| 87 Specialised rural subdivision services Survus Rural focuses on meeting the unique needs of local rural landowners. Karen Phelps Survus Rural, a surveying firm based in Canterbury, is assisting farmers in the region to maximize the potential of their land through specialised rural subdivision services. As a dedicated division of Survus Consultants, Survus Rural focuses on meeting the unique needs of local rural landowners. The family-owned business, which traces its origins back to 1957, has positioned itself as a trusted partner for farmers seeking to optimise their land holdings or plan for the future. “Rural subdivision is about far more than simply dividing land. It’s about creating opportunities for farmers to achieve their long-term goals, whether that’s succession planning, financing farm improvements or responding to changing land use requirements,” says Hamish Frizzell, Managing Director Survus Rural. Rural subdivision, as defined by the company, involves the division of larger areas of farmland into smaller parcels for more intensive land use, selling surplus land, rearranging existing titles into more appropriate blocks or amalgamating adjoining properties to consolidate ownership. For farmers, the motivations behind subdivision can be varied and deeply personal. “All sorts of farmers do these for all manner of reasons – selling land to neighbours, setting up for the next generation, succession planning, selling the old homestead or surplus cottage to finance a new build – you name it, they want it and we do it,” explains Hamish. RURAL SERVICES » Survus Consultants What sets Survus Rural apart is its deep understanding of the rural sector and the complex regulatory environment that governs land use changes. The company acknowledges that each local authority operates under different rules, requiring specialised knowledge and creative thinking to navigate successfully. “Every Council has a different set of rules as to what can be done, and this is where we can use our years of experience and ‘outside the box’ thinking to come up with innovative ideas,” says Hamish. “It is what we are most passionate about and love doing.” Recognising that subdivision processes can be daunting for landowners, Survus Rural offers free onsite consultations for rural properties throughout Canterbury and the West Coast. This initial visit allows farmers to get acquainted with the team while receiving preliminary advice tailored to their specific circumstances. “We often see things that our clients don’t, and can offer ideas and tricks that may save them money but improve their benefits,” Hamish points out. “We find it makes everything much smoother for everyone.” The company’s rural focus is evident in its approach and culture. “Look at our trucks, that’s proper rural dirt in those wheel arches, it’s because we are happy in the country. Rural is what we do best, that is why we are the best townies for rural surveying,” says Hamish. Survus Consultants has evolved significantly since its establishment. Founded by the late Kenneth H Frizzell, who ran it as K H Frizzell, Registered Surveyor until his passing in 1992, the business was then taken over by his son Hamish, who initially rebranded it as Frizzell and Associates. IFMMP!TVSWVTSVSBM DP O[ TVSWVTSVSBM DP O[ 363"- 4637&: "/% 46#%*7*4*0/ &91&354 In 2005, following a merger, it became Survus Consultants to reflect its broader range of professional disciplines. The business remains family-oriented, with Hamish’s son Reuben now serving as general manager, ensuring continuity of the company’s values and expertise. “For farmers contemplating changes to their land holdings, Survus Rurals’ value lies not just in technical expertise but in its understanding of the farming community and its needs. We pride ourselves on taking complexity out of the subdivision process, saving stress, time and money as we help farmers achieve their land management goals.”
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