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Jo Bridge
Jo Bridge is Sales and Marketing Manager at The Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna. We asked her a few questions about her career and the Spencer on Byron.
Channel Magazine: Please tell us in two or three sentences about your background and your role at Spencer on Byron Hotel:
Jo Bridge: I entered the workforce as a hairdresser; I later worked in some exciting industries in various roles, including for Columbia Tri-Star (Sony Pictures) and managing an international super yacht organisation based in Auckland. After having our twin girls, Chloe & Georgia, I moved into hospitality, working for Auckland Racing Club and the Pullman Hotel, before joining The Spencer on Bryon Hotel as Business Development Manager. I was promoted to my current role at the end of last year.
CM: Please tell us about The Spencer on Byron Hotel.
JB: ‘A resort-style hotel, with one of the best locations in Auckland’ pretty much sums it up. We are undergoing some exterior changes to the building ensuring its safety and future and we’ll see a new iconic building in 2021.
CM: What advice would you give to anyone planning to come to Takapuna for a weekend break?
JB: Take the time to explore what Takapuna has to offer. We are fortunate to have everything here on our doorstep! A cosmopolitan suburb, punching above its weight.
CM: Tell us what you love best about working at The Spencer on Byron Hotel…
Diversity. I’m fortunate to work in a dynamic environment; no day is the same and I work with and meet some very interesting and exciting people.
…and about working in Takapuna?
Driving past the beach each day is a great way to start and finish the day.; I also love the first-class quality of shops and restaurants.
CM: What do you most enjoy doing in Takapuna outside work hours?
JB: I enjoy starting my day on the beach with my dog; my family enjoys water activities and hanging out at the beach. I love catching up with friends having a few vinos on the way home, so good for the soul.
Oliver Wills
Oliver Wills of Viranda Holdings has been involved in commercial property investment for more than 15 years. Recently appointed a director at Viranda, he is enjoying leading the property management and acquisitions team – a dynamic role that keeps him across every facet of the business.
Channel Magazine: Please tell us what Viranda Holdings does.
Oliver Wills: Established in 1986, Viranda is a privately owned and independent property investment company based in Takapuna. The company prides itself on being a people business first. Its ownership structure allows the team to focus entirely on its clients’ goals. As market leaders in acquiring and managing commercial property for its clients, the focus is on healthy, long-term asset performance.
CM: What advice would you give to anyone about property investment?
OW: Commercial property investment is a long-term game. It’s important to seek advice that is truly tailored to your individual situation. There is no typical investment formula to suit everyone, and a client’s unique goals and lifestyle aspirations should all be carefully considered. Building wealth relies on a strategic path –knowing when to grow your portfolio, sell down, diversify or even exit. Viranda prides itself on acting directly for you - placing your goals at the heart of every decision.
CM: What do you love best about working at Viranda Holdings…?
OW: The growth mindset and positive culture. No two days are the same and the industry is ever-changing, fast-paced and dynamic. On a personal level, Viranda’s ‘people first’ ethos aligns well. I enjoy building long-term relationships with clients, all of whom are at differing points in their investment journey.
CM: …and about working in Takapuna?
OW: What’s not to love about Takapuna? How many people are this lucky to work in a unique coastal and lakeside location, with fantastic shopping and eateries? Rapid growth has taken place, yet somehow the essence of Takapuna is untouched; it still feels relaxed and friendly. Takapuna is within easy reach of water-based activities, quality education and housing. A major facelift for the suburb is unfolding and it’s going to be awesome.
CM: What do you most enjoy doing in Takapuna outside work hours?
OW: Takapuna dishes out the perfect setting for a jog and an ocean swim!
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Talking Takapuna
It’s Restaurant Month in Takapuna this October! Come and experience a Taste of Takapuna. Try a new place, test a new dish, or indulge in an old favourite – the choice is yours.
Tempt your taste buds with Mexico’s fried chicken burger, a mouth-watering platter from Tokyo Bay featuring grilled panko crayfish, salmon, scallops and scotch fillet, or a delectable Matsuri Bento dinner box from Sake Bar Nippon! If you’re a mussel-lover, then Master and Apprentice’s offer is for you – get your hands on their green-lipped mussel burger! Or if you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative, head to Street Organics to try their version of “Pizza and Beer”– suitable for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegans alike.
There is something for every palate and purse this Restaurant Month, so why not hang up the pots and pans, and let Takapuna do the cooking for you!
Takapuna joins with the rest of the country to #BackBlack this month, as we settle in to the Rugby World Cup. There are many places to watch all games in Takapuna – head to our website to check out where you can relax and catch the action as it unfolds!
If rugby doesn’t take your fancy, don’t despair! There are also some great shows and events coming to Takapuna this month – the Bruce Mason Centre has a range of shows from ‘Zoe and the K-Pop Kids’ for the littlies, and ‘State Highway 48’ from the 15th, ‘Masina Returns Home’ as part of the Auckland Live Pick & Mix series, and the ‘Jazz Spectacular’ that features world-class guest performers alongside the Auckland Jazz Orchestra. The PumpHouse continues with ‘The Little Yellow Digger’ performances, and Shoreside Theatre’s One Act Plays, as well as creative talks, piano, organ and choir performances, and more.
For the last part of the school holidays, Takapuna also has a range of kids’ activities on offer. For those with a little sweet tooth, The Old Lolly Shop runs its “Make Your Own Lollipop” sessions, where you can watch the master confectioner spin some candy the old-fashioned way and make your own creation! There are also workshops and classes for creative kids happening at Lake House Arts, so check out their website for more details.
There’s so much going on in Takapuna as summer approaches. We cannot wait to get back to the long lunches and evening picnics by the beach, and to show everyone what else we have in store!
Make sure you keep updated on all the latest I Love Takapuna news by following us on social media @ilovetakapuna or signing up for our newsletters from our website (www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz).
Don’t forget to share with us your photos/video/stories about Takapuna on social media. Check out all the fantastic photos shared to us by fellow Takapuna lovers! Tag us @ilovetakapuna or use #ilovetakapuna on Instagram to share your pics with us.
Events – October
25 Sep – 5 Oct: The PumpHouse: Shoreside Theatre’s One Act Plays
21 Sep – 12 Oct: The PumpHouse: The Little Yellow Digger
2 Oct: Rugby World Cup – New Zealand v Canada
6 Oct: Rugby World Cup – New Zealand v Namibia
12-13 Oct: Bruce Mason Centre –Zoe and the K-Pop Kids
12 Oct: Rugby World Cup – New Zealand v Italy
13 Oct: The PumpHouse – Se Joon Park Piano Recital 2019
15 Oct: The PumpHouse –Joyful Joyful
15-19 Oct: Bruce Mason Centre – State Highway 48
16 Oct: The Elephant Wrestler – Paint and Wine Night
17 Oct: The PumpHouse Theatre Fundraiser – Judy (at Bridgeway Theatre)
19 Oct: Rugby World Cup – Quarter-final 1
19 Oct: Rugby World Cup – Quarter-final 2
20 Oct: RUGBY WORLD CUP: Quarter-final 3
20 Oct: Rugby World Cup – Quarter-final 4
19-20 Oct: Bruce Mason Centre – Masina Returns Home (Pick & Mix)
20 Oct: The PumpHouse –Jubilation Gospel Choir
21-25 Oct: The PumpHouse – Mama Long-fin
22 Oct: Bruce Mason Centre –Jazz Spectacular
25 Oct : The PumpHouse –Tina Cross and Carl Doy
26 Oct: Rugby World Cup – Semi-Final 1
27 Oct: Rugby World Cup – Semi-Final 2
30 Oct: The Elephant Wrestler – Paint and Wine Night
31 Oct – 2 Nov: Bruce Mason Centre –Swan Lake
31 Oct – 2 Nov: The PumpHouse – Circus of Horror
1 Nov: Rugby World Cup – Bronze Final
2 Nov: Rugby World Cup – Grand Final
