Business North July / August 2021

22 | Location is vital for Build-to-Rent projects Location is key to success and projects should be situated near key infrastructure. from page 20 DEVELOPMENT Du Val Group Kenyon explains that location is key to success and projects should be situated near key in- frastructure, employment hubs and transport links and backed by strong tenant demand supported by high quality property and facility management. “It is clear that the people who have lost out during the housing boom have been renters rather than first home buyers and Build-to-Rent provides an opportunity for the private sector, government and commu- nity housing providers to come together to provide long term solutions to New Zealand’s housing crisis at the affordable end of the market,” says Kenyon. “While there has been a focus on provid- ing housing for first home buyers there is a substantial undersupply of housing at the affordable end of the market. We will face significant challenges as a society if we are unable to deliver housing at scale to provide accommodation on every rung of the property ladder.” Kenyon and wife Charlotte are the co-found- ers of the GDV $750m property organisation the Du Val Group. It is one of New Zealand’s largest full service residential property groups spanning, acquisition and development through to construction, marketing, sales, funds management and post-completion management. In June 2020 Du Val Group was named as New Zealand’s largest private apart- ment developer by CBRE. The Du Val Group also includes the Du Val Foundation, estab- lished by the Clarke family to support children in South Auckland. Passionate about giving back and practi- cally supporting the communities where its developments are built, the Du Val Group has based its offices and many of its projects in South Auckland. It is incredibly proud to be investing into the growth of this vibrant and fast growing community, says Kenyon. Part of its commitment to being part of the South Auckland community has seen Du Val Group partner with local schools via the Du Val Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to support the economic growth of South Auckland by inspiring and enabling young people through academic support, financial literacy and the normalising of success stories in the commu- nity. “The aim of the Du Val foundation is to nurture a generation of young people who are able to thrive,” says Charlotte. “We are currently working on a number of different programs to support our cause, which we are excited to roll out.” TAURANGA 113 Eleventh Ave (07) 578 0078 | HAMILTON 1 Keddell St (07) 847 9797 change your outlook www.curtainwarehouse.co.nz Supplying furniture for Interior Design, Hotels, Apartments and Show Homes p. 0800 001 690 e. sales@sorenliv.com w. sorenliv.com Proud to support Du Val with Furnishing Packages www.Matland.co.nz Entrepreneur’s journey - page 22