110 | Teammakes the difference ‘Bespoke on Brooklands’ the 248sqm four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was specifically designed for the site. BUILDING G.J. Gardner Homes Taranaki T T Sue Russell G.J. Gardner Homes Whanganui Helping clients to secure their future T T Kelly Deeks When Rod Roebuck, co-franchise owner of G.J. Gardner Homes Taranaki, is asked what makes the company tick, his response is immediate. “Honestly, it’s the people,” he says. ”It goes right across the whole network. We have an outstanding group of people, super strong and incredibly trustworthy.” “Across the whole network of G.J. Gardner Homes , we’re all locals and we know our regions and our people. I think this is especially apparent in the smaller regions such as Taranaki, where our involvement and support of the community is second to none.” Also leading G.J, Gardner Homes Taranaki is co-owner Ben Hawke. Rod has been involved with the brand some 19 years in total, the last 10 at the helm, along with Ben. Rod acknowledges it’s been a little quieter than usual, over recent months, but he’s full of optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunities 2026 will bring. “We are definitely increasing our market share, even though it’s been a more restricted market. It is a tough market out there, but this is where we dig deep and work hard, delivering the quality of service and engagement with our clients that our reputation has been built on.” With its commitment to quality, affordability, and an exceptional customer experience, G.J. Gardner Homes Whanganui is helping people right across the region to get on to and then climb the property ladder. Customer service coordinator and new home consultant Jack Bullock says the locally owned-and-operated franchise, run by Jarod Walker and Heath Fitzgerald of FWS Residential, has positioned itself as a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to build in the Whanganui, Rangitīkei, and Ruapehu districts, whether it’s a first home, investment property, or a dream lifestyle build. “We’re not just building homes, we’re helping people secure their futures,” Jack says. “Whether you’ve got a backyard ripe for subdivision, or you’re a developer with sections to fill, we’ve got the experience and the systems in place to make it happen smoothly and efficiently.” One of the key advantages G.J. Gardner Homes Whanganui offers is its in-house drafting service. “We’ve cut design turnaround times from six weeks down to one or two,” Jack says. “That’s a huge saving in time and money for our clients, and it means we can get building underway faster.” The team is currently working across a wide range of subdivisions, catering to every buyer segment. From Springvale’s popular urban sections, to rural lifestyle blocks at Rusthall Estate Okoia, there’s something for everyone. “We have sections now and into the future in various locations throughout Whanganui and surrounding districts,” Jack says. “Those smaller sections are perfect for firsthome buyers, downsizers, or retirees, who want a low-maintenance new home and the freedom to travel.” Over in Castlecliff, G.J. Gardner is tapping into the charm of coastal living. “I took some clients out to a section there and asked them, ‘What do you hear? What do you smell?’ The sound and smell of the ocean sealed the deal within 10 minutes,” Jack says. “That sensory connection is powerful. People fall in love with a location when they can experience it.” Jack works closely with local real estate agents to market house-and-land packages, combining their networks with G.J. Gardner’s national reach via Trade Me and the G.J. website. “Some people can’t visualise the potential of a bare section until we put a concept plan in front of them,” he says. “Then it all clicks.” He encourages prospective buyers to visit sites in person. This year, a beautiful home near Pukekura Park, which is their latest show home, received accolades at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year regional event, taking out category winner and gold awards. Affectionately called ‘Bespoke on Brooklands’ the 248sqm four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was specifically designed for the site. Along with a beautiful home, the site is also home to three very special protected trees, which had to be preserved. Rod says the special site informed the choice of materials and colour palette for the home. “It needed to be earthy with the protected trees and the park location. We wanted a home that was going to look as though it perfectly suited its surrounds and that’s what we’ve achieved.” The brief Rod and Ben gave to their designer was to have the master bedroom separate from the other bedrooms, in a sanctuary of its own. Rod says the team pored over the plans for about two months and in the process rejigged a few design elements. “We know we have something very special here in this show home. People come in and sit on the couch and relax, and often they come back bringing other friends to see what we’ve achieved.” “You’ve got to see it, feel it, and smell it,” he says. “We build relationships on-site. If a section doesn’t feel right, we’ll take you to another one. It’s not about pushing a sale; it’s about finding the right fit.” That relationship-first approach doesn’t stop once the house is built. Jack says aftercare and customer support are a cornerstone of G.J. Gardner’s reputation, and this has helped the company win the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Home Builder award year after year. “People want certainty, especially retirees or anyone on a fixed income,” Jack says. “With our warranties and our reputation, they know we’ll stand behind our product. If something goes wrong, we’ll make it right. That kind of peace of mind is priceless.” G.J. Gardner’s buying power also translates into better value for clients, helping to keep builds within tight price caps – particularly important for first-home buyers. “We can still deliver a quality home within the $600,000 to $650,000 range,” Jack says. “That opens the door for people to get on the property ladder, and we help them think strategically about capital growth and reinvestment in future builds.” And clients are coming back. Second- and third-time builders trust the G.J. Gardner process and the people behind it. “That’s what it’s all about,” Jack says. “It’s not just a house, it’s an experience. We want our clients to be part of the journey, and to stay part of the G.J. Gardner family for life.” With a locally born-and-bred team that cares for the Whanganui Community, that lives and breathes the brand, has a track record of trust, and a genuine passion for helping people build their dreams, G.J. Gardner Homes Whanganui is continuing to lead the way, one new home at a time. Proudly supplying garage doors & opening systems to G.J. Gardner Homes 06 348 5514 | office@dominatorwhanganui.co.nz | www.dominator.co.nz
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