Damon and Dee are embarking on a project that will bring conversations and activities regarding land management, biodiversity, social enterprise, eco-tourism and inclusiveness into the spotlight where these activities and conversations belong.
2. What &
Where
• Approx 50 acres
(mature bush and
forestry)
• 5km from Matakana
• Nestled in a sheltered
microclimate
• Clear views to Hauturu
3. Values Driven
Founders
• Dee and Damon (Deemon) met years
ago through Sustainability events and
activities
• Focuses on Mental Health, Diversity,
Community, Social Justice and
Regenerative Agriculture
• Listening to the Whenua
• Manifesting strength, connection and
Mauri (to people and the land)
4. Evolving Strategy
• Destined to Host
• 5 Star guest reviews and superhosts with little to
no marketing
• Enthusiastic local and international travelers
ourselves
• Keen to share our Love of Aotearoa far and wide
• Brave but calculated risks
• Pond, planting, compost, zero waste, water
5. Why
• Nurture our own and others’
connection with Mauri and Whenua
• Create economically and
environmentally sustainable projects
• Invite and involve diverse range of
people to be a part of the journey
and share knowledge and passion
• Create a safe and encouraging
6. When – loose
timeline of events
2010
House completed
2010
2019
Left mostly
unattended/cared
for until 2019
2020
Work/planning
commenced during
2020 Lockdown
2021
Chosen and
engaged
landscape and
general
architecture firms
and various
contractors in
2021
Nov.–Dec. 2021
Glamping Tent and
site Nov/Dec 2021
26 Mar. 2022
Wedding on site
March 26th 2022
for 400+ Guests
7. What Next?
Strategy
comms, design/build, business,
safety and general
1
Network
Form, foster and feed friendships
2
Implement
Values/Vision/Mission/Deliverables
3
8. Guiding Principles
Regenerative/Permacu
lture
• Regenerative agriculture
is diverse means of
producing food and/or
resources that may have
lower—or even net
positive—environmental
and/or social impacts
Environmental Studies
Social Enterprise
• A social enterprise is an
organization that applies
commercial strategies to
maximize improvements
in financial, social and
environmental well-
being—this may include
maximizing social impact
9. Influences and Philosophies
Lean Startup
• Spend only what we can
afford
• Diversify revenue streams
• Ensure contingency
budgets
• Grow at manageable
Socially Liberal
Fiscally Conservative
• Actively seek collaborative
ventures and share
resource (land,
knowledge, time,
economic)
• Encourage innovative
projects with rationalized
10. Values and Strategies
Ethical, Passionate,
Brave
• Good governance
• Visionary leadership
• Transparent and inclusive
• Grace and curiosity
Listen, Learn, Fail
Fast, Plan, Pivot
• Build, measure, learn loop
• Seek advice, bravely try
exciting things
• Seek and share
knowledge and
constructive critique