Building Across Earth and Water

Proving to be a cornerstone of community-driven property development

With over 70 years of legacy and experience, Hopper Developments has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of community-driven property development in New Zealand. Today, the company is led by CEO Andy Grey, a third-generation family member behind the business. From the scenic shores of the Coromandel Peninsula to the thriving hubs of Whangarei and Whangaparaoa, this family-owned enterprise has been quietly shaping some of the country’s most iconic residential and lifestyle communities.

Founded in the 1950s by Andy Grey’s grandfather and great-uncle, the company began as a civil construction firm specialising in road construction in and around Whangaparaoa. Eventually, they expanded into subdivision work and started developing their family farmland. Over the decades, Hopper Developments has become synonymous with community and amenity-focused, high-quality developments across the Hibiscus Coast, Coromandel Peninsula, North Auckland and beyond.

Charting new waters: canal communities
The company’s first major expansion came in 1967 when it acquired land in Pauanui. Over the years, Hopper Developments has built nearly 3,000 to 4,000 properties in Pauanui alone. “There’s a strong association with our family in that town,” Andy explains. “We opened our first canal development there in 1993 and completed the last stage of that project last year.”

Building on that success, the company launched a second canal development in 2001 in Whitianga. “We’re about halfway through that one,” Andy shares. “It’s an evolution of the Pauanui project, but far more multifaceted with infrastructure to cater for permanent living. It includes residential housing, a marina precinct, a medical centre, commercial spaces, and even a retirement village. It’ll eventually have around 1,500 dwellings.”

Legacy is a recurring theme in the Hopper Developments story. Andy points to their third major canal project in Marsden Cove, Whangarei, where they plan to deliver about 800 dwellings, including a retirement village. “Our projects are long-term commitments, and that’s reflected in how personally invested we are. In fact, I have family living in every one of our major developments, and I’ve just secured a site myself at Hobbs Bay Estate. If ‘putting your money where your mouth is’ means anything, that’s it!”

Creating places to belong

That long-term mindset extends to the company’s approach to aged care, a sector Hopper Developments has embraced with the same dedication and foresight that defines its residential projects. The company opened its first retirement village in Orewa between 2001 and 2007, strategically developed on land previously subdivided from a large estuary fronted farm known as Maygrove. What began as a thoughtful extension of their residential footprint soon evolved into a thriving community, complete with an aged care hospital that offers specialised medical and personal care to its residents and the wider community.

Since 2018, Hopper Developments has significantly expanded its presence in this space with the launch of three additional retirement villages. These newer communities reflect the company’s evolving understanding of aging in place, offering modern facilities, increased recreational options, and strong ties to the surrounding neighborhoods. Some of these villages are integrated into Hopper’s more significant canal housing developments, seamlessly blending multigenerational living environments with lifestyle amenities and waterfront access. This integration not only meets market demand but also creates vibrant communities that foster connectivity and well-being.

Andy, who stepped into the CEO role 18 months ago following a long-serving executive and, after many years  of family stewardship, leads the company with continuity and a clear sense of purpose. “I have two cousins involved in the business, one in project management and another in sales and marketing,” he explains. “Our civil construction firm is also a family-run business. There is a deep family entrenchment in everything we do.”

Teatime to teamwork

Family values and accessibility shape the company’s workplace culture in meaningful and practical ways. “We have morning and afternoon teas together every day. It keeps the structure flat and the communication flowing,” Andy says. These gatherings are more than just routine breaks; they serve as informal forums where employees from all levels can interact, share ideas, and connect on a personal level. “It’s a very open environment. People are welcome to walk into my office at any time. We no longer have a receptionist. It’s just that kind of place.” This approachability and open-door policy reflect the company’s core belief in inclusion, transparency, and mutual respect. The result is a workplace where individuals feel heard, valued, and part of something greater than themselves.

Those values are deeply embedded in how the company ensures quality and innovation across its projects. Andy emphasises that Hopper Developments strives to be “dynamic and nimble,” a philosophy rooted in the company’s heritage. His grandfather instilled a foundational ethos: do things right the first time, “do it right, do it once.”. That ethos continues to guide the team today.

Andy explains that the company champions internal slogans, such as “Life isn’t a dummy run”, which was taken from a television interview conducted with his uncle Leigh Hopper from his boat within Whitianga Waterways. These slogans serve as both motivational and philosophical pillars and empower employees to think beyond the conventional, take ownership of their ideas, and find innovative ways to enhance the living environments they help create.

Living bigger lives

“We develop a feature-rich product,” Andy explains. We’re always striving to add value for our customers by creating environments with more recreational options and amenities. It’s about helping people live bigger lives.” At Hopper Developments, this philosophy is expressed through everything from walkable communities and green spaces to waterfront access and integrated public areas. The aim is to offer more than just a place to live—it’s about creating destinations that foster joy, activity, and connection. Whether it’s a family-friendly park or a beach side waterfront café, every feature is designed with long-term livability in mind.

The team is also dedicated to sustainable development. “Water quality is a top priority in our canal developments,” Andy says. With vast experience in managing marine environments, Hopper Developments adheres to rigorous resource consents that govern the protection of local ecosystems. Measures are implemented to monitor and maintain water clarity, prevent the spread of invasive species, and promote the health of aquatic life. “It’s not just about compliance,” Andy adds. It’s about creating environments that people want to swim in—and that will continue to perform this way into the future.

Landscaping is another core element of their sustainable approach. Hopper Developments invests heavily in green infrastructure, not only for its visual appeal but also for the environmental benefits it brings. “The greener you can get an environment—whether it’s a subdivision or a retirement village—the better people feel about it,” Andy notes.

Public reserves and recreational spaces are woven into the master plans of all major projects. The company frequently collaborates with councils to offer land for sports fields, playgrounds, and community facilities, reinforcing its commitment to long-term community enrichment. These contributions are more than just planning requirements—they are a key part of Hopper’s identity, helping to ensure that developments remain vibrant and valued parts of the broader region for generations to come.

Referrals and relationships

Community engagement is not just a checkbox at Hopper Developments; it’s central to their success. “When you’re developing destinations, not just properties, you need to entrench yourself in the local community,” Andy emphasizes. “You have to understand what makes the community tick.”

That sense of connection becomes particularly vital in their retirement village developments, where word-of-mouth referrals drive many sales. We focus on selling through referrals. These are stronger, more enduring relationships. A preferred buyer tends to stay longer, which builds momentum in the community.

Partnerships also play an essential role in Hopper’s approach. Though the company is a civil contractor, it does not build the homes in its retirement villages. Instead, it seeks out strong local builders through a competitive selection process, partnering with those who share its quality standards. If we can secure a reliable build partner, it will be a significant step toward successfully executing a 7- to 10-year development project.

Innovating lifestyle living

Looking to the future, Andy sees steady progression across multiple fronts for Hopper Developments. “Two of our canal housing projects still have years of development ahead,” he says. “They’re part of our long-term commitment to shaping lifestyle destinations, not just subdivisions. We’ve learned to pace these developments in a way that supports their seamless integration with both the local community and the natural environment.”

Adding to the company’s innovative portfolio, Hopper is also planning a groundbreaking product in Whitianga. “We’re exploring the launch of a freehold marina title attached to a small property holding,” Andy shares. It will be a first for New Zealand, and we’re excited to introduce something so unique to the market. This new offering aligns with our broader vision of lifestyle and waterfront living, and we’re confident it will appeal to a niche yet growing demographic of buyers seeking something truly special.”

Meanwhile, the retirement village side of the business is gaining momentum. Andy notes, “We’re expecting to complete two of the three villages currently under development within the next five years. These projects go beyond simply providing housing for seniors—they’re about creating lively, well-supported communities where people feel a true sense of connection and belonging. Achieving that takes thoughtful planning, continuous collaboration with our partners, and a deep commitment to quality and care.

As the company scales up, it is also maturing at the executive level. “We’re working on becoming a more professional family organisation,” Andy says. That doesn’t mean losing our family values—it means structuring ourselves in a way that allows us to confidently manage complex, stakeholder-heavy projects, such as large-scale retirement communities. This evolution is about increasing transparency, consistency, and trust at every level of our operations. It’s about future-proofing our leadership while staying true to our roots.”

At a Glance

Who: Hopper Developments Ltd

What: A property development company specializing in creating exceptional lifestyle communities, including residential and retirement properties.

Where: Head office: Orewa, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: www.hoppers.co.nz & www.hopperliving.co.nz

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