18 | Southpark Corp T T Karen Phelps Excellence in a demanding sector Julie Sarten: “It’s about building partnerships that work for everyone involved.” T T to page 28 “By understanding tenant needs and supporting their growth we can enhance both tenant success and asset value.” PROPERTY INDUSTRY Julie Sarten, senior asset manager at Southpark Corporation, was travelling when she discovered she had been named a finalist in the Women in Property category at the 2025 Auckland Property People Awards. The nomination was made entirely without her knowledge by colleagues that recognised her exceptional contribution to the industry. “It was a rather big surprise all round when I was named a finalist,” Julie says. The unexpected recognition was a fitting acknowledgement of Julie’s two-decade career in property, during which she has built an impressive track record across facilities, building, property, and asset management. Since joining Southpark Corporation seven years ago, Julie has played a pivotal role in managing a significant portfolio, including 125 leases, demonstrating the kind of quiet excellence that often goes unrecognised until colleagues step forward to celebrate it. As the company’s sole asset manager, Julie has maintained near-perfect tenant retention through an approach that prioritises relationships and strategic insight over transactional interactions. Her work was particularly notable during challenging periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, when her constant engagement and tailored support achieved minimal tenant failures and near 100% rent collection. “By understanding tenant needs and supporting their growth we can enhance both tenant success and asset value,” explains Julie. “It’s about building partnerships that work for everyone involved.” This philosophy has seen struggling businesses successfully downsize or re-lease with minimal cost under her guidance, while others have expanded into larger premises within the company’s warehouse portfolio. Julie has led hundreds of rent reviews achieving exceptional outcomes, even in a market where increases of 30 to 40% were common. Southpark Corporation, headquartered in Auckland, is a vertically integrated property business with more than 35 years’ history in property acquisition, land development, and both commercial and residential development. The group has completed over 60 projects, and maintains industrial properties in highly sought-after locations across Auckland and Christchurch. Within the organisation’s demanding environment, Julie has not only thrived but elevated those around her. She has mentored junior property managers with limited industry experience into high-achieving professionals, several of whom have progressed to senior roles in listed property companies. “There is no challenge that anyone in the property industry cannot overcome,” says Julie. “I hope to be an inspiring role model and advocate for the next generation of industry leaders.” ,Julie applied her skills to development management, helping deliver Tile Space’s new National Distribution Centre in MT Wellington and overseeing Fonterra’s highly specialised facility in Penrose, a project delivered under budget despite Covid-19 challenges. Most recently, she has taken the lead in coordinating solar panel installations across 27 commercial buildings, working closely with tenants, consultants and engineers to deliver sustainable energy solutions. Her involvement now extends into the company’s utilities operations, which supply water, power and broadband to tenants and neighbouring properties. Julie’s commitment to community has been equally significant. She played a pivotal role in securing premises – provided rent-free for over two years – for a local church in Newmarket. This became the Community Hub at 12 Clayton Street, creating a safe and welcoming space for young people and helping to keep them positively engaged. Her dedication to professional development is evident in her completion of a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Property Management) in 2012 while working full-time, a testament to her determination and passion for the field. As Julie approaches the latter stages of her career, she is focusing on mentoring the next generation of high achievers at the company, while enjoying continuing her own quest for excellence. “There’s always another project, another tenant who needs support, another opportunity to make a difference.” Valuation Experts in Everything Industrial. cbre.co.nz/industrial-valuations CBRE congratulates Julie Sarten, Senior Asset Manager for Southpark Corporation, for being named a finalist for PCNZ’s Women in Property Award. It is our pleasure to work with Julie and the Southpark team. Patrick Ryan Senior Director, Valuation & Advisory Services 021 245 9145 patrick.ryan@cbre.com onpointelectrical.co.nz
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