It is with great pleasure, (and some sadness) that we announce the next chapter in the growth and evolution of apm with Founder Howard Morley handing over management and control of the business to Bill Highet (Managing Director), supported by two families that share Bill’s strategy for the future, building on Howard’s 33 year legacy with apm. Howard will remain a consultant to apm and will continue to be mentor to Bill and the team. Our leadership team remains unchanged with Celia Burbery continuing as General Manager Residential, Steve Garland General Manager Body Corporate, James Bangerter General Manager Commercial and Kristin Xu as Finance Manager

Howard commented: “For some time now I have been working on a succession plan for Auckland Property Management (apm) that would provide certainty and longevity, my aim being to ensure that apm can look forward to continued growth, and at the same time retain its core values as a boutique independent property management provider and leader in the industry.

Bill has been a shareholder of apm for 3 years and Managing Director for 2 years, during which time apm has continued to successfully develop. The time has come for me to take the next step and so I am pleased and excited to let you, our very loyal clients, know of this succession process.”

The two new non-executive directors of apm are Richard Dayman and Joshua McKean.

Howard commented: “I have known Richard for many years now and believe the partnership with Bill and Josh will continue to achieve great success bringing new ideas and opportunities to apm in the years ahead.

I want to extend a very big and heartfelt thank you to all our clients for your loyalty, friendship and support over the last 33 years, and record my commitment to you that I will be here to ensure that this change in ownership is seamless and successful for all, particularly for you, our clients.” 

We are very proud of the organisation that apm has become under Howard’s long stewardship and more recently under Bill’s leadership, with a commitment to be progressive, innovative, and above all the provider of great service to our clients.

Bill Highet commented: “The new Board are committed to maintaining the same level of professionalism, reliability, and personalised attention to detail that you have always experienced with us. Furthermore, we are delighted that Howard will remain with apm as a consultant and ambassador to ensure a successful transition for the business and our clients.”

This transition marks a new chapter in the journey of apm, and we are confident that it will only bring about positive enhancements for our valued clients like yourself. We are genuinely excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for us to serve you even better.

Background

Howard Morley, Founder, apm
For over 33 years, Auckland Property Management (apm) has been led by Howard Morley, who has spent the past 55+ years helping shape the real estate industry. From starting out in valuation, property investment and management back in 1965, to founding apm, becoming a Registered Valuer, President of REINZ (2004-2006), Chairman of The International Consortium of Real Estate Agents (ICREA (2011), being awarded the John Greig Trophy to recognise service (2015), and receiving the Rockend Recognition of Contribution to the Property Management Industry award (2018), Howard Morley has been a stalwart for the industry and a great mentor to others.

Bill Highet, Managing Director, apm
Bill has worked in various industries at senior management level with a track record of high performance and innovation. Prior to joining apm and becoming a shareholder, Bill had been Chief Executive Officer of Property Brokers.

Richard Dayman and Joshua McKean, Non-Executive Directors
Richard (born and raised in Auckland) and Josh bring a combined 44 years of business and investment experience in building and growing people-focused services businesses for the long-term, often in retirement and succession situations. They currently own and operate several property services businesses, similar to apm, in Queensland.