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 has 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 tripping the light fantastic on the dance floor.
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 development and construction to the table. From overseeing complicated projects to organising charity events, there is nothing that this genuine multi-tasking machine cannot do, (and do well!). Outside of work hours, Josh can be found running a ridiculous amount of kms in an ultra-marathon, throwing down some right arm medium pace bowling on a Thursday and watching rugby, basketball, and most other sports.
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.
Liam Neil
Development Manager (BProp)
Liam is a jack of all trades, and no two days are the same for him. One day he’ll be handling development acquisitions and lodging and managing consents, and the next he’ll be project managing and taking care of development handovers. Outside of the office, Liam loves being a “girl dad”, spending time with his family, going on bush walks, and visiting the beach (especially Maraetai and Beachlands), which he’s lucky to say are just down the road from him.
David Kirkwood
Quantity Surveyor (BSc & QS)
David is the master of all things relating to quantity surveying. While tasks like assisting with initial construction budgets; tendering and appointing trades; assessing payment claims; and completing monthly bank drawdowns may fly over your head, his vast experience means he tackles these jobs head on and with ease. He considers himself a foodie and sporty – on the weekends he likes to try the best restaurants in town with his wife; have some beers with friends and family around the braai; go on hikes with his Staffy, Frank, and watch sports (he pays particular attention to the Springboks and likes watching them win World Cups).
Kyle Neil
Foreman (Certificate in Carpentry)
Kyle is a construction all-rounder. From doing interior fitouts to controlling the day-to-day running of trades, to running subs meetings, he’s got everything under control. Kyle is an outdoorsy person – which is why you’ll find him onsite most days – but he also likes being outside on the weekends. You’ll frequently find him either relaxing on the water fishing, or getting his adrenaline pumping while diving and hunting.
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 has 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 tripping the light fantastic on the dance floor.
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 development and construction to the table. From overseeing complicated projects to organising charity events, there is nothing that this genuine multi-tasking machine cannot do, (and do well!). Outside of work hours, Josh can be found running a ridiculous amount of kms in an ultra-marathon, throwing down some right arm medium pace bowling on a Thursday and watching rugby, basketball, and most other sports.
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.
Liam Neil
Development Manager (BProp)
Liam is a jack of all trades, and no two days are the same for him. One day he’ll be handling development acquisitions and lodging and managing consents, and the next he’ll be project managing and taking care of development handovers. Outside of the office, Liam loves being a “girl dad”, spending time with his family, going on bush walks, and visiting the beach (especially Maraetai and Beachlands), which he’s lucky to say are just down the road from him.
David Kirkwood
Quantity Surveyor (BSc & QS)
David is the master of all things relating to quantity surveying. While tasks like assisting with initial construction budgets; tendering and appointing trades; assessing payment claims; and completing monthly bank drawdowns may fly over your head, his vast experience means he tackles these jobs head on and with ease. He considers himself a foodie and sporty – on the weekends he likes to try the best restaurants in town with his wife; have some beers with friends and family around the braai; go on hikes with his Staffy, Frank, and watch sports (he pays particular attention to the Springboks and likes watching them win World Cups).
Kyle Neil
Foreman (Certificate in Carpentry)
Kyle is a construction all-rounder. From doing interior fitouts to controlling the day-to-day running of trades, to running subs meetings, he’s got everything under control. Kyle is an outdoorsy person – which is why you’ll find him onsite most days – but he also likes being outside on the weekends. You’ll frequently find him either relaxing on the water fishing, or getting his adrenaline pumping while diving and hunting.