Words Liz French Images Byrdie Thompson
Now in its 18th year, Thorne Group determinedly upholds the values Bob Thorne lived by when he started developing and building homes in Tauranga in the late 1990s. Formally established in 2007, Thorne Group (TG) Homes is run by Bob’s children and close friends.
Bob and Judy Thorne moved to Tauranga from New Plymouth when their two children, Lisa and Aaron, were small.
Bob conducted business on the belief that what goes round comes round and that it is always good business to leave something in it for the next person. Sadly, Bob died in early 2020, before completion of his flagship development, Urban Ridge, a project very close to his heart.
It is now 25 years since Bob turned the first turf and Thorne Group are working on constructing the final few homes in stage seven of the 22-hectare Urban Ridge development which spans an area between Brookfield and Bethlehem, bordering the 60-hectare Carmicheal Reserve.
Big ideas for small sites
In creating Urban Ridge, Bob overturned the ‘Kiwi quarter acre’ mentality by proving that compact sites could shine, with well-designed homes situated near amenities and green spaces. While similar developments frequently feature replicas of the same design, Bob determined that each home would be uniquely different, maximise thermal energy, exhibit the ‘wow factor’, and provide multiple private outdoor living choices. Initially popular with older people who wanted less space and higher specifications, Urban Ridge has also attracted young families with low maintenance homes and grounds located in close proximity to education, recreation and retail.
Lisa Buck (née Thorne) remembers her father working passionately on Urban Ridge. “He’d even visit on weekends to chat with residents and water the grass!”
The success of Urban Ridge became the subject of a case study by the Centre for Housing Research Aotearoa New Zealand. The 25-page report featured the reasons residents loved the quality and individuality of their homes, the overriding theme being the sense of community derived here. Bob would have been quietly delighted at the way Urban Ridge residents pulled together and supported each other during the Covid lockdowns in 2020.
By working alongside his father on this and other projects, Aaron Thorne learned the intricacies of land development, resource consents, complicated geotechnical issues and the many fundamentals that must be dealt with before any titles are issued or foundations laid. This provided excellent grounding for his future role as Managing Director at Thorne Group.
After graduating university Lisa travelled overseas and, along with her husband Peter Buck, worked for multi-national companies, he in banking and finance and she in marketing (Lion Nathan, Elizabeth Arden to name a couple). During stints in both Sydney and London, Lisa also studied interior design. She always knew though that her destiny was the family business. She’s loved working alongside interior designers, always pushing the boundaries and creating style differentiation, even if she does find it frustrating that their innovations are frequently copied. “As they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery,” she says, laughing.
In 2007 when brothers-in-law Aaron and Peter saw an opportunity to combine their skills with those of good friend Gavin Morrow, a builder with an interest in environmental sustainability, Thorne Group (TG) Homes was officially established.
In 2007–2008 the Global Financial Crisis hit, and the subsequent years have brought both high-highs and the lowest of lows. Through it all, Thorne Group is grateful to all the people they have worked for and with, who have helped them weather their business and personal storms. Many of their clients have become friends, and their colleagues in the industry have supported and cheered them on to achieve multiple House of the Year awards.
Bob would be proud to see proof of his legacy in the values instilled in the company, which has been recognised as Most Trusted Builder in the Bay of Plenty for three years in a row.
Into the future
Bob was so personal in his dealings that he may not have anticipated how much technology could enhance the building experience. “It’s been a game changer,” says Lisa, explaining how technology complements their face-to-face interaction. “Our systems and tools are used to keep clients engaged and informed about their project and enable our people to focus on delivering personalised and dedicated service.”
Thorne Group limit the number of projects they take on at any one time to enable them to maintain the high quality of their product, craftsmanship, attention to detail and respect for the people who have put their trust in them. This ensures they stay true to their legacy as a family-owned and operated business and deliver on their vision to Exceed Expectations Everytime.
Thorne Group Homes
41 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui
www.thornegroup.co.nz
