Our People

Kaha Ake - Stronger Together. Symbolising Strength and Unity.

The Maori word "Kaha" translates to strength, and with the addition of "Ake," it brings a sense of emphasis, power, and connection to that strength. The name Kaha Ake—Stronger Together—symbolises the collective power achieved through collaboration.

Kaha Ake represents a powerful alliance. Classic Group's expertise in land development, combined with NZSF's financial stability, creates a robust and enduring partnership uniquely positioned to solve some of the property sector’s most complex and historic challenges.

In an industry grappling with affordability, limited land supply, lack of scale, inadequate infrastructure, and compliance hurdles, Kaha Ake aims to cut through the red tape, swiftly and substantially contributing to the supply of high-quality, affordable housing.

Who we are

Kaha Ake aims to transform housing development through strategic partnerships.

New Zealand Super Fund - Investment Partner

Established in 2001, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZSF) was created to strategically invest government funds, aiming for long-term growth to mitigate future superannuation expenses. NZSF is managed by the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, which functions as an autonomous Crown entity with distinct operational autonomy. While remaining accountable to the government, the Guardians exercise independent authority over investment decisions, overseen by a dedicated board.

Commencing investment in 2003, NZSF was initiated with a government contribution of $2.4 billion. Today, it has evolved into a substantial financial entity, boasting a valuation of $63.1 billion.

At the core of NZSF's strategy lies a commitment to cultivating a growth-oriented and diversified portfolio, leveraging its inherent strengths such as an extended time horizon and a tolerance for liquidity risks. By embracing a responsible investment framework, NZSF actively participates in a diverse array of investments both within New Zealand and on the global stage. This approach underscores NZSF's dedication to financial prosperity and responsible and sustainable investment practices.

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Classic Group - Investment Partner

Classic Group is an integrated development company providing services across the construction sector. Founded in the Bay of Plenty, the journey began in 1996 when Matt Lagerberg and Peter Cooney started Classic Builders. They saw a growing need in the market for quality, value-for-money homes built by honest and creative people.

Today, Classic Group is a top 3 residential builder and developer in New Zealand by volume, with more than 7,000 homes built over the past 25 years. The group operates nationwide and has a team of over 300, with their operational headquarters in the Bay of Plenty and corporate headquarters in Auckland.

While building has always been the group’s backbone, diversifying into land development and commercial construction swiftly followed. In more recent years, the focus has been on creating recurring revenue streams in retirement village build and operation, property investment and syndication, and asset management services.

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Classic Developments - Partnership Manager

Classic Developments, with a national presence, is driven by a clear vision: to build a better life for people every day. To achieve this, our teams strive to be industry leaders by developing land using innovative techniques and people-focused solutions.

We create developments that stand the test of time. Classic Developments has a proven track record of developing large-scale residential, commercial and industrial projects across the country. With our expertise and dedicated service we ensure each project exceeds expectations in quality and delivery.

We establish a solid foundation for your project to succeed from start to finish. With a clear vision, we help our partners recognise the potential of their land and unlock opportunities. We operate diligently, focusing on the sustainable management of resources and planning for the future of our environment.

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Responsible. Visionary. Intelligent. Kaha Ake’s board and executive team possess the experience, curiosity, and passion required to tackle some of New Zealand’s property sector's most complex issues. Collaborative and purpose-led, each is personally and professionally dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the sector's future.

Board of Directors

Partnership Managers

David Kennedy

Chairman & Direcctor

David is an experienced director and chief executive with a distinguished career in leadership roles. He has served as CEO for Ngāi Tahu Property, The Eden Park Trust, and St Lukes Group/Westfield NZ, and held senior positions at SKYCITY Entertainment Group.

He now concentrates on board directorships and some advisory consulting work. David has significant experience in the property and building sectors, and also in the entertainment sector.

David is on the board of Naylor Love Construction and The New Zealand Housing Foundation. David is Chair of Kaha Ake GP Ltd and Chair of Beachlands South GP Ltd (both roles as an independent Director/Chair on behalf of The New Zealand Superannuation Fund). He is also Chief Executive ofthe entity charged with delivering Canterbury’s new multi-use arena.

Katie Dean

Director

Katie is an ambitious and highly motivated Portfolio Manager at the NZ Super Fund, specializing in real estate and property investments. She manages various New Zealand direct investment real estate, development, and tourism portfolios for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation.

With a background in development, project management, and delivery, Katie holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons). She has over ten years of international experience leading teams through various stages of the project and investment life cycle.

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Peter Cooney

Director

Peter has been involved in property development for over 30 years with his experience spanning vast changes not only to the industry itself, but to the way New Zealand communities are now planned and constructed.

He started Classic Group in 1996 and fast forward Classic Builders stands tall as one of New Zealand's leading residential building companies. From our headquarters in Tauranga, Peter continues to steer the company alongside Matthew Lagerberg.

This afforded him extensive knowledge, experience, and involvement in property development across New Zealand. Peter’s natural eye for design coupled with his youthful enthusiasm, has helped him shake up the local Bay of Plenty building industry. While Peter has had everything to do with Classic Builders from its inception to help build it up to what we see today, he now firmly takes a strategic role.

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Kate Hatwell

Director

Kate is a Partner at Tompkins Wake, specialising in property and local government law. With extensive experience in leasing, commercial property transactions, and development agreements, Kate advises diverse clients across retail, commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. Of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, Kate has a strong focus on her own iwi interests and the wider Māori community and is a representative for her hapū Ngāwaero on Waipa District Council's consultative committee Ngā Iwi o Toopu o Waipā.

Kate is also deputy chair and trustee of the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT), a community-owned economic development fund dedicated to growth and development of business in the South Waikato. Recognized as a Recommended Lawyer in Real Estate and Construction by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Kate brings strong legal expertise and community leadership to her role.

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Matt Lagerberg

Manager

Matthew Lagerberg is the committed owner and dynamic force behind Classic Group, where he personally oversees every aspect of its operations. Known for his astute commercial strategy and execution, Matthew ensures that Classic Group consistently achieves high-quality outcomes that surpass stakeholder expectations.

His dedication extends beyond business achievements to fostering valuable opportunities that enrich communities across New Zealand. With a passion for innovation and a strong sense of responsibility, Matthews proactive approach to fostering growththat prioritizes the well-being of stakeholders.

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Steve Cutfield

Manager

With extensive experience spanning civil engineering, utilities, and land development within the construction industry, Steve is ideally suited as General Manager of Classic Developments. He has successfully managed a diverse array of projects in New Zealand and the UK, navigating complexities in planning, consenting, and project delivery.

Steve is renowned for his capacity to innovate and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and ensure sustainable outcomes while maintaining commercial viability and quality standards. His passion for creating affordable housing and supportive communities positions him well to contribute valuable insights into urban planning discussions in the Bay of Plenty. Additionally, Steve serves as the delivery manager for the partnership, further showcasing his leadership in project execution.

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A healthy pipeline

We're bringing almost 2000 lots to the market in some of NZ's best places to live

Made by Scratch

BUILD PARTNER

Classic Builders

Welcome to Classic Builders, where dreams come to life and houses become homes. With over 25 years of experience under our tool belts, we've proudly built over 7,500 homes for Kiwis just like you – and we're excited to turn thousands more dreams into reality.

BUILD PARTNER

Classic Kinect

You want a builder who works within your budget and timeline. A builder with a solid reputation. A builder who listens cares and guides you through each step of the process. We think that builder could be us. Why? Because we’ve been bringing Kiwi dreams to life for more than 26 years.

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