55
COROMANDEL LIFE
SUMMER 2014
Anyone can call themselves a master in their
trade, but in New Zealand, you have to deliver
quality and sound business practices to
become a member of the Registered Master
Builders Association.
This association recently recognised Whitianga
builder Damian Percival of Percival Construction
with a gold award for their 2013 Regional House
of the Year awards in the Nulook New Homes
$600,000 - $1 million category.
“It was the first time we have entered a home
into the competition,” says Damian. “It’s exciting
to be recognised for outstanding workmanship.
I am proud of the guys and all of the local sub-
contractors we used on the project. This award
reflects the quality and depth of people we have
here on the Peninsula.”
The original Hahei bach has been in the family
for generations and is now owned by the three
Flexman siblings, James, Andrew and Emma,
each married with children. It no longer fit the
requirements of their growing families and more
space was needed.
James said they began construction in January
of 2012. Why choose Percival Construction?
“We had two key criteria”, James explains.
“Firstly, as this was an architecturally designed
house and has been highly spec’ed – it was
important to engage an experienced builder.
Secondly, as we live in Auckland it was not
possible to visit the site regularly, so it was
crucial to us to engage someone who was a
proven and experienced project manager. As an
experienced project manager myself, I had set
a high threshold.”
The clients appreciated that Damian kept
them informed of ongoing progress with onsite
technology including emails and photos. “This
is key when clients are absent and it facilitates
decision making,” said Damian.
While wandering the Hahei beach area looking for the Wigmore burial cairn (see story p14) we stumbled upon
this gorgeous beach front house and realised it was built by one of our advertisers, Damian Percival. We later
discovered it had recently won an award and been featured in December’s NZ House and Garden.
Award-winning
Hahei home
PERCIVAL
CONSTRUCTION
RECOGNISED
FOR
EXCELLENCE
Joining Damian Percival at the
ceremony to accept the House of
the Year Award were wife Rekha
(far right), house owners Jeremy
and Emma Burn of Auckland
(centre), and project architect
Tim McCoy of McCoy & Heine
Architects (far left).
View Percival projects a
The Flexman’s project
is a modern variation
on the kiwi bach –
stylish and striking.
The modern home,
which also won a
regional architectural
award, disturbs little
of the natural grassy
sandy landscape.
The large expanse of windows and glass doors
not only slide open widely to admit the sea
breezes, they reflect the sky and landscape.
Modern overall lines are tempered with use of
oiled cedar cladding and grass topped steps.
Since founding the company in 2009 Damian
has been busy on a range of projects on
the peninsula – from major alterations and
additions to architecturally designed houses.
He has also worked on complex high-end
residential new builds and light commercial
projects in both Auckland and England.
The History of Tairua’s Troubadours
In 1992 Doreen Cory-Wright established the Tairua Troubadours
with the intention to raise funds by way of entertainment. Also as
one of the initiators of the Care and Friendship Club, she wanted
to raise money for the van and its upkeep.
Over its 21 years, the Troubadours has raised over $70,000 for
community organisations and clubs, with the hall building fund
receiving the most, some $20,000. The hall’s chairs for instance
were gifted by the Troubadours.
Cyn Ernest wrote most of the productions in those 10+ early years
with Jackie Wood and Gloria Adam directing. In 2006 journalist
Jennie Turner came on board and has been writing and direct-
ing since. “Each year the group would gather together local folk,
some willing, some not,”, Jennie says. “We’d throw an original
script at them, some costumes on them, and produce a show
from next to nothing.”
Over the years the ‘every increasing’ wardrobe has been housed
in a number of places, but now, thanks to the TCDC, they have
a solid home that is open to the public for hire of costumes. ‘The
Wardrobe’ as it’s known, has an impressive selection of outfits
that can cover most themes of parties in and around Tairua.
or ema
insanely
good coffee
Winner 14 NZ Coffee Awards
Tairua Troubadours
raises $10,000 in 2013
Each year the Troubadours performs
an original show written by award-
winning local playwright Jennie
Turner. Her 2013 creation,
The Last
Resort
, was a scripted musical
comedy enjoyed by over 700
audience members. Troubadours
attract bigger crowds every year
with buses and vans from several
neighbouring townships.
Tairua Community Hall transformed
into a 5-star, all inclusive resort
situated atop the majestic Paku.
International guests jetted in for
a weekend of sun, sea and that
Coromandel magic, enjoying local
attractions, evening cabaret and
corny jokes.
The large cast included 30 Tairua
locals, including children. They come
together for a few of months to sing
and have fun, whilst benefitting local
volunteer community groups. Be on
the lookout! Jennie says she already
has a show written for July.
Proceeds from this year’s production went to
the Tairua Information Centre ($5,000), Tairua
Pauanui Search and Rescue ($2,000), Tairua
Pauanui Cancer Support Group ($2,000), and
the Tairua Pauanui Surf Lifesaving ($1,000).
Staff at “The Last Resort” was keen to entertain the guests.
Tairua Troubadours
Around & About the Coromandel
