Tauranga's rich listers 'just like everyone else'

Farmers, a philanthropist, a major car dealer and property investors are among western Bay of Plenty's contribution to this year's Rich List.

The National Business Review's 2017 Rich List was released yesterday, featuring Sir Colin Giltrap, the Gillespie family, Paul Adams and Colin and Dale Armer from the Tauranga area.

Mt Maunganui man Peter Gillespie said he did not like talking about his wealth but was proud of what he and his brother Gerard had achieved. The Gillespie family have previously featured on the list for their success founding the EziBuy chain.

"I think in some ways we've always tried to take the philosophical approach at being honest traders, not trying to take any shortcuts. Hopefully, it works out for us," Gillespie said.

The Gillespies have amassed a $225m fortune.

"I'm proud of what we've achieved.

"It's embarrassing in one way and I'm - delighted might not be the right word - I'm a proud member of that society. But I still put my pants on the same way, one leg through the other, just like everyone else.

"I know a few of my fellow rich listers who feel much of the same."

Last year, Gillespie bought the Golden Grove Kiwi Holiday Park at Mt Maunganui for $3.65m. It is to be transformed into a $40m residential community named Salt, consisting of 52 apartments and 19 townhouses. Gillespie and development partner Paul Spillane gained resource consent this year and it is expected to be completed next year.

The Gillespie-controlled SNG Investments No 2 also heads the redevelopment of three buildings on Cameron Rd opposite Tauranga Hospital, which now house a medical centre, childcare centre and motel block. The Gillespies are also co-owners of Max Fashions.

Bay of Plenty dairy farming couple Colin and Dale Armer also featured on the list for their $250m fortune. The pair own dairy farming business Armer Group based in Te Puke and live in Mt Maunganui.

"We are a strong partnership that have put our heads down and got on with it," Colin Armer said.

"We started as share milkers and built a business from the ground up many years ago.
We kept reinvesting in the business and try to do a good job. We've been very good at not getting carried away with some of the fads. We focus on what's important."

Armer joked that he tried to wriggle out of the Rich List each year "but they won't let go. I'd rather just get on with business."

Sir Colin, of The Giltrap Group, accrued $370m. He owns an apartment in Mt Maunganui but was overseas and unavailable for comment.

Tauranga property developer and philanthropist Paul Adams also featured again on the list with a total of $135m this year but also could not be reached for comment yesterday.