In the aftermath of the 1987 share market crash, I was one of very few who got a job, working for AMP’s property team. It was a tough start as I spent my first couple of years chasing rental arrears and when all options had been exhausted terminating leases.

After nearly 30 years of experience in commercial property, being involved in property management, development, general management, sales and leasing across all sectors of the industry, the lessons learnt as a novice have not been forgotten. I have seen and experienced the pain of economic recessions but also the opportunities and the importance of taking a long-term view. In 1991 I bought my first house which was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The post Covid environment we are now entering will bring similar opportunities.

After AMP and a variety of roles in development and later general management in the city, I was appointed General Manager of Smales Farm which I enjoyed for 10 years and became a member of the North Harbour Club. I spent a further three years at Auckland Airport and was then offered the role of General Manager for Bayleys North Shore Commercial which was a welcome return to living and working on the North Shore. I had the privilege of taking over from well-known North Harbour Club supporters, Daryl Devereux and Nick Howe-Smith who sold their business to Bayleys at the end of 2018. The opportunity was to build on and grow the fantastic business that they had developed over the last 20 years by fully integrating it into the wider Bayleys Auckland business, providing a seamless customer experience while also maintaining an independent culture and North Shore specialization. The business is also now providing a range of new services including business sales and valuation.

Leading up to March 2020 we were performing well ahead of budget. However, like every business, Covid-19 presented a range of new challenges and tested our systems and BCP (business continuity planning). We ran our first work-from-home trial two days before lockdown. Fortunately, our ICT (information communications technology) systems have all worked well. With regular Team and Zoom meetings we kept the team and our clients connected and engaged during very uncertain times. This was a real test of our leadership team and management structures. As a business, we are fortunate to have great team leaders with Matt Mimmack, Laurie Burt, Dean Gilbert-Smith, Ranjan Unka and Eddie Zhong who I met every morning to go through our daily plan to keep our teams engaged and in touch with our clients. As trusted advisors to many landlords and tenants, being available and in regular contact was a key priority. The level of uncertainty, apprehension and isolation was high and each member of our team of 25 were on calls every day, providing advice or even just a friendly call to see how everyone is coping.

With multiple daily team meetings, communication was absolutely vital and it was pleasing to see the team engagement throughout the seven weeks. Bayleys leaders from across the business were regular attendees to these meetings providing advice and market information throughout the process. The ease in which we were able to set up these meetings, organise training and hear from great speakers like John Bayley our Chairman, Mike Bayley our MD, our global partners Knight Frank as well as outside guests including Sir John Key, made it a real treat for our staff and clients. We are keen to ensure we keep up this level of engagement and interaction post Covid.

My bubble in Devonport with my wife Gesine and twins Lilly and Felix, who had lockdown birthdays turning 11, was enjoyable. As a busy dad, with multiple company and client engagements which are usually in the evenings, it was great being able to spend time with the family and to enjoy all the benefits of living in Devonport. At times, working from home was a challenge, but overall the kids loved being at home with Mum and Dad. Covid-19 was a chance to reflect on how important it is to spend quality time with family. I started each day with an early morning walk along the waterfront with Gesine seeing some amazing sunrises. The time with the family and these mornings together will be something I will miss as we move back into our new normal post Covid regimes. We are very fortunate to live in an isolated country where we are well on track to eradicating this nasty virus.

Sunrise from Mt Victoria

Now back at work, our business is focused on delivering efficient, timely and cost effective services to our clients. We are busy with a range of new listings and achieving some good sales results. We have just launched our first electronic Total Property sales portfolio, featuring 153 properties for sale. This was a record result. The market will be challenging due to the unprecedented level of uncertainty, which on one hand has seen many businesses fail and many more looking to right-size their premises. Compared to 1991, we have record low interest rates and a huge government stimulus. As agents and advisors we can’t make the market, but we can influence it through good marketing, strategy and finding the right buyers or premises that meet the needs of our clients. We are positive about the future and know that we will have to work harder to get the best results for our clients. Like 1991 we will see many new opportunities, new business and a strong recovery for those taking the long-term view.

There is much debate about the future of the office. I am convinced that WFH (work from home) will be a tool in creating the work life balance that many are seeking but it will not replace the office or workplace where we meet to create, share and enjoy the company of the wonderful people we work with.

I wish everyone at the North Harbour Club, their friends and family a safe return to work.

Best regards,

Dan