KEY POINTS:
Challies, based in Christchurch, said he didn't usually give personal interviews but we evidently caught him at a good time, on a Friday just before lunchtime.
How would you describe 2007 for you?
Very successful, a year of pretty significant growth for us. We opened three new retirement villages in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch and grew our portfolio by 20 per cent.
What was the company's greatest achievement?
Opening all those new villages, particularly the new Edmund Hillary Retirement Village, in Remuera. We opened about 1000 new retirement village units.
And greatest disappointment?
It's not something I would usually say in public. But the All Blacks losing the Rugby World Cup is my greatest disappointment. And I don't think all the blood-letting afterwards helped much either.
What will be the major challenges in 2008?
Maintaining our rate of growth. Our plan is to open 400 to 500 new retirement village units every year.
What was the most interesting business story of 2007?
The Auckland International Airport story and the debate about whether we should sell the family silver.
Where are you going for the holidays?
Nelson, because it's sunny.
What will you be reading?
I haven't decided but probably a novel by a New Zealander, maybe Witi Ihimaera.