About —
Te Awa
Lakes
Te Awa Lakes is a 100ha, three-phase master-planned development for the old Perry sand quarry at Horotiu that will transform this northern gateway into a vibrant community.
In 2016, when the old Horotiu sand quarry closed, Perry Group embarked on realising their vision to create Waikato’s first master planned, mixed-use development, Te Awa Lakes.
The vision is to transform the northern ‘gateway to Hamilton’ into a vibrant community and tourism destination through a mix of high-quality, medium density residential housing, river links, tourism activities, and a recreation precinct. The essence is to bring water, with all its spiritual, cultural, health and well-being, and life-enhancing properties into the lives of people from all walks of life.
In 2021, the vision became a detailed master plan after resource consent was granted by the Hamilton City Council.
The connection to the Waikato River is at the heart of Te Awa Lakes. The awa is a defining natural feature of our region, and it runs the entire eastern length of Te Awa Lakes. Its waters have historical and spiritual significance, bringing health and well-being, and enriching people’s lives in many different ways.
In addition to reinvigorating what is currently an industrial-zoned part of the city, Te Awa Lakes aligns closely to the city’s ‘Future Proof’ strategy for housing supply. One of the key areas within this strategy is the creation of ‘centres of community’ to better cope with the predicted population increase in Hamilton and the surrounding region within the next few decades.
We believe that by working closely with the community, Hamilton City Council, regional authorities and local Iwi, the site can be transformed to make Te Awa Lakes a vibrant and thriving part of our city while bringing a host of benefits, both economically and socially.
Our team
Key People Profiles
Meet the Owners of Te Awa Lakes
At the heart of Te Awa Lake is a team of passionate owners, each bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to creating something truly special. Inspired by Perry Group’s vision, they are shaping Waikato’s first master planned, mixed-use community, transforming the northern gateway to Hamilton into a vibrant hub for living, recreation, and tourism.
Richard and Lale are the driving forces behind Te Awa Lake, leading the development of Waikato’s first master planned, mixed-use community. Pat and Simon are actively involved on the board and as owners, where they provide strategic oversight and support the long-term vision of the project.
Through a blend of high-quality, medium-density homes, river connections, and a world-class recreation precinct, we are promoting active living. At the core of our community is water—woven into every aspect to enrich lives, promote well-being, and celebrate its deep cultural and spiritual significance. Get to know the owners who are making Te Awa Lake a destination that will inspire and connect generations to come.
Richard Coventry
Managing Partner, Te Awa Lakes
Richard joined Perry Group Limited (PGL) in 2003, progressing from Chief Financial Officer in 2005 to Chief Executive Officer in 2012. A Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Business Studies, Richard has extensive investment management expertise for PGL and the Perry family. As one of the visionaries behind Te Awa Lakes, he led the project from its inception to where it is today. Now, as a Managing Partner, Richard continues to leverage his experience and strategic vision to lead the business management arm, furthering the development towards achieving its ambitious goals.
Simon Perry, ONZM
Chairman, Perry Group Limited
Simon Perry, Chairman of Perry Group Limited, served as Chief Executive for 15 years before transitioning to his current role in 2007. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and diversification, including shaping the vision for transformative projects such as Te Awa Lakes. As Chair of the Brian Perry Charitable Trust, Simon continues his family’s tradition of supporting the Waikato community through meaningful regional initiatives. His vision for Te Awa Lakes and other projects emphasizes the creation of vibrant, accessible spaces that celebrate the Waikato River, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community connections.
Lale Ieremia
Managing Partner, Te Awa Lakes
With over two decades of experience in major development projects across Australasia, Lale Ieremia brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Managing Partner at Te Awa Lakes. Since joining Perry Group Limited in 2016, he has been instrumental in shaping the vision for this dynamic, master-planned community. Lale’s career spans senior roles in prominent development and construction firms, where he led the successful delivery of high-profile, large-scale projects across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific. Known for his strategic leadership and commitment to sustainability, Lale is passionate about creating innovative, connected communities, and his work at Te Awa Lakes reflects these values.
Pat Peoples
Managing Director,
Schick Civil Construction Limited
Pat Peoples is the Managing Director and CEO of Schick Civil Construction Limited, a leading civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. Since joining Schick in 2000 as General Manager and acquiring the company in 2003, he has grown it from a small operation with 17 employees into a multi-disciplinary, award-winning business with over 250 staff across the North and South Islands. In addition to his role at Schick, Pat is the Managing Director of PPD, a land development company specializing in large-scale residential and mixed-use projects across New Zealand.
