Graham Wilkinson is the best thing that ever happened to our shareholders, says Kevin Haua, chairman of Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Inc.
Mr Wilkinson's Generus Living Group is a 50-50 joint venture partner with Mangatawa in developing 40 acres (16.2 ha) of the iwi's Papamoa beachfront land into the upscale Pacific Coast Village retirement village. "He knocked on our door and asked if we'd like to build a retirement village," said Mr Haua.
"The Committee of Management agreed to the development of the retirement village on the condition that the land would not be sold or used for collateral. Further discussion resulted in agreement of the retirement village 'street names' being named after our ancestors. This was carried out in consultation with the shareholders of the Incorporation and Kaumatua Nga Potiki."
Mr Wilkinson described the partnership - which has survived the downturn of the global financial crisis, as "a wonderful relationship. We get on really well".
Born in Wyndham, Southland, Mr Wilkinson had an unusual route into project development, starting off his career as a police constable.