Business South June 2021

32 | DEVELOPMENT Safari Group Savvy operator chalks up 25 years Karen Phelps T his years marks a milestone for Safari Group. It is celebrating 25 years in busi- ness. It is also expanding its business by retaining ownership and operation of its hotel developments. Safari Group marketing manager Laura Perez says this gives Safari Group greater control over its product, which enhances the level of service that the company can offer its customers. “This move will ensure our projects are not only well managed through design and con- struction but will ensure accountability for the continued success of our investment product,” she says. The latest completed project, which has seen the Group retain ownership of the hotel, is LQ Kawarau River in Queenstown. The unique development comprises 96 residential apartments and a hotel and has stunning views of the iconic Remarkables Mountain range and delivers the perfect loca- tion to explore Queenstown or enjoy a day on the slopes, says Laura. LQ Kawarau River by Wyndham, which is the hotel part of the development, offers 94 contemporary rooms. Laura says Safari Group has chosen to partner with Wyndham Group, which boasts the largest and widest collection of hotel expe- riences in the world, on the hotel component of its projects due to its strong reliability and recognition as one of New Zealand’s best hotel service providers. The project was started late 2019 and had to navigate the lockdown period. Laura says this showcased the expertise, strength and solutions-based approach of Safari Group’s team, as the project was still completed on time and on budget despite the unexpected delays. Laura says that the trades and suppliers worked tirelessly in order to keep the develop- ment on track and on time. Safari Group began in the mid-1990s when builders Robert Neil and Stephen Taylor to page 34 joined forces. The company name was taken from Robert’s trusty Nissan SUV and the busi- ness was established on a solid foundation of savvy construction, management experience and family values. Hard-working, forward thinking, continu- ally going from strength to strength, have all become catch phrases over subsequent years. Laura says that Safari Group identifies and pursues development opportunities that meet or exceed a strict set of criteria, in order to benefit its customers through long-term value and uncompromising quality. Trust has been a major factor. With a 25- year track record of consistently delivering high quality product to clients, Safari Group has proven to be a trusted builder that deliv- ers on promises, time and time again, says Laura. “With the next generation joining the ranks and bringing a tremendous wealth of construction and development experience with them, we are very well positioned for the future.” Happy in their work: the Safari Group executive team - front row, from left, Steve Taylor, Damien Taylor and Ian Pitham; middle row, Josh Van Veen, Simon Taylor and Rob Neil; top row, Richard De Groot and Gareth Samuels.