Our Team
We’ve been around for as long as we have thanks to our amazing team who bring with them a wealth of construction; development; design; and sales expertise.
Designing and developing properties has become second nature to our team, and we are working hard to create homes and investment properties you will love. The property industry has its ups and downs, but our more than 25 years of experience across all aspects of the property development process means we’re well-equipped to handle anything the future holds.
Robert Neil
Managing Director (LBP)
Robert is a licenced builder, founding member of Safari and all-round industry juggernaut. Highly engaged and exceptionally detailed, Rob is largely responsible for the strategic direction of all aspects of the business. From acquisitions to sales, there is no part of Safari that Rob doesn’t enjoy and understand intimately. When he’s not in meetings (which is rare), he can be found at Pakuranga Rugby Club, where he holds the distinguished position of Chairman.
Ian Pitham
Director of Finance (CA)
While accounting, cashflows, budgets and corporate regulations may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are most definitely Ian’s. This early riser is invariably in the office before the sun comes up and remains long after it’s gone down, leading his team of bean counters in the never-ending quest to make sense of the numbers. Outside of work, you might see this human dynamo flying along a quiet country road on his bike, playing squash or on the farm with his Alpacas.
Josh Van Veen
Senior Development Manager/Director (BProp)
In addition to his good looks and likeable personality, Josh brings a tremendous wealth of industry experience in both construction and development to the table. From overseeing complicated projects to mentoring junior staff, there is nothing that this genuine multitasking machine cannot do, (and do well!). Outside of work hours, Josh can be found ripping down forestry roads on his mountain bike at remarkable pace (not so much pace up the hills)
Richard De Groot
Director of Construction (LBP)
Simply put, Rich has a staggering amount of construction experience that he draws upon daily to provide guidance and oversight to all construction related activities and personnel. From budgeting and sub-contractor agreements, through to programming and quality control, Rich loves the process and the relationships that are built along the way. If the sun is shining and the tide is high, you might catch a glimpse of Rich and his family as they approach the speed of sound on their jet ski.
Robert Neil
Managing Director (LBP)
Robert is a licenced builder, founding member of Safari and all-round industry juggernaut. Highly engaged and exceptionally detailed, Rob is largely responsible for the strategic direction of all aspects of the business. From acquisitions to sales, there is no part of Safari that Rob doesn’t enjoy and understand intimately. When he’s not in meetings (which is rare), he can be found at Pakuranga Rugby Club, where he holds the distinguished position of Chairman.
Ian Pitham
Director of Finance (CA)
While accounting, cashflows, budgets and corporate regulations may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are most definitely Ian’s. This early riser is invariably in the office before the sun comes up and remains long after it’s gone down, leading his team of bean counters in the never-ending quest to make sense of the numbers. Outside of work, you might see this human dynamo flying along a quiet country road on his bike, playing squash or on the farm with his Alpacas.
Josh Van Veen
Senior Development Manager/Director (BProp)
In addition to his good looks and likeable personality, Josh brings a tremendous wealth of industry experience in both construction and development to the table. From overseeing complicated projects to mentoring junior staff, there is nothing that this genuine multitasking machine cannot do, (and do well!). Outside of work hours, Josh can be found ripping down forestry roads on his mountain bike at remarkable pace (not so much pace up the hills)
Richard De Groot
Director of Construction (LBP)
Simply put, Rich has a staggering amount of construction experience that he draws upon daily to provide guidance and oversight to all construction related activities and personnel. From budgeting and sub-contractor agreements, through to programming and quality control, Rich loves the process and the relationships that are built along the way. If the sun is shining and the tide is high, you might catch a glimpse of Rich and his family as they approach the speed of sound on their jet ski.