Property developer, philanthropist James Kirkpatrick dies aged 94, surrounded by family

James and Gilda Kirkpatrick, Ricardo Simich and Marina Treadaway. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Auckland property investor and businessman James Kirkpatrick died peacefully this week, his death notice saying he was surrounded by family “and his beloved dog Pilo”.

The man known to his friends as Jimmy had a career in real estate investment spanning more than 65 years, the notice said.

He was recognised for his entrepreneurial excellence and commitment to his business, the notice said.

Businessman Hugh Green and James Kirkpatrick at the Westin Hotel opening in 2007. Photo / Michael Craig

Last year, the Herald reported how Kirkpatrick had jumped in to support Dave Letele’s flood mission by giving him warehouse space where the community advocate and his team set up a flood-relief support plan.

Kirkpatrick was once married to Gilda Kirkpatrick but they divorced last decade.

The family-owned Auckland property investment specialist James Kirkpatrick Group has a wealth estimated at around $800 million.

The company’s website says: “We are an Auckland-based, family-owned and operated, property investment company. We have been involved in Auckland’s property market for 60 years and have been through many cycles of the property industry.”

The business has commercial and industrial properties for lease, including warehousing, office warehouse units, office buildings, showrooms, retail and yard space.

The Herald reported in June how the business was planning an 11-level $100m mass timber office block for a prominent Karangahape Rd site.

James Kirkpatrick Jnr, group chief executive and managing director, said at the time the building was planned to rise 10 levels from the Karangahape Rd elevation and have around 9500sq m of office space.

In the obituary, Kirkpatrick’s family said in lieu of flowers or gifts, they invited donations to the Kindness Collective, a charity supporting children and families in need across New Zealand.