Founders and directors
A message from the Directors
In an industry that has seen many providers come and go over the decades we remain committed to continuing the legacy of the previous generation founded on genuine, personalised service and family values.
While we are proud of the many multi-award-winning homes that we have crafted over the years, it is not awards that drive us but the relationships we build with our clients along the way.
We’re fortunate to have a team that’s been with us for many years- dedicated professionals who genuinely care about our clients and understand that building a home is a big decision, especially when it comes to ensuring that your investment is both sound and lasting.
As directors, we each bring something unique—from financial governance and land development to navigating challenging sites. Our governance team includes support from an Independent Advisor providing objective insights and ensuring accountability
Directors Peter Buck, Aaron Thorne, Gavin Morrow
With many years of building and development experience behind us, we’re here to guide and advocate for you. We work closely alongside some of NZ’s best architectural designers, interior design consultants and suppliers to create unique homes of exceptional quality that stand the test of time, regardless of budget.
Our technology, systems and tools are used to keep clients engaged and informed about their projects (regardless of where in the world they are) and enable our people to focus on delivering personalised and dedicated service.
We believe in delivering quality over quantity and limiting the number of projects we take on enables us to maintain exceptional quality and craftsmanship, provide genuine personalised service and stay true to our values and legacy as a family-owned and operated business.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your next home project and look forward to sharing the build journey with you.
Aaron, Gav and Pete.
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Aaron, Gavin, Pete and Gay Walton (Chairperson of Summerhill Charitable Trust) discussing the Planting Programme.
OUR STORY
Building on a Legacy
Nearly two decades on, Thorne Group determinedly upholds the values Bob Thorne lived by when he started developing and building homes in Tauranga in the late 1990s. Formally established in 2006, Thorne Group Homes is run by Bob’s children and close friends.
Bob and Judy Thorne moved to Tauranga from New Plymouth when their two children, Lisa and Aaron, were small. Bob conducted business on the belief that what goes around comes around and that it is always good business to leaves something in it for the next person. Sadly, Bob died in early2020 before completion of his flagship development, Urban Ridge, a project very close to his heart.
Gavin Morrow, Aaron Thorne, Peter Buck
It has been over 25 years since Bob turned the first turf at Urban Ridge - a development which spans an area between Brookfield and Bethlehem, bordering the 60-hectare Carmicheal Reserve.
In creating Urban Ridge Bob overturned the “Kiwi quarter acre”mentality by proving that compact sites could shine with well designed homes, each one uniquely different.
Since 2006 Thorne Group Homes have been integral to the construction of the majority of homes in the development.
By working alongside his father on this and other projects, Aaron Thorne learned the intricacies of land development; resource consents, complicated geotechnical engineering and the many fundamentals that must be dealt with before any titles are issued, building consents granted or foundations laid. This provided excellent grounding for his future role as Managing Director at Thorne Group.
Bob Thorne, Aaron Thorne, Peter Buck and Gavin Morrow (throwback picture)
OUR VALUES
Our values and brand promises underpin the way we act and behave every day, driving us to deliver the best for our clients, industry and community.
Innovation
Provides a pathway to a better future.
Our promise –
We will seek creative ways to solve problems, produce unique designs, minimise waste and care for our planet.
Humility
Recognising that success is a collective effort.
Our promise –
We will work in partnership with you, be approachable, listen and respect your perspective.
Trust
Trust takes time to earn and is easy to lose.
Our promise -
We will be open and honest, keep our promises and always do the right thing.
Family
Family is how we got started, and what continues to drive us.
Our promise -
We will deliver quality homes worthy of carrying our family name, that is our legacy.
Dedication
Is working hard to deliver our best.
Our promise -
We will provide great service, maintain high standards, pay attention to detail and meet our commitments.
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exceed expectations everytime
This viSION APPLIES TO THE HOMES WE BUILD, OUR QUALITY, OUR SERVICE AND OUR PEOPLE
Aaron’s sister Lisa, and her husband, Peter Buck, bring a wealth of experience to Thorne Group Homes. After graduating university Lisa travelled overseas and worked in marketing for multi-national companies, while Peter gained valuable insights into world-class processes working for one of the world’s largest finance companies in London. During stints in both Sydney and London Lisa also studied interior design. She has enjoyed working alongside a range of interior specialists, continually pushing the boundaries and creating style differentiation.
In 2006 when brothers-in-law Aaron and Peter saw an opportunity to combine their skills with those of good friend Gavin Morrow, a builder with an interest in environmental sustainability, Thorne Group Homes was officially established.
Just a few months in business, in 2007-2008 the Global Financial Crisis hit, and the subsequent years have brought both high and lows. Through it all, Thorne Group have continued to build relationships across the industry and community and are grateful to all the people they have worked with and for who have helped them weather their business and personal storms. Many clients have become friends, and colleagues in the industry have supported and cheered them on to achieve multiple industry awards and accolades
Bob would be proud to see proof of his legacy living on in the values instilled in the company which has been recognised as Most Trusted Builder in the Bay of Plenty for three consecutive years.
Peter Buck, Lisa Buck (nee Thorne), Judy Thorne, Aaron Thorne, Gavin Morrow
