Countrywide Group is one of Christchurch’s most prolific property developers, and – in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake - it’s putting its experience and efforts towards helping to rebuild the city.
Managing Director and born-and-bred local Richard Diver talks about the important role developers have in creating a future legacy; helping a city skyline rise after locals became accustomed to seeing it get lower and lower.
Countrywide Group was founded in Christchurch not long after the 2010 earthquake that flattened the city. Richard Diver, a local builder who had worked in Christchurch construction for more than 30 years, saw an opportunity to get on the front foot and play a proactive role in rebuilding his beloved home town.
Primarily focused on commercial property, Countrywide was until recently the most prolific developer in Christchurch, having completed 7 large office buildings, primarily located along central Victoria Street.
Their latest project, located at 123 Victoria St and set for completion in April 2017, is their largest to date, covering five stories and 8500 square metres. Its part of an overall body work that Diver says he is proud of – but also wants Christchurch to be proud of.
Offering a mix of retail and office space, Countrywide play an integral role in helping to revitalised industry within a city that’s not just regaining its feet, but starting to move along in leaps and bounds.
“There was practically none of the city left in 2010,” Mr Diver said.
“Even many of the buildings that weren’t destroyed had to come down, as they were structurally compromised.
“So locals got very accustomed to seeing the city being basically torn down, even after the earthquake itself had passed.
“Having built up a rounded set of skills and experience in all facets of construction, a move into development felt a natural fit, and there was plenty of work to be done,” Mr Diver said.
“As a local myself, it was very disheartening to see the devastation caused, not just by the earthquake but by the ongoing demolition work throughout the city.
“To see the city rising again gives people a bit of optimism and hope, and really helps build morale. It wasn’t specifically what we set out to achieve but it’s a nice little by-product – as a local, to be hearing that from the people within the community is very rewarding, and I’m thrilled that we can have a part in that.”
Mr Diver said the key to the successful completion of Countrywide’s projects was an efficient and lean operation that could make decisions quickly and precisely. Identifying opportunities and acting upon them was crucial, as well as having the right support network in place to act when required.
“We utilise a strong range of sub-contract service providers, and that model helps us keep the operation efficient and agile, and I think the results we have achieved to this point validate that,” Mr Diver said.
Those traits – efficiency and nimbleness – are exactly what drew Mr Diver to Nexia – another part of his support network that provides a vital role.
“My accountant of about 20 years was retiring, and believe it or not, Nexia were tenants in a building I had developed in a previous role,” Mr Diver said.
“I was approached about a new development for them and I was really taken by their quick decision making, and the efficient way they handled the process.
“From there it was a pretty easy decision for me to talk to them about my accounting requirements and getting a sense of what they could achieve for me.
“Given the range of external contractors I utilise, it’s vital to have really stringent and efficient account keeping. That makes a massive difference in running the tight ship we do.
“Doug at Nexia is always available and always really quick to respond when I need anything. It’s not just the great service they provide, but also the advice and the insight– and the impressively efficient manner in which they provide it – and that makes all the difference in me doing my job as efficiently as possible.”
