We’ve made incredible strides, in particular a complete refresh of our strategy and setting course for the next five years of growth.
We’ve also had another year of record development delivery and ongoing execution of our strategy.
Sales have certainly been tougher than we would have liked, a trend that was felt right across our industry.
However, it stimulated us to develop solutions to smooth the path for a resident to move into one of our villages.
What will be your biggest business challenges in 2026?
It will be making the most of a recovering economy.
As the residential property market lifts, sales and resident expectations will rise, which is great, but it means we’ll need to move quickly and smartly to capture the momentum.
The real test is surfing that economic upswing smoothly, without tripping over things like workforce gaps or project timing. It’s a case of catching the wave well, not wiping out!
What opportunities do you see in 2026?
It is shaping up as a year where we can build, innovate, and really dial up what good looks like.
There’s plenty of room to play, which is exciting
How are you using AI to change your business?
We are privileged to be owned by EQT, a major global investment organisation with world-class expertise and global connections.
We therefore get to see examples of cutting-edge AI and are well on the way to enabling AI within our business.
We are already using it for data analysis and insights.
What will the key election issue be in 2026 and why?
Issues will probably look a lot like today’s headaches: the state of the economy, cost of living, and healthcare.
That is what we all worry about, and the political parties are going to have to present a clear plan for prosperity given what has been endured in the post-Covid era.
I’d also like to believe that New Zealanders will make a choice of Government based on long-term thinking, particularly on the importance of looking after our increasingly older-age population.
How do you think the New Zealand economy will perform in 2026?
It will be a year when the economy finally feels like it’s found its groove again.
Households will start spending with a bit more confidence, but inflation will remain in check, export prices hold up nicely, tourism will bounce and businesses feel brave enough to hire and invest.
GDP growth will surprise us all by being stronger than expected: not a boom, but a solid, “ah yes, this is more like it” kind of year, the sort where momentum builds and everyone feels just that little bit lighter.
What’s the worst mistake you have made in business and what did you learn from it?
I wouldn’t call it the worst mistake but something I look back on and wish I could change was getting the right team early on.
I will always back my people and give them the benefit of the doubt, but when a scale transformation is at stake, we simply can’t afford to compromise on capability or capacity.
What I’ve learned is to recognise the signs earlier, make the hard calls sooner, and create the conditions for faster improvement.
What would you rate as your greatest success?
Leading four private equity/infrastructure deals that have created great outcomes for all stakeholders is my greatest success.
Each outcome wasn’t just about financial return for the investors. It was about strengthening businesses, building team capability, and leaving every stakeholder in a better position than when we started.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
We’ll be at Pāuanui, a spot our family has loved for over 10 years.
It’s got everything: a beautiful beach, estuary for some water sports, great fishing, and a fantastic community feel.
All three of our kids have grown up in the junior surf programme there. Our two oldest have gone on to become qualified lifeguards and the youngest will do his qualification this summer.
We’re very relaxed holidayers, so for us the perfect break is simple: time on the beach, long walks with the dog, and a bit of fishing. It’s the ideal tonic after a busy year.
What would you recommend as a good book/podcast to read/listen to over summer?
Between Two Beers is a New Zealand-made long-form interview podcast.
Hosts Steven and Seamus serve up an extremely varied guest mix, from high-performance athletes to creatives, business people and everyday voices.
You can dip in, dip out, which is perfect for a beach walk, during a drive, or just relaxing around the house.
Despite the title, their interviews often go deep with stories of success and failure, life lessons, reinvention, and personal struggles. It’s authentic and thought-provoking.
Anne Gibson has been the Herald‘s property editor for 25 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.
Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter – your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.