In 2007 our family decided to focus on our own interests and we now operate under our family banner, Holmes Group, of which I have been managing director for six years. My background is predominantly rural and residential subdivisions.
How did you get involved in development and what other developments have you been involved with?
I was project manager for Eastgate Developments and under this banner we developed Eastgate Business Park, a 20ha commercial development opposite the Rotorua Airport, Lake Vista Estate, a 61-section residential development in Lynmore, and Parkland Estates, a 36-lot rural bush development on the Pukehangi hills overlooking Rotorua.
Under the Holmes Group banner we have recently completed Golf Links Estate, a 26-lot residential development in Auckland, and Hawthorn Estates, a lifestyle development in Queenstown.
What do you most enjoy about being a developer?
Creating quality developments which stand the test of time and add value to those who have invested. Leaving the land better than when we started and being proud of the finished product.
What do you find most challenging?
We have just spent $600,000 and 18 months working on the Lynmore Junction resource consent for our Te Ngae Road property.
This involved bringing together eight different very talented specialists culminating in a great deal of work and a two-day hearing - this, you could say, was rather challenging, but the outcome is representative of the hard work each individual brought to the table.
What progress have you made on getting tenants for Lynmore Junction?
We have had a barrage of interest in Lynmore Junction and we have not yet commenced marketing. We have significant players already with registered interest. Discussions are still under way with multiple anchor tenants and we hope to conclude these by the end of the year.
What do you see Lynmore Junction looking like in five years' time?
Lynmore Junction will be the "hub" for eastside residents. The buildings have been architecturally designed and will set the benchmark for commercial developments of this nature in Rotorua. We see Lynmore Junction being attractive, vibrant and prosperous for both tenants and customers for a very long time.
There have been concerns raised about business being taken away from the CBD - what is your take on that?
The issues with the CBD are many, and complex, and are not just isolated to Rotorua. My dad was born and raised on Pukaki St where the family business was located.
Back then the CBD comprised hotels, motels, garages, service stations, stock agents, manufacturing, residential and a wide range of commercial activities. With growth, trends, and demand, many of these businesses moved away from the CBD.
This resulted in a very large footprint which we now call the CBD - probably a footprint that is unrealistic to fill. Our CBD boundaries need to be condensed and we need to attract offices back into the city - this will bring back vibrancy.
Another factor which will affect all CBDs in the short to medium term will be the affects of earthquake strengthening of shops and buildings, the costs and dislocation associated with this and the increasing insurance premiums. As I said above, the CBD issues are many and complex and are not isolated to Rotorua.
If there was one development in the world that you would like to have been involved in or led, what would that have been?
Bangkok Airport. It is an engineering and design masterpiece.
Tell us three things about yourself that many people wouldn't know.
I am a helicopter pilot.
My favourite television programme is Gold Rush.
I broke my back in 1998 snowboarding, was told I was paralysed by the doctor and then walked out of hospital one week later.
