Former Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Property, Tony Sewell, has been appointed an independent director of national multi-award winning building company Generation Homes.  

A Westpac Business of the Year winner, Generation Homes is celebrating 20 years in business and has constructed more than 4,000 houses throughout New Zealand, with company turnover reaching $270 million in the last 12 months.      

Generation Homes Chief Executive Kevin Atkinson said they sought Sewell’s involvement with the company because of his extensive governance experience and a strong land transaction and property background.

“During his 21-year tenure as Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Property, Tony oversaw the company’s shareholders equity grow from $50 million to $600 million,” he said.

Commenting on his appointment Tony Sewell said he considered Generation Homes highly successful with a solid and well-earned reputation as a leader in New Zealand’s new home build market.

Generation Homes is constantly innovating to provide the best new home solutions for its customers, Mr Sewell added.

“It’s a company that is a real kiwi success story – being founded 20 years ago by brothers-in-law tradesmen David Mansel and Graham Hockly. As well as being a consistent and reliable brand, Generation’s commitment to quality housing and customer service has seen it win a number of accolades, including for business sustainability and health and safety excellence,” Mr Sewell said.

“Generation Homes is a trusted partner with Auckland Council in its fast building consenting programme and enjoys a close working relationship with local body authorities throughout the country. It also has national supply agreements in place, plus a wide range of install arrangements with subcontractors.

“In addition to many satisfied and repeat customers throughout the county, it’s the evidence of a well-run business that really matters.  This includes the fact that in their two decades of operation Generation Homes has never missed a payment to a supplier and has just-negotiated an agreement through Lloyds of London which provides customers with insurance cover that is significantly improved over that currently offered by the Masterbuild Guarantee. 

“Over the last 20 years, Generation has built a proud heritage which bodes well for an exciting future. This is a company I’m proud to have my name associated with.”

In addition to its solid base throughout the North Island, Generation Homes has a growing market in Canterbury that will continue to strengthen with the benefit of Tony’s experience and expert advice.

“Tony’s appointment is particularly critical as the company expands into larger projects, requiring stronger iwi and community relationships,” Mr Atkinson said.

“We’re particularly excited by the Government’s KiwiBuild initiative, having already been in contact with the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development to highlight our exacting standards, experience and credentials in building high quality, high volume residential homes.”   

ABOUT TONY SEWELL

Following his involvement in the negotiation of the Ngāi Tahu Settlement signed in 1996, Tony Sewell served as Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Property until stepping down in 2015 to build his consulting business and take on a select number of directorships. 

Currently President of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Tony is also Chair of Business New Zealand, Deputy Chair of Hanmer Hot Pools and Director of Tama Asset Holding Company Limited. He is also a Chartered Director at the Institute of Directors of New Zealand.