Business South – November Edition – Ideal location for campervan centre

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We have been fortunate enough to work alongside MTM Investments, our existing client, on the motorhome rental facility. Located in Remarkables Park, the project is the first in the newly subdivided development, north of Hawthorne Drive.

The newly developed sub-division, further complements the rest of Remarkables Park, including Remarkables Town Centre, further strengthening its offering.

Read below for the November edition of Business South, featuring an article on this project:

By Karen Phelps

MTM Group is developing a purpose-built facility for a campervan sale and hire business on a one-hectare site at Queenstown’s Remarkables Park. The project, currently under construction and due for completion in mid 2026, will feature a salesroom, showroom, workshop and designated drop-off and pick-up areas, as well as parking bays.

MTM Group purchased the land and is developing it within the Remarkables Park Zone, which offers one of the most comprehensive zoning as a master planned location in the Queenstown Lakes District.

“It is a rare piece of large flat land in Queenstown. It’s close to the airport, transport, Remarkables Park town centre with residential areas, hotels and the Wakatipu High School across the road,” says Johnathan Chen, Managing Director of MTM Group. “It’s a real work-play-live area.” 

MTM Group, run by MTM Investments, has a history of successfully delivering development projects. The company’s philosophy centres on quality and long-term value, guided by a simple mantra: it never develops anything that its directors wouldn’t be happy to hold themselves. “This project at Lot 81 Remarkables Park is one of the first in the newly subdivided lots north of Hawthorne Drive at Remarkables Park,” explains Johnathan.

“We are looking to secure more sites and working with other clients looking to do something similar in the area.”

He says the location of the development offers numerous advantages, positioned near key infrastructure and amenities that make it attractive for commercial operations. The proximity to Queenstown Airport, coupled with access to the town centre and surrounding residential areas, provides businesses with an ideal operational base in one of New Zealand’s premier tourist destinations.

MTM Group has partnered with Calder Stewart as the main contractor for the project. “We’ve worked well with Calder Stewart on his project and look forward to working with them on future projects,” says Johnathan.

Johnathan is no stranger to Queenstown, being the Director of the company that developed and owns the Holiday Inn at Remarkables Park. The Lot 81 development is just one aspect of MTM Group’s expanding portfolio in the Queenstown region.

The company is also looking at other hotel and residential developments both within Remarkables Park and across the wider Queenstown area. As a versatile property development and investment firm specialising in both residential and commercial properties, MTM Group doesn’t confine itself to specific geographic areas or markets. Instead, Jonathan says it pursues opportunities that make commercial sense wherever they arise.

It currently has projects both completed and under construction in Auckland and Hamilton. “Our investment strategy is rooted in synergy, seeking opportunities that complement our existing investments and creating non-linear opportunities across multiple projects and industries,” he explains.

The firm’s diverse portfolio includes investments in various sectors including entertainment and hospitality operations, health supplements, green energy and import/export businesses. MTM Investments brings together multi-disciplined expertise spanning property development, finance, and investment management. Johnathan says that with its commitment to excellence and innovation, the company continues to build projects designed to stand the test of time while maintaining a personal stake in all ventures, aligning its success with that of its investors.

White Associates Continue Gold Status Prequalification in SiteWise

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We’re proud to share that White Associates has achieved SiteWise Gold status for the second year in a row. A recognition of our ongoing commitment to health, safety, and the wellbeing of everyone we work with.

SiteWise is an independent prequalification system that grades contractors and consultants on their health and safety practices. Achieving Gold means our systems and processes meet the highest standards, scoring 90% or above in SiteWise’s annual assessment.

This repeat achievement reflects the consistent effort of our team to keep safety at the forefront of everything we do, from our project sites to our office environment. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about care, accountability, and continuously improving the way we work.

A big thank you to our team for maintaining this high standard and to our clients and partners who share our commitment to safe and sustainable project delivery.

10 Year Celebrations for Ian & Richard!

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Celebrating 10 Years of Dedication: Ian Chamberlain & Richard Moore-Savage

At White Associates, we’re proud to celebrate the people who help shape our culture and success. This October, we marked a special milestone: the 10-year anniversaries of two of our valued team members, and Associates, Ian Chamberlain and Richard Moore-Savage.

Richard Moore-Savage

Richard is an integral part of our Pre-Contract team, a cost planner involved in both the cost planning and the construction phase cost management department. Over the past 10 years, Richard has brought precision, insight, and a collaborative spirit to every project he’s worked. His ability to balance technical detail with big-picture thinking has made him a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.

Richard’s calm and considered approach, paired with his deep industry knowledge, has helped shape the way we deliver value in the early stages of project development. His contributions have been instrumental in ensuring our clients start their projects with confidence and clarity.

Ian Chamberlain

Ian is a well-rounded professional with specialist financial analysis skills in our Post Contract team. Over the past decade, Ian has become known for his analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes with ease.

His work has been critical in ensuring the financial integrity of our projects, and his insights have helped clients make informed decisions throughout the construction lifecycle. Ian’s dedication and professionalism have made him a cornerstone of our delivery team, and his contributions continue to elevate the quality of our service.

A Morning Tea to Celebrate

To honour this milestone, the team gathered for a celebratory morning tea on Monday, 6 October. The event brought together colleagues to share stories, laughter, and congratulations.

It was a warm and joyful occasion that reflected the respect and appreciation we have for Ian and Richard. Their 10-year journey with White Associates is a testament to their commitment, expertise, and the positive impact they’ve had on our team and clients.

Congratulations again to Ian and Richard on this incredible achievement. We’re grateful for your contributions and look forward to many more years of success together.

JOIN OUR TEAM – Intermediate Quantity Surveyor

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We’re looking for a full-time Intermediate Quantity Surveyor to join our Bank Funding team – someone who is passionate about construction, thrives on problem-solving, and enjoys building strong relationships with clients and project teams. See below for more details.

White Associates is a leading construction cost consultancy firm in New Zealand, known for delivering value, clarity, and confidence across a diverse range of projects. Our Bank Funding Department works closely with lenders and developers, conducting due diligence, monitoring project deliverables, and providing expert advice throughout the project lifecycle.

Send your CV and cover letter to careers@whiteassociates.co.nz or apply via LinkedIn.

Recruiters: Please note we are not engaging agency support for this role and do not accept unsolicited resumes. Any CVs sent via agencies will be disregarded, and candidates may approach us directly. This helps us manage recruitment in a way that best suits our team and process.

What You’ll Do:

  • Prepare project feasibility and monthly drawdown reports
  • Visit sites and attend meetings to monitor project progress
  • Interpret financial data and ensure company procedures are followed
  • Build and maintain strong client and project team relationships

What You’ll Bring:

  • 5+ years of quantity surveying experience
  • Relevant qualification (QS, Construction Management, Engineering, Property, Finance, or Banking)
  • Solid understanding of NZ construction processes and contracts
  • Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a positive, proactive attitude

Why Join Us:

  • Be part of a team that’s trusted by all major banks in New Zealand
  • Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Work on high-profile projects with experienced professionals
  • Enjoy a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
  • Competitive salary and clear career development pathways

JOIN OUR TEAM – Senior Quantity Surveyor

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We’re looking for a full time Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our Auckland team – someone who thrives in client-facing environments and brings deep expertise in estimating, cost planning, and project delivery. See below for more details.

White Associates is a leading construction cost consultancy firm in New Zealand, known for delivering value, clarity, and confidence across commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.

Send your CV and cover letter to careers@whiteassociates.co.nz or apply via LinkedIn.

Recruiters: Please note we are not engaging agency support for this role and do not accept unsolicited resumes. Any CVs sent via agencies will be disregarded, and candidates may approach us directly. This helps us manage recruitment in a way that best suits our team and process.

What You’ll Do:

  • Lead cost planning and estimating across pre-contract phases
  • Provide strategic advice and commercial insights to clients
  • Manage client relationships with professionalism and confidence
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes
  • Contribute to the growth and mentoring of junior team members

What You’ll Bring:

  • Proven experience in a Senior QS role, ideally within a PQS or consultancy environment
  • Strong technical capability in cost planning, estimating, and tender analysis
  • Excellent communication skills and a genuine desire to engage with clients at a strategic level
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects
  • New Zealand construction experience is strongly preferred
  • NZIQS or MRICS membership (or working towards it) preferred

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Work on high-profile projects with experienced professionals
  • Enjoy a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
  • Competitive salary and clear career progression pathways

Gold Standard: Celebrating Our Role in the Award-Winning B19 Ministry of Education Project

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We are proud to celebrate our involvement in the B19 Ministry of Education Reference Design project, which has been honoured with a Gold Award in the Education Category at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.

This recognition is a testament to the collaborative excellence and technical precision that defined the B19 initiative – a modular, repeatable design for two-storey, six-classroom buildings implemented across multiple primary school sites in Aotearoa.

Developed by ASC Architects and delivered by a dedicated team of project partners, the B19 cluster exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to scalable, future-ready learning environments.

Our team played a key role in the successful delivery of this project, achieving the value-for-money target through focused value engineering and proactive cost management. As noted in the official award communication, the project’s success reflects the strength of its partnerships and the shared vision of delivering high-quality educational infrastructure.

The Gold Award is more than a mark of construction excellence – it’s a symbol of the values we bring to every project: integrity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of quality. We’re especially proud to see our work recognised alongside other outstanding projects that are shaping the future of New Zealand’s built environment.

We’d like to thank our project partners, including ASC Architects and the Ministry of Education, for their trust and collaboration. We also extend our congratulations to all the other winners and nominees who continue to raise the bar for commercial construction in Aotearoa.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering projects that not only meet expectations but exceed them – building spaces that inspire, support, and endure.

Waiheke Dream Home: Gray’s Residence

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Perched at the top of a bush field valley, overlooking the picturesque Palm Beach on Waiheke Island, the Gray Residence offers the dream start to a day, morning coffee looking out to the view as the sun slowly rises over the bay. Maria and Dale Gray had that exact vision and successfully brought it to life. In 2021, this uniquely shaped home with a budget of $3 million began.

The concept left no mercy for the builders, when settling on a 6,165sqm block of land that plummeted down a very steep slope of bush land. This resulted in the builders having to perform some engineering magic to create a complex foundation piece by piece. 50 concrete pillars were placed into the ground to stop the house from slipping down the steep hill below them. Resting on those pillars are concrete walls in-situ including a sprayed wall that is unusually thicker at the top than at the bottom. As if the task wasn’t challenging enough, this was done during New Zealand wettest winter and wettest July on record in 2022, meaning the foundations were laid in what could only be described as, a mud bath.

The foundation alone consumed nearly a third of the budget, with over $1 million spent before construction had even begun. This immediately raised red flags, making it clear that the total cost was heading well beyond $3 million.

White Associates was engaged in December 2022, during the early stages of the structural building construction. Our role in delivering this project was Project Finance Quantity Surveying (QS) services. Our engagement included budget development, cost planning, financial forecasting, and monthly drawdown reporting for the Project Funder. Acting on behalf of the funder, our team also ensured compliance with funding conditions and conducted cost-to-complete assessments. Beyond financial oversight, White Associates provided strategic commercial advice, scrutinising commercial and budget decisions to maximise value and support informed decision-making.

Our approach was marked by direct involvement from senior personnel, high responsiveness, and a commitment to “no surprises” outcomes. Key team members included Darin Bayer (Director), Justin Bearne (Associate), and Liam Crane (Project Finance Analyst), whose expertise ensured the project’s financial integrity and strategic alignment.

The residence features four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, thoughtfully spread across three architecturally designed levels. The living area was rotated conveniently towards the views, with barely a right angle in sight. The roof structure features a striking lattice design, composed of massive wooden beams intersecting at bold, jaunty angles. These beams span across the space in both directions, creating a dramatic architectural statement that anchors the entire structure.

The bottom floor is fully glass fronted with a compact indoor garden catching sunlight through the cracks of the staircase.

A pool and spa that propped out on a balcony from the second level, with the huge decking sprawled over the top level with views of the beach and the pool below. To further enhance the property’s luxury, a drive-on turntable was installed outside the garage.

Although this dream home ultimately came in at $5.5 million, shaped by weather delays, design refinements, and COVID-related setbacks, it truly brought the vision to life.

Recently, this home was featured an episode on Grand Designs New Zealand for its unique design and complex building conditions. The Gray Residence stands as a testament to vision, resilience, and architectural ingenuity. Despite the formidable challenges, Maria and Dale Gray’s unwavering commitment transformed a dream into reality. With its sculptural form, luxurious features, and breathtaking views, the home not only reflects their personal aspirations but also showcases the collaborative excellence of everyone involved. It’s a project that redefines what’s possible when ambition meets expertise, and one that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Two Major Milestones for White Associates

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Recently, we celebrated not one- but two significant milestones. Muriel Gondipon, Associate, is celebrating 10 years with White Associates. While Konrad Trankels, our Managing Director, is celebrating 20 years since co-founding White Associates. These important milestones are a testament to the dedication, leadership and impact that these two have had on our company.

To celebrate, our team came together for a fun DIY donut lunch, a way to show our appreciation for both Muriel and Konrad. Their support over the years has meant so much, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have two such inspiring leaders guiding us.

Muriel Gondipon

This April, we are proud to celebrate an amazing decade of Associate, Muriel Gondipon at White Associates. This milestone not only reflects her professional dedication but also her lasting impact across the business.

Joining in April 2015, coming from working in Malaysia, Muriel began her White Associates journey as a Senior Quantity Surveyor. Despite the overwhelming feeling she experienced of starting a new job in a new country, Muriel brought her wealth of experience with a collaborative approach that over the years has made her a trusted and valued colleague and leader. She has contributed to some of our most complex and high-profile projects including High rise residential projects, complex remedial projects and numerous complex Fit Outs.  Additionally, she championed quality assurance across the business.

Her leadership shone through as she undertook the role of mentoring our junior staff, creating a calm and nurturing environment for newcomers starting their career and giving them the opportunity to learn from someone with extensive experience. She recognised the importance of guiding young quantity surveyors and cadets, taking on a mentoring role by involving them in projects for hands-on learning.

Her commitment to excellence is evident in her personal development plans, consistently setting ambitious goals. From developing cost data frameworks and contributing to some of the QS manual, to mentoring cadets and junior quantity surveyors.

Outside of her positive influence on project delivery, she plays a key role in shaping our internal culture, participating in senior management meetings, supporting wellbeing initiatives and being a part of the social framework of the team. The warmth and humour Muriel brings to the workplace is just as appreciated as her technical expertise. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing her many more milestones ahead.

Konrad Trankels

Our second significant milestone is our Managing Director, Konrad Trankels. This milestone not only marks 20 years of Konrad, but also 20 years since co-founding White Associates, a firm that he established with Graham White in 2005.

What began as a bold vision to bring a fresh, robust approach to construction cost consulting has grown into a respected, multi-office consultancy with a national footprint. A huge achievement and testament to the leadership and knowledge Konrad has demonstrated throughout the last 20 years and the team that has helped him build the company along the way.

Over the past two decades, White Associates has completed hundreds of successful projects, grown a team of talented professionals, and developed a leadership structure that remains hands-on and deeply engaged. At the helm of this structure are Directors Darin Bayer, Justin Maritz, and Brett Zeiler, who lead the firm with vision and integrity. They are joined by Associate Director Jesse Conradie, who contributes to the leadership team and supports the continued growth and delivery of the firm’s services.

In a move that reflects both foresight and inclusivity, White Associates has also expanded its shareholder base beyond the boardroom. In addition to the directors, the shareholder group includes respected Associates Justin Bearne, Elliot Smith, and Richard Moore-Savage. This progressive step, welcoming associates as minority shareholders, demonstrates the company’s commitment to succession planning and empowering its people. Konrad notes that this initiative is not a one-off, but part of a broader strategy to provide meaningful pathways for growth and ownership within the firm.

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we honour Konrad’s enduring leadership, his collaborative and approachable spirit, and the legacy that he continues to build – alongside a leadership team that exemplifies the values and vision of White Associates.

Plastic Free July

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This July, White Associates is excited to join Plastic Free July, a global movement that empowers millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. With more than 100 million participants across 190 countries, the initiative encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to reduce single-use plastics and create lasting habits for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July began as a local government initiative in Western Australia. Since then, it’s grown into a worldwide campaign, inspiring people everywhere to make simple changes that collectively lead to big environmental impacts.

At White Associates, we believe small actions can make a real difference—so this month, we’re taking steps in our offices to support the cause:

  • ☕ Keep Cups are back! We’ve set up Keep Cup stations at reception in both our Auckland and Queenstown offices—grab one before your next takeaway coffee.

  • 💧 Reusable drink bottles are in—no more plastic water bottles!

  • 🍱 Lunches without plastic—we’re swapping out cling film for reusable containers.

We’re encouraging our team to build these sustainable habits, not just for July, but for good.

Want to get involved? Head to www.plasticfreejuly.org for simple ways you can reduce your plastic use every day.

Together, let’s be part of the solution.

Luxury Returns to Queenstown Hotel

Posted by Kim Bowden, Business South on

By Kim Bowden

To read from the original article visit Business South – July 2025 | Volume 34 | Issue 5 
Image: G2 Studio

Perched above the Shotover River in Queenstown’s Arthurs Point, the former Nugget Point Hotel is being redeveloped into Coronet Ridge Resort – a five-star alpine retreat set to bring a fresh level of luxury to the area’s accommodation market.
The transformation, spearheaded by owners New Bay Group, with management oversight from Capstone Hotel Management, represents a $30 million investment into the future of the site and Queenstown’s high-end tourism offering.

Clare Davies, the founder and managing director of Capstone, says this isn’t just a refurbishment – it’s a rebuild. “The hotel’s been taken right back to blockwork. The team has completely gutted and modernised every part of the asset: plumbing, electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning) and interiors – even the restaurant roof has come off. It’s essentially a brand-new build.”

However, despite the new chapter, the site’s legacy remains. Nugget Point Hotel once operated in the five-star bracket, though over time, limited reinvestment saw it shift to a more modest standing. The relaunch as Coronet Ridge marks not just a return to form, but a significant step forward.
Clare says she is proud to be working alongside New Bay Group, calling their investment a strong vote of confidence in the destination.

“We’ve got owners who see the potential in Queenstown and the wider tourism sector, and they’ve committed to a substantial investment back into the asset,” she says. Due to open in late 2025, Coronet Ridge will feature 41 boutique rooms, each with a private balcony or patio, and styled with natural textures, timber joinery, and curated landscape photography.

The resort will boast standout facilities, including a Roman-style day spa, private cinema, squash courts, and a new restaurant, Elevation, led by acclaimed chef Des Harris.
Positioned just minutes from the access road to the Coronet Peak ski area, the resort benefits from being just far enough outside central Queenstown to off er quiet luxury – yet still connected to everything that makes the region special.

“We’re really fortunate to have a location that offers the best of both worlds,” Clare says. “You’re close to ski fields, iconic attractions like Shotover Jet and Arrowtown, and world-class food and wine. But you also get to retreat back here – positioned up over the river, with what I’d say are some of the best views in the country.”

As for what the five-star guests can expect – it’s more than just high thread-count sheets. “They’re looking for personalised service, local knowledge, and a sense of arrival – being made to feel welcome. Our staff aren’t just hosts – they’re guides, curators of experience,” Clare explains.

“We’re here to help people really discover Queenstown and connect with it.”

Rooms at the soon-to-be-open Coronet Ridge Resort are bookable now for stays from late November onwards. Clare is confident the reimagined resort will attract both international and domestic leisure and business travellers – and also welcome locals seeking a relaxing spa experience or a special night out. “We can’t wait to relaunch the resort as Queenstown’s newest sanctuary for relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation,” she says.