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Nestled in the picturesque Tasman Bay of South Island, Graeme Smith brings a wealth of over 45 years of experience from the construction landscapes of New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K. As a MNZIQS and Registered Quantity Surveyor, his journey has seen him wear multiple hats, both as a hands-on contractor and a strategic consultant.
Graeme’s expertise spans a diverse range of projects. From the intricate nuances of heritage restoration to the complexities of vertical and horizontal infrastructure, his portfolio is a testament to his versatility. Architectural housing, commercial construction, and the challenges of earthquake reinstatement and seismic strengthening are all within his portfolio. His experience with rebuilds and reinstatements, especially in the aftermath of earthquakes and climate disasters, attests to his resilience and adaptability.
Career Highlights:
– Spearheaded numerous heritage restoration projects, preserving history for future generations.
– Played a pivotal role in earthquake reinstatement and seismic strengthening initiatives across regions.
– Led diverse construction projects, from architectural housing to expansive commercial infrastructures.
Outside the hustle and bustle of construction sites and project meetings, Graeme finds solace at the beach, soaking in the sun and the sea. And if you ever spot him on a golf course, please show respect for the way he replaces his divots.
Jason’s expertise encompasses a wide range of skills, including Architecture, Adaptive Recovery Architecture, 3D Modelling Visualisation, Sustainability, and Multimedia. Beyond architecture, Jason possesses an intimate knowledge of Christchurch’s cultural and economic fabric, thanks to his active involvement in community trusts and boards.
As a passionate Cantabrian, Jason is dedicated to the ongoing sustainable and progressive rebuilding of the city he holds dear. When he’s not immersed in architectural endeavours, you can find Jason enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Christchurch or exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of the region with his family and dog. His love for the outdoors, cycling in all forms, and fitness reflects his deep connection to the Canterbury lifestyle.
With over three decades deeply rooted in the New Zealand tourism industry, Anton Wilke is a name synonymous with expertise and innovation. His profound insights into project business modelling and market demand drivers stem from a rich background in tourism business management and marketing. Whether it’s visitor attractions, destination management, or the New Zealand accommodation sector, Anton’s understanding of this dynamic industry is unparalleled.
Recent years have seen Anton delve into diverse projects, from feasibility and business development in sectors like wine & food, cruise, hot pools, and wellness, to regional destination planning and crafting visitor attraction marketing strategies. His hands-on business management skills shine through in areas like budgeting, financial data analysis, cash flow, contract negotiation, and human resources.
A staunch advocate for regenerative sustainable tourism, Anton’s approach is holistic. He collaborates closely with communities, ensuring a balance between social licence, environmental and cultural sensitivity, and commercial returns. His academic credentials, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism from Otago University and a Diploma of Parks & Recreation Management from Lincoln University, further solidify his standing in the industry.
Outside the professional realm, Anton is a true country boy. Weekends find him at his quaint spot in Wainui Banks Peninsula, tending to his 15 sheep or indulging in a bit of boating. And for those in the know, Anton’s garage houses a long-term “project” – a testament to his love for Volkswagen.
Career Highlights:
– Managing Director, New Zealand Apartments & Luxury Motels (2003-2014)
– Pegasus Hotel Development demand study (2021)
– Lyttleton Cruise Turnaround Terminal pre-feasibility study (2020)
– Timaru Food Heritage Centre pre-feasibility study (2022)
– Hundertwasser Art Centre Marketing overview assessment (2023)
– Marlborough Destination Management Plan (2021-2023)
– General Manager, Tekapo Springs
– General Manager, Mitchell Corp Hotels
– Commercial Manager, Rainbow Springs
– Marketing and Sales Manager, Porters Ski Area
– Destination Development Manager, Christchurch
When Anton’s not charting the course for the next big thing in tourism, you might find him spending time with his family, tinkering with his Volkswagen project or enjoying the serene countryside. His passion for both work and leisure is truly infectious.
Cherie Tirikatane-Le Cheminant
Cherie possesses exceptional skills in governance, stakeholder negotiations, and mentoring. These strengths are paired with her dedication to fostering a collective approach in driving projects from conception to reality. Skilled at brokering new relationships and delivering value where it matters most, she thrives on working closely with others to ensure every project’s success.
Her role as CEO of SEED NZ demonstrates her leadership prowess and commitment to community development. This extends to her role as the founder of Whānau Power, an innovative project devised to address Energy Hardship. She is also the founder of He Pito Mata Ltd, and was actively involved in the Māori Media Sector Shift, an initiative dedicated to revitalising te reo Māori and promoting greater awareness of Māori stories and workforce development within the Māori Media Sector.
Cherie’s previous experience as COO for Ekos, an international non-profit enterprise focused on sustainable reforestation and carbon farming, and as CEO of BIZview, and GM of Pentech Communications Ltd, has honed her sales, leadership, and training skills. These positions have provided her with a broad range of experiences and a depth of understanding that she brings to every project she takes on. Cherie’s current mahi is focused on supporting landowners in Te Waipounamu through investment and carbon specialists Tāmata Hāuha.
Her kaupapa Māori resonates widely, as she tirelessly works to ensure that everyone in Aotearoa has access to the resources they need to flourish. Her ultimate goal is to help communities improve their quality of life and to assist individuals in realising their potential to collectively create tangible solutions and meaningful results.
When not absorbed in her diverse professional roles and commitments, Cherie loves to unwind by engaging in hunting and working on the whenua a passion that speaks to her deep appreciation for nature and self-reliance.
Career Highlights:
– CEO of SEED NZ, driving community development and self-determination
– Founder of Whānau Power, tackling Energy Hardship
– Involved in Māori Media Sector Shift, championing the revitalisation of te reo Māori
– Customer advisory board for Orion
– CEO of BIZview and GM of Pentech Communications Ltd
– Former COO for Ekos, steering sustainable reforestation and carbon farming
Through her unwavering commitment, experience and genuine passion for empowering communities, Cherie is an invaluable asset to Josephs, inspiring confidence and enthusiasm in our clients as we work together to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.
With a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management and PMP accreditation, Sally has honed her skills in project management and construction over more than two decades. From her roots in the UK to her extensive experience in New Zealand, she brings comprehensive experience to our team.
Sally’s exceptional talent in navigating challenges and bringing people together is a testament to her ability to drive desired results. One of Sally’s passions is influencing building designs to be usable, accessible, and delightful spaces to inhabit, further enhancing the outcomes of the projects she oversees. Sally’s blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and deep cultural understanding ensures high-quality outcomes on each project she undertakes.
Her recent work in Te Ao Māori reflects her respect and understanding of tikanga and mātauranga Māori. This engagement has fostered a strong connection with the iwi and rūnanga she has engaged with, enabling her to work harmoniously with these key stakeholders while respecting and acknowledging the rich culture that exists within Te Ao Māori.
When she’s not leading projects to successful completion, Sally immerses herself in nature. She enjoys walking, gardening, and appreciating the sounds of birds, often accompanied by episodes of her favourite radio show, The Archers!
Career Highlights:
Sharon Nichol
Sharon is our go-to when it comes to all things finance. With her eye for detail and methodical work style, she ensures accuracy with dollars and cents.
Sharon is kept busy at home with two teenagers and three horses that the whole family ride together….and yes there have been a few hard landings. The word ‘can’t’ just isn’t in Sharon’s vocabulary and she will always find a way to turn a challenging situation into one with a positive outcome.
Euan GutteridgeA father of four with a passion for people, Euan is renowned for being a great organiser who enjoys an adventure.
Euan brings over 30 years’ diverse experience in leading multi-disciplinary projects. He is renowned for bringing his organisational skills to every project he leads, setting them up for success.
Euan has a deep passion for people and thrives on building collaborative teams with a generous measure of fun. With his career being rooted in the Chemical Industry, it goes without saying that the Health and Safety of all is a way of life for him.
Outside of work Euan enjoys connecting with others through motorcycling and tramping. As well as a spot of gym to keep himself in shape, he is also learning his native language Gàidhlig (Scots Gaelic) – ‘S e manaidsear pròiseict a th’ ann (It’s a project manager that is in him)
Career Highlights
Paul’s work has led him to many varied and exciting projects within the Public Sector, Private Sector and NGO’s.
He specialises in Strategy & Negotiations (Public & Private), Economic Development, Land development and Master Planning, Facilitation, Infrastructure Planning and Project Management.
Aligned with these skill sets are a significant background in Climate Change adaptation, Community Engagement and Development, Public Sector roles with Crown and Council and Strategy works in both the public and private sector.
These skills and background allow Paul to seamlessly between the Public, Private and Community sectors. His passion for the projects and ease with which he gets along with everyone he meets is undeniable.
When off work Paul can be found in the Buller Region of the West Coast, with his wife, kids and dogs.
On those rare rainy West Coast days, he’ll enjoy a good book, but otherwise it’s tramping, surfing, fitness and all things outdoors that keep Paul loving the Coast life.
Having worked within the business for over a decade Abi knows how to get things done. With her role crossing finance, human resource, administration and so much more, each day is different…and that’s just the way she likes it. Abi brings a positive energy to the office and her management style is collaborate and engaging.
A keen runner and hiker, Abi loves the outdoors and isn’t too proud to break in a new pair of tramping boots at the office from time to time… even if the fashionista in her screams, no!
Kirien WithersKirien’s long-standing perspective on spa and wellness tourism – backed by sound business and operational understanding, deep communication and engagement skills and detailed knowledge of the global industry’s progression – is highly valuable for projects that require macro and micro spa and wellness experience.
Reference Projects:
As a key business publisher with a strong wellness and tourism background, Kirien forged a leadership role and championed the NZ&A spa and wellness industry’s development across tourism, hospitality, brands and small local business, driving development through consulting to private developers, councils and Government on the emerging wellness industry.
She led the launch and content of B2B publications that informed industry development, launched the first consumer facing NZ&A spa search website and the first award-winning spa and wellness tourism newsagent publication and led the establishment of the Australasian Spa Association and its associated industry Conference and Exhibition.
Kirien has presented nationally and internationally on spa and wellness matters including forums for government on spa and wellness market interpretations for tourism and hospitality operators. Her expertise has directly contributed across many regional projects including Australia’s famous Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, Gaia Retreat & Spa, Saffire-Freycinet and Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.
As the consumer demand for healthier choices, sustainable wellness informed living, hospitality, tourism and eco-product availability escalates, Kirien continues to inform industry on development, operations, branding and communications for maximum ROI from this continuously evolving valuable market sector.
Now based in Dunedin, Robert is our key contact on the ground for the area. Robert brings over 40 years of experience from across the globe having held professional roles in New Zealand, UK, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Robert specialises in architecture, project management, urban planning and design and has a depth of experience in managing complex portfolios for education and cultural heritage properties. He also has experience in advocacy and community engagement and has worked for many years in the tourism sector.
Experience: