5 Dec 2024

November 2024 marks a significant milestone for CKL's Tauranga office, as we celebrate five years of providing dedicated land development expertise to clients across the Bay of Plenty region. Since opening its doors in 2019 with a team of just two senior consultants, CKL Tauranga has grown steadily, now boasting a talented team of planners, surveyors, engineers, and environmental specialists.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Hub


The Tauranga office began as a small operation led by Alan Wilkinson and Mark Batchelor, who brought extensive local knowledge and industry experience. Their focus on building strong client relationships and providing tailored services quickly positioned CKL as a trusted partner in the region. Over the years, our team has expanded in both size and capabilities, now serving a diverse range of clients from private developers to local councils and government agencies.

A key part of this early success was the leadership of John Sternberg, who played an instrumental role as Branch Manager for three years. John’s focus on broadening the office's expertise—particularly in the areas of local government and three waters engineering—helped build a strong foundation for growth. Earlier this year, John stepped down from the Branch Manager role, passing the baton to Daniel Brown, who brings extensive experience in planning, land development and project management.

“We’ve seen good growth since day one,” reflects Daniel Brown, Tauranga Branch Manager and Planning Manager. “Our team’s expertise and commitment have been key to our success. We’re proud of the strong connections we’ve built with local clients, and the diverse projects we’ve been involved in – from complex multi-lot subdivisions to council infrastructure projects.”

A Strategic Move and Expanding Expertise


Earlier this year, CKL Tauranga relocated to The Vault at 53 Spring Street, a modern office space designed to accommodate our expanding team and better serve our clients. This move marked a new chapter of growth and opportunity for the office. The spacious new location offers enhanced facilities for collaboration and a convenient central location for clients to visit.

With the region’s increasing focus on urban development, CKL Tauranga has enjoyed supporting projects aligned with the local growth strategy. The team’s experience in civil and environmental engineering has positioned CKL as a leader in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and delivering innovative solutions.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future


As we look to the future, the Bay of Plenty continues to be a growth hub for urban development in New Zealand. CKL Tauranga is poised to meet the demand, with a team that is dedicated to delivering high-quality, tailored solutions.

Daniel Brown is optimistic about the next phase of growth: “We’ve built a strong foundation over the past five years, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. Our Tauranga team benefits from the expertise of the wider CKL team, with access to talented colleagues across our multi-disciplinary offices in Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Auckland, and Tauranga. This collaboration strengthens our ability to support the region’s development and continue making a positive impact in our community.”

Happy 5th anniversary, CKL Tauranga – here’s to many more years of growth, success, and community collaboration!

5 Years of CKL Tauranga: Building Success in the Bay of Plenty