Husband and wife team Peter and Pamela Butler have taken over ownership of GJ Gardner Homes' Whangarei and Kaipara franchise.
The business duo and their three daughters made the move from Riverhead, north of Auckland, so the couple could run their own business.
After previously working at the head officeof GJ Gardner for four years, Mr Butler left to work in a more "hands on" role in the building industry. However, he was excited when an opportunity arose to return to his roots, and run a franchise of his own with his wife.
So far, operating from their office in Kensington, the Butlers' team of seven has handed over five homes with 10 more under construction. The Butlers plan to open the franchise's first show home this month.
"Both Pamela and I are so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to have our own franchise," Mr Butler said.
He said he and his family had also been attracted by the idea of living and working in the Whangarei area.
"I love the outdoors and fishing, so now I can practice my passion.
"The move was at first a big step to take without our immediate support network around us, but we now know we've done the right thing. Working for ourselves, we get to spend quality time with our children and grow a successful business to support them for many years."
