People
We pride ourselves on delivering high quality buildings as well as managing the development process to deliver projects that show our attention to detail and love for property development.
Our approach
Our employees love all things property and we have a wide range of expertise from our in-house property specialists. Our senior team combined with our market leading professional advisors allow us to be involved in any project that suits our investment criteria.
Our team
Matt New www
Matthew Ellingham Director & Construction Manager
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    Matt Ellingham is a director of MAKO, establishing the business in 2003. Matt has worked in the building industry for more than quarter of a century and has extensive design and build expertise.

    Matt has a deep understanding of architecture, urban design principles, as well as structural and civil engineering. He has project-managed industrial and commercial developments, residential apartments, retail centres, education and health care facilities, and retirement and aged care villages.


    He spent his early years ‘on the tools’ and is a qualified carpenter by trade. If Matt’s not at work, you’ll find him dirt-bike riding or fishing.
Ryan Keogh www
Ryan Keogh Group Chief Executive Officer
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    Ryan has a passion for Property investment, development and the construction industry. He originally trained as a carpenter before progressing into various construction leadership roles in Dunedin and more recently in Queenstown.

    Ryan has studied Quantity Surveying, Construction Management and Business at Massey University and Otago Polytechnic. He has extensive experience in Project Management of commercial property developments including hotels, custodial and educational facility's, apartments, office buildings and retail centres.

    When he is not in the office you will likely find him outside cycling or running in preparation for the next multisport event or on the Ski field.
James Ciurlionis www
James Ciurlionis General Manager
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    James joined MAKO Commercial as Director and General Manager in 2016. He began his career in construction after receiving a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying from Unitec.

    Over the past 10 years James has accumulated a wealth of experience in the construction and property sectors, working for both subcontractors and main contractors before joining MAKO.

    James strength lays in the commercial and financial management of large and complex construction projects. He is also a strong leader to the experienced MAKO team.
    Outside of the office James is a keen golfer who can be found across a range of courses in and around Auckland, walking his German Shepherds.
MAKO Dennis Xia WWW
Dennis Xia Chief Financial Officer
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    Dennis is a Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and joined Matvin Group in May 2022 as Chief Financial Officer.

    Dennis has 14 years’ experience working across a variety of industries in public practice. He works collaboratively with businesses to develop a best-in-class finance function to protect assets and value, and provide timely and quality insights to support decision making.

    Outside of work, Dennis is a keen follower of the All Blacks and basketball.
MAKO Iris Jiao WWW
Iris Jiao Junior Accountant
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    Iris holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, majoring in Accounting and Finance. She is a provisional member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and is working towards qualification. During her undergraduate studies, she was involved in the construction industry and found a great passion to progressing her career within the industry.


    She enjoys the sun and loves to try all kinds of outdoor exercises like snowboarding, diving and hiking.
MAKO Julia Marsh WWW
Julia Marsh Group Administrator
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    Julia’s background is in administration and accounting and she spent many years working for an accounting firm.

    If she’s not in the office, she is most likely enjoying the sun with friends, and in winter you’ll find her on the mountain.
MAKO Ryan Daniels WWW
Ryan Daniels Commercial Manager, The Botanic Silverdale
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    Ryan holds a National Diploma in Building and a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying. Ryan’s career started back in South Africa, working for developers and construction companies where he was involved in various sectors within the industry such as residential developments, commercial, education, industrial, healthcare and fitouts/refurbishments.
    When he is not in the office, you will find him on the golf course or spending time with his wife, kids and friends.
MAKO Leon Sandford WWW
Leon Sandford Senior Quantity Surveyor
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    Leon has been heavily involved in several MAKO developments including large residential, commercial and retail projects. Prior to joining MAKO, Leon spent six years working for NZ Strong Construction, a large, main contractor in Auckland, and gained experience in Commercial, Infrastructure and Healthcare projects.

    Leon’s career began ‘on the tools’ as a residential builder, before he completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Project Management, and a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying.
    He has an eye for detail and understands the intricacies of what’s involved in the construction of commercial facilities.

    If he’s not in the office, you’ll probably find him with friends in the Bay of Islands, with a fishing rod in his hands.
Peter Blick www
Peter Blick Senior Quantity Surveyor
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    Peter has a mix of residential, commercial, and fit-out experience with over eight years working as a QS in construction. He holds a Bachelor of Construction majoring in Construction Economics from Unitec. Peter joins us from 505 Construction and prior to that worked for Maycroft and Hawkins in Wellington, he has also worked in London and Sydney at the start of his career.

    When Peter is not on-site, he enjoys spending time with his young family and their new puppy.
Ryan Lepoidevin www
Ryan Le Poidevin Quantity Surveyor
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    Ryan has a Bachelor of Construction from Massey University, with a major in Quantity Surveying. His background is in modular construction and roofing, and he has a particular interest in large commercial projects.

    Outside of work, Ryan enjoys golf and a range of other sports and activities.
Gerard Drum www
Gerard Drum Services Manager
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    Gerard has more than 25 years’ experience in the construction sector, amassing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the design and construction of infrastructure, and complex commercial and industrial projects in health, transport, pharma, education and entertainment.

    He holds a Master’s Degree in Building Services Engineering and Renewable Energy and is particularly interested in the construction of energy efficient, smart buildings. Gerard specialises in building services engineering, sustainability, and the utilisation of technology in construction in the vertical built environment.

    Gerard is experienced at communicating with a wide range of stakeholders and is adept at identifying and communicating risk and opportunities in highly complex builds.
Abby Lye www
Abby Lye Project Administrator
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    Abby has several years administrative experience in the construction industry, and was also involved in supporting a start-up kitchen and bathroom-ware company. If she is not at work, Abby is with her two daughters who keep her busy.
Grant Read www
Grant Read Senior Site Manager
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    Grant is a trade-qualified carpenter with 30 years industry experience. He is a licensed building practitioner and has been a member of Certified Builders for over 10 years.

    His eye for detail and design compliments his extensive experience in renovation, new builds and commercial construction. Outside of work Grant has a passion for cars and restoring vintage BMX bikes.
Nick Direen www
Nick Direen Senior Site Manager
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    Nick is an experienced carpenter and first learnt his trade at Otago Polytechnic before completing an apprenticeship working in residential construction. He spent three years as a foreman, before he travelled to Nauru to work on Australia’s refugee detention centres, an airport upgrade, schools and a prison.

    Nick later moved to Auckland to work in project and site management on a number of residential and education developments.

    Outside of work, Nick will be playing golf, watching rugby or traveling home to see friends and family.
Sam www
Samuel Giddings Senior Site Manager
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    Sam has worked in the construction industry for 20 years. After finishing school, he began his carpentry apprenticeship with BCITO. During this time, Sam had the opportunity to work on some challenging and exciting projects in Auckland, such as the Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Waitakere Hospital, and Whangaparaoa College.

    Sam qualified and started his own business working on small projects and refurbishments for a few years. However, he soon realised he wanted to work on larger projects and decided to transition into site management. During this time, he managed and successfully delivered bespoke projects such as theatres, airport extensions, multi-use office spaces, and apartments ranging from $50m to $200m+.

    When Sam is not working, he enjoys spending time with his kids, playing golf, or watching Formula 1.
Eli Main www
Elijah Main Site Manager
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    Eli is a trade-qualified carpenter with over 15 years’ experience in commercial and residential construction in Auckland. In 2017, he began working at MAKO as a builder and since then has led a number of teams and building precast panels onsite. Eli has been involved in making over 300 panels while at Mako.

    He is very proud to be involved in managing the first stage of The Botanic Silverdale, a $480m aged care development on the Hibiscus Coast. Eli says he’s grown up on construction sites and has followed in his father’s footsteps who is also a builder.
Cameron www
Cameron Tocher Site Manager
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    It all started for Cameron’s Construction career 10 years ago as a skilled labourer on the Waterview tunnel project, there he found a passion for construction and completed a building apprenticeship whilst working for a high-end residential building company. He then had his arm twisted to take on a position as a site foreman for a group housing residential builder. From here on he moved up the ranks to Project Manager, delivering blocks of terrace houses and walk-up apartments in recent years.

    Cameron has done enough residential projects for now, which is what led him to MAKO, as he is looking forward to feasting on the challenges of Commercial Construction.

    When Cameron is not under the pump on site, he spends his time fishing, playing golf, riding dirt bikes and family time with his newly born son.
MAKO Bradley Goldstone WWW
Bradley Goldstone Assistant Site Manager
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    Originally from Tauranga, Bradley studied a Bachelor of Construction at Massey University, Over the past four years Bradley has been involved in various types of projects in the commercial sector.

    Out of the office Bradley can be found spending time with family, at the lake in the summer or on the ski field in the winter.
Shay Narayan www
Shay Narayan Health, Safety and Environmental Manager
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    Shay holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Exercise Physiology from the University of Auckland and has also completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management. Having worked as a rehab specialist treating injuries, Shay built an interest in accident prevention, which subsequently led him to pursue a career in Health, Safety and Wellness.

    Prior experience at a construction company that built retirement villages and Kainga-ora developments made Shay realised his true passion lies in a more commercial environment, making MAKO the perfect fit. Outside of work, Shay is a keen hiker and has recently picked up golf.
Darrian www
Darrian Holten Health and Safety Coordinator
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    Darrian has a Bachelor of Science from Massey University with a double major in Physiology and Exercise, and Sports Science. She interned for the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team at Watercare and later returned to Watercare as a Health and Safety Consultant for Injury Prevention Management.

    Darrian loves road tripping around New Zealand with her dog, Bindi, and surfing and hiking.
MAKO Frank Van Helmond WWW
Frank Van Helmond Plant Manager
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    Frank has been in the plant management industry for over 18 years and has experience in both the Bay of Plenty and Auckland. Prior to his move into the construction equipment sector, Frank worked in the recruitment sector in both Auckland and London.

    Outside of work, Frank is into his classic American cars and loves to take his Pontiac out for a spin whenever he can! He is also a keen fisherman and enjoys watching his step-daughter play top-level Touch Rugby for New Zealand and Counties Manukau.
Vicky www
Vicky Li Data Entry Administrator
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    Vicky has 15 years of administrative experience; she holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Otago University. She entered this industry couple of years ago as an administrator in an electrical company, now she joined MAKO as part of the administration team.

    When Vicky is not in the office, she enjoys her family time with her two daughters.
Chloe Lester www1
Chloe Lester Cadet Project Manager
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    Chloe began her journey in construction studying Architecture in the UK, after moving to New Zealand she completed New Zealand Diplomas in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.

    When she’s not on site, Chloe is kept busy by her two young children.
Brooklyn www
Brooklyn Bonham Cadet Quantity Surveyor
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    Brooklyn joined the MAKO Commercial team as a Cadet Quantity Surveyor after winning the 2022 MAKO Future Leaders Scholarship. He has a Bachelor of Construction from Massey University, majoring in Quantity Surveying.

    The seeds of his construction journey were sown on his father’s property developments. He spent six years labouring, and in that time he fell in love with construction, property and development and investment. Brooklyn is a highly motivated and ambitious person who is always eager to grow and learn.

    If he’s not at work, you can find him on the rugby pitch, in the gym, or bouncing between extreme sports to keep his adrenaline pumping.
Alex www
Alex Malatios Cadet Site Manager
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    Alex started his journey in construction at Unitec North Shore, studying a pre-trade course. He is a Trade Qualified Carpenter and has 10 plus years’ experience in the construction industry, working in high end residential. Alex has made the move to MAKO commercial to challenge himself and to further his knowledge in construction.

    When he’s not on site, he spends time with his wife and two young daughters.
Jason Lin www
Jason Lin Cadet Quantity Surveyor
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    Jason joined MAKO as a Cadet Quantity Surveyor and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Urban Valuation from Massey University. He is now studying for a Bachelor of Construction in Quantity Surveying.

    In the past, Jason has held positions in the building material supply chain, and in commercial property data management.

    In his spare time, Jason enjoys fishing and basketball.
Maverick www
Maverick Hayes Cadet Quantity Surveyor
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    Maverick joined MAKO after receiving the 2023 MAKO Future Leaders Scholarship. Currently he is completing a Bachelor of Construction at Massey University and will graduate at the end of 2023.

    Quantity Surveying combines his passion for both construction and working with numbers. Maverick has experience working on residential construction projects and has worked for his family’s earthmoving business. He is eager to continue learning about construction and property development and one day hopes to design and build his own dream home.

    Outside of work Maverick enjoys spending time on his family’s farm, fishing and training for triathlons.
Areas of work