| 41 Development Nous REGIONAL AGFIRST Leading a smarter, sustainable, high performing primary sector www.agfirst.co.nz 06-872-7080 m hawkesbay@agfirst.co.nz k T T Sue Russell Living up to their name Development Nous has also worked with developers CDL Land New Zealand in planning and implementation of groundworks at Iona Development. In 2016, Town Planner Matthew Holder and Licensed Cadastral Surveyor Karl Carew decided it was time to join forces and create, what would become a multi-disciplinary land and property development consultancy proudly based in Hastings. Over time, two more directors joined the business, bringing their own skills and experiences to the table and today, ten years later Development Nous has cemented a sound reputation as a one-stop-shop for all things ‘development’. “We struggled a bit to find the word that would encapsulate what we felt were our essential capabilities. When we happened upon the word ‘nous’ it just felt right,” Karl says. And while Matt and Karl came with different capabilities, they shared a joint perspective on what they were seeking in establishing the consultancy, Karl says. “We had both worked for larger corporate type companies who we felt struggled to relate to staff and clients alike. We realised we couldn’t continue working in this way as we each cared too much. We were determined to see this company grow well and keep local in spirit and that’s what we’ve stuck to.” Subsequent mergers and acquisitions have brought Development Nous to its current situation, where it offers a broad and vertically integrated array of development disciplines, delivering Karl says, real benefits to clients. “We span planning, surveying, civil and structural engineering, landscape architecture, project management and environmental solutions capabilities, so when a client comes to us, depending on the nature of their project, we can surround them with comprehensive knowledge to see a project through from start to finish.” Karl says it’s important that there is a high level of trust and shared values when planning a project. It’s essential, he adds, that clients share everything that is of relevance to their situation and the proposed project. “It needs to be full warts and all and that relates to both staff and clients. Staff quality in particular for us is a really big thing. Finding the right person and mix with no ‘bad-eggs’ is vital and underpins why Development Nous has been able to evolve to where it is today.” A collaborative, round-table approach is considered important and Karl says that ethos is very much reflected in the ‘work-shop out the back’, with only a couple of offices and everything out on the floor. Work has diversified from early days when much of it was enabling greenfield developers across Hastings, Napier and Havelock North. Evidence of this shift can be seen in the company’s recent involvement in Napier Port, where the introduction of automated, battery-powered trucks has called for Development Nous’s professional input. “That’s an exciting major development that’s been underway for some time. Real leading edge technologies and it’s great to be a part of this next evolution in how the port can more sustainably operate. Our attitude has always been that, as a business, if we’re standing still, we’re going backwards, so being connected with this work is really exciting.” AI is very much being embraced. Finding ways to use it to deliver real benefits is something the team are looking at closely. Development Nous has also worked with developers CDL Land New Zealand in planning and implementation of groundworks at Iona Development, a major 70ha master-planned residential project in Havelock North. When completed, over 300 sections, settled into distinct neighbourhoods, will eventually be home to upward of 1,500 residents. “We’ve been with Iona these past five years, having shifted 300,000m³ of earth.” Building Together: Advance Homes Partners With Development Nous Contracts Manager for Hawkes Bay based Advance Homes, Tim Feather, describes the relationship that has built up over the years between the company and Development Nous, as very positive and productive. “We like nothing more than to roll our sleeves up and get involved in some really engaging projects. We’ve worked with Development Nous through Northwood development in Hastings and I’d describe our relationship as very collaborative, bringing the best possible outcomes to our client,” Tim says. Advance Homes, formerly Advance Construction, prides itself on being local to the core; delivering to a wide array of clients uniquely designed homes and also offering House + Land packages on major subdivisions in Hawkes Bay, such as Iona in Havelock North. Tim says that ‘being local’, is something that really stacks up as tremendously important to the team. “Living and working here means we’re a part of the Hawkes Bay vibe. We understand what makes this region wonderful and why home owners are attracted to living in some really special places here. For us, its so rewarding when we deliver homes perfectly matched to a clients needs and wishes.” Timworks closely with owner Tom Robinson and says the culture of bouncing ideas of each other is all part of creating a very special culture that permeates the company. The same can be said for the company’s Advance Homes enjoys professional engagement with, as he explains. “We know when we’re working on a project that to be able to go to access seamless advice and support from professional experts, such as Developmet Nous, results in the project getting off to the best possible start.” And while acknowledging that the past year or so has been challenging, as it is for most home builders throughout the country, Tim says, Advance Homes enjoy the benefits that come from having long-standing relationships with clients. “We’re in a really good space. Every year there are people moving into the region, bringing new energy and positivity. We know that buying a home is often the most significant financial commitment people make and we love to be able to help guide and be part of that journey.” Advance Homes offers a turnkey solution for its clients, either utilising their own land or that of the clients. “We work with Development Nous to provide a one stop shop solution, taking bare land from concept to completion, through the subdivision, from civil and structural engineering, resource and building consent through to full design and build.
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