From its 10.8 hectare, high-profile site between Takapuna and the Northern Motorway, Smales Farm is well on track for its 2017 target of providing more than 100,000 square metres of office space for more than 8,000 knowledge workers - while contributing more than $700 million to the North Shore economy each year and influencing the creation of a further 35,000 jobs elsewhere in the region and beyond.
Behind those figures is a story which starts with providing high quality environmentally sound office buildings at a competitive commercial price, in a central location close to motorway and public transport and with plenty of parking.
But that, says Smales Farm director Greg Smale, really is just the start. "The vision of the Smale family is to provide the best place to work and do business in New Zealand. Aspiring to being 'best' has required us to really think through what that means.
"We think it means delivering the best to ALL our stakeholders: the people who work in our buildings, the companies who operate from our buildings, the North Shore community, local government and - in the widest sense - shouldering responsibility as good corporate citizens to make a positive contribution to the economy and country as a whole.
"Our competitive advantage comes from building the kind of environment where people actually want to go to work. Good design that attends to all the dimensions of the workplace is good business. Our tenant companies enjoy better staff retention - staff are smiling. HR managers are smiling, and chief financial officers are smiling. Positive energy is infectious."
Smales Farm general manager Daniel Henderson says that a big part of what makes Smales Farm different is the history of family ownership. The Smales family has owned the land through four generations. Today, Smales Farm directors, Greg, Bill and Chris Smale run the operation.
"This family history and continuity of vision is valued by tenants," Daniel Henderson says. "The security of private ownership, combined with a tight knit and approachable management team gives them the confidence to commit, with most tenants having 15-20 year leases."
"As a family owned business Smales Farm has the freedom to take a long view. Unlike many highly - leveraged property investment companies, we have the financial resources to invest for the future and carry through on a long term vision: Henderson says.
To date, the results are impressive. Blue chip tenants, including EDS, Telstra Clear, Toll and Sovereign report high employee satisfaction as Smales Farm delivers on the 'soft' dimensions of the workplace dynamic. Spacious, well designed buildings are warm in winter and cool in summer. Green spaces and thoughtful landscaping provide a park like feeling to the campus-like grounds. A growing number of facilities, including a restaurant, a coffee bar, a gymnasium and a creche provide a social dimension, well integrated with the workplace.
"Good business is where everyone wins," says Greg Smale. "It's not just about bricks and mortar. It's about having vision for a business environment which addresses all the dimensions which combines to deliver a truly excellent place to work and do business"
Print this article or Email to a friend