AGM. DAMIEN, AND DEFECTS

 

Well, the pictures might bring back memories for some!

Courtesy of Judy Myers, they are of a Christmas past, sometime in the eighties.  The faces are unfamiliar to me, but I would love identification.

Well, down to business.  The AGM was surprisingly well attended, considering that so many shareholders are living in alternative accommodation. It was a well mannered and very attentive crowd, too.

Two directors left the Board after years of dedication -- Steve Cantwell and Sally Schoon.  They have done great service, and we thank them and hope they enjoy that extra leisure time.  From experience, I now know that directors work very hard indeed. A third who left was Sue Perry, who filled in when we needed a quorum, even though she was in England most of the time, which was very much appreciated. 

Four new ones were voted in -- Geoff Fougere, Camille Dentrice, Chris Garrett and Mike Underhill.  This brings the Board up to six:

Ken Geard (chair) 021 312 873

Camille Dentice    021 328 049
Geoff Fougere       021 114 9560
Mike Underhill     027 442 8622
Chris Garrett         021 428 626
Joan Druett           021 135 0040

Damien

We also learned that Damien Courtney, our much appreciated Building Manager, has handed in his resignation and will leave us on 12 March 2026.

As he reminisced to me, "I took on the role thinking I would take it for a couple of years, not realizing what a long road it would turn out to be."

So, why has he persevered?

"Out of loyalty to all shareholders, many of whom have become friends, I always envisaged that I would stay working at Herbert Gardens until a project was passed by shareholders to remediate the building. Little did we all know how long this would take!"

But, as he added, "I feel content with myself that I persevered and feel now that I can move on and have no regrets with myself that I stayed the distance. I am proud of the fact that Herbert Gardens is finally on the road to recovery and that I was somewhat involved in securing the building's future."

Damien was certainly involved, from organising carparks, to supervising the moving and storage of furniture, to the suggesting of alternative accommodation. As top level apartments were handed back to their owners, he organised the letting of some to residents who wanted to move back into the building until their own apartments were ready. He has been totally kind, attentive, and patient, and we will miss him.  And certainly wish him the best of luck for the future.

Defects

At the AGM several shareholders raised concerns about the quality (or lack) of remediation of perceived defects, and the delay in attending to them even after the need was recognised by TBIG and Aoraki.

So far, there has been a set system. 

First, a survey by the architects before handover. Any defects detected printed up in a document that was handed to the shareholder.

Second, the shareholder could make a list of any defects that were not recorded by the architects, and this was assessed by TBIG and Aoraki.

Third, accepted defects were remediated.  As the priority for Aoraki is the main project, there is often a delay of two or more weeks before time can be found to get this done.

Fourth, defects that were not remediated become a matter for consideration by HGL. This may involve costs for either HGL or the shareholder.  It is part of the assessment process.

The fact that this system appears to have fallen down, as attested by those who spoke up at the meeting, is being treated with grave consideration by the Board.  The shareholders involved are being contacted, and the failure of the system will be discussed at the next Board meeting, on Monday 15 December.

Hopefully, this will be resolved to the satisfaction of all.  Meantime, enjoy the Christmas Party pictures.  And the currently gorgeous weather.