s a small backyard job or a large-scale commercial project.
Every job is an opportunity to deliver more than just a result. It’s a chance to contribute to the land and community we’re proud to be part of—and to leave things better for the next generation.
We take safety very seriously
It’s no secret that the work we do comes with its risks, which is why safety is at the heart of everything we do. At Rivercity Tree Services, we take pride in staying ahead of the curve by working closely with WorkSafe NZ and ensuring every team member is thoroughly trained in health and safety practices.
From start to finish, we approach every job with care and precision, so you can trust that your project will be completed to the highest safety standards—for our staff, our clients, and the community.
We’re committed to maintaining a safe working environment and regularly update our Health and Safety Policy to meet industry standards. For companies or organisations requiring alignment with a Health and Safety Pre-Qualification Programme, Rivercity Tree Services is ISNetworld, Totika, and Safe365 certified. If you’d like a copy of our certification or have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
We’re proud to give back to Whanganui
At Rivercity Tree Services, giving back means taking action. From sponsorships and partnerships to investing in local talent, we’re proud to help build a stronger, more connected Whanganui.
Over the years, we’ve supported marae initiatives, hunting festivals, and youth sports teams—just some of the ways we show our commitment to the people and places that make this region special.
Recent initiatives we’ve sponsored:
Annual Rānana Marae Gala
Whanganui River Hunting & Food festivals
River Road Playgroups
Sisters of Compassion convent in Jerusalam
Parikino Horse Sports Wood Chopping competition
Have a local cause that aligns with our kaupapa? Get in touch—we’d love to hear about it.
Read about us in the news
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![Rivercity Tree Service team wearing safety vests in a field with vehicles and tree felling equipment, including a wood chipper and "Tree Felling" signs.]()
Rivercity Tree Services marks 10 years since Joe Marshall's 'what if' decision
20 Jun, 2018
Whanganui Chronicle
Ten years ago Joe Marshall decided he didn't want to get old and think "what if" so he took the plunge and went into business for himself.
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![Person in safety gear using a chainsaw to cut a large tree stump in a residential area, with traffic cones placed around for safety.]()
Rivercity Trees top Māori business awards
September 2021
Gallagher (formerly crombie lockwood)
Rivercity Tree Services’ Siobhan Marshall says winning multiple awards at this year’s Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Awards goes to show just what any Māori business can achieve with solid principles and dedication.
