| 93 T T Kim Bowden Queenstown the right fit for Rocky Rocky Um has built up a solid portfolio of work in Queenstown’s rapidly growing southern neighbourhoods – Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm. Rocky Wood Homes BUILDING When he lived in Queenstown the first-time round, Rocky Um worked at the lakeside casino. He talked to a lot of people, and they all said the same thing: find a trade. And that’s what he did. He had left Korea for New Zealand in the early 2000s in search of a good life in a new place, and he reckons 25 years later he has found it. Rocky finished up at the casino and headed to Auckland to learn the building trade through an apprenticeship scheme at Unitec. Once qualified, he knew where the opportunities were – he returned south to hone his craft and build a successful business, Rocky Wood Homes. Subcontracting first to a group home builder, Rocky built up a solid portfolio of work in Queenstown’s rapidly growing southern neighbourhoods – Jack’s Point and Hanley’s Farm. Almost 10 years on, he now leads a well-respected, five-strong crew, working on their own projects. Developing his team – all migrants like himself, is always a priority for Rocky. “I want my crew to be well qualified, and I give them plenty of opportunities,” he says. “My hope is that one day they would have their own businesses.” Rocky is proud to claim the title of first qualified Asian builder in Queenstown. He speaks both Korean and English, and being bilingual is an unexpected bonus on worksites – he has been able to collaborate well with a broader range of workers, subcontractors, and developers because of it. He says he is aware of how important good communication is to the efficient, smooth execution of a project. Right now, Rocky Wood Homes is working on a seven-bedroom, four-bathroom homeand-income dwelling. Rocky says these sorts of larger-sized residential homes are common for them to build, and the company has more projects like it in the pipeline in the year ahead. Rocky also has the franchise for BiForm Decking for Queenstown, as well as neighbouring Wānaka, Cromwell and Alexandra. Made of wood plastic composite (WPC), rigorously tested and appraised by BRANZ to meet New Zealand Building Code Standards, the product is a great fit for Central Otago dwellings. “BiForm does not rot or crack, giving it a long lifespan, and because it requires no chemical oils or staining its maintenance has minimal environmental impact.” In a region where people spend their evenings and weekends out on the lake or in the mountains, Rocky says the product is an attractive choice, not only for its practicality, but also for consumers who value environmental responsibility. Outside of work, Rocky is busy as a dad to four young boys. He says the move to Queenstown helped the family to get ahead. “When we looked to buy a house in Auckland, we were paying a lot of money for an older home. Here, we were able to buy a really nice place.” He says the small-town vibe Queenstown maintains, despite its growth, also helps ensure a good work-life balance. “People know each other – and that helps on a job as well.” Leaving Auckland was the right move, and he hasn’t looked back, he says. “I’m very happy to be living here.” “When we looked to buy a house in Auckland, we were paying a lot of money for an older home. Here, we were able to buy a really nice place.” Ph. 03 442 3036 www.queenstownengineering.co.nz 120 Glenda Drive, Frankton ‘Delivering beyond expectation’ Certi ed Steel Fabricators We are specialist providers of construction site protection services. Offering solution based risk management in the Queenstown and Central Otago region. What We Do Services Discover our solution-based risk management systems tailored specifically for your project. SCAFFOLDING | DOGMEN | HEIGHT ACTIVITES | PROPPING TEMPORARY ROOFS | ENGINEERING | EQUIPMENT RENTAL Lucas Mora - Queenstown +64 21 729 496 lucas@macservices.nz WWW.MACSERVICES.NZ We mitigate and minimise risks which enables you to focus solely on your own core functions. Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST?
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