My journey is non-linear — and I’m better for the detours!
My corporate and independent consulting work has mainly been concerned with the front-end planning, concept development and analysis stages of capital asset, economic and business development initiatives in Australasia. I’ve been entrusted with finding solutions to some vexing property issues and managing complex large-scale projects — often in dynamic contexts involving ambiguity and risk.
I commenced my career with New Zealand’s leading commercial and residential building company, where I gained invaluable mentorship and training working on a wide range of design and build projects. Sectors covered were diverse — including dairy processing plants, supermarkets, marinas, through to office and warehouse buildings. Since that time I’ve worked on numerous projects and have operated independently for about two thirds of my career.
My more recent property work has focused on the enabling and divestment stages of client projects and I’ve had the privilege of contributing as a team member to some impressive outcomes. Career highlights for me include the master planning and nascent development of the award-winning 378 hectare Norwest Estate in Sydney (now home to 800+ firms providing 30,000+ jobs), the Wintergardens project in Queenstown (the first privately initiated plan change of its kind under the RMA), the South of Lichfield heritage restoration projects in Christchurch and my private client work in Auckland capturing value across a portfolio of A-grade office, hotel, commercial and large-scale residential land assets. I’m also a former registered property valuer, licensed agent and CEO of a specialist agri-sector and infrastructure valuation firm.
In the economic development sector I held the role of Executive Director of a State economic development agency mandated with providing ministerial advice in relation to major events (e.g. America’s Cup, Commonwealth Games, APEC). During my time there I worked alongside highly experienced largely private sector board and my counterpart in the policy unit Scott Morrison (former Australia Prime Minister). I also have business development experience helping private export-focused and non-profit organisations in the ICT, bio-tech, agri-research, niche manufacturing and tourism sectors.
I’ve pursued a number of personal entrepreneurial initiatives across tourism, property, online-media and e-commerce sectors. These have given me a hands-on appreciation of the detailed planning, hard work, highs and lows that go hand-in glove with converting an idea into a viable reality. They have also given me valuable lessons on when to dig my toes in and when to walk-away.
At a governance level I have contributed around the board table in the public sector (both central and local government), as Chair of a private network water utility, as Director and Trustee of my own business and holding entities over many years and in the not-for-profit sector with Rotary International.
I hold a Master of Business Administration Degree (First Class) from Massey University Business School and a Diploma in Valuation from University of Auckland School of Architecture. I’m currently enrolled studying not-for-profit housing policies and systems for a Master of Philosophy at Auckland University of Technology School of Future Environments — as a foundation year for a Doctor of Philosophy research project. My focus is learning about exemplar not-for-profit housing policy and systems and how these might be applied here to widen access and improve affordability and quality outcomes.