About Kotahi Logistics LP (Kotahi)
Kotahi creates a more sustainable and efficient supply chain, strengthening New Zealand’s position as a competitive export nation by working with exporters, importers and industry partners. Founded in 2011 by Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms, Kotahi moves some of New Zealand’s most loved products globally.
The challenge
Kotahi needed to reassess their workplace needs in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. They required a workspace that enhanced collaboration and provided a more efficient and functional environment. This required a swift yet strategic approach, balancing time constraints with the need for an adaptable, long-term solution.
The solution
When TwentyTwo was engaged by Kotahi (via our long-standing relationship with Fonterra), they had already completed an initial market search, identified their preferred solution and agreed on high-level commercial terms.
Working with the CFO, Kat Paddy, our role was to enhance those commercial terms, complete further due diligence and lead the negotiation of the necessary documentation (including the agreement to lease, deed of lease, and supporting schedules) alongside Russell McVeagh – all within a tight timeframe. This drew on our in-depth experience negotiating dozens of similar deals and our relationship skills, quickly building trust and rapport with a wide range of stakeholders and other advisers.
Dean Croucher (Managing Director) & Steffi McKeown (a Senior Adviser in our Tāmaki Makaurau office) jointly led this initial phase, pulling together the various inputs and advice needed and concluding an agreement by the deadline.
Steffi then played a key role in ensuring that Kotahi’s fitout was built on time and to an appropriate specification. She acted as the primary interface between Kotahi, Cachet (the fitout designer and contractor) and Invesco, and sat on the Project Control Group – helping to ensure the timely resolution of any project related issues.
With the project’s timeline being highly compressed – less than a month for documentation and just over four months to design and fit-out 1,000m² – effective collaboration was paramount. Steffi noted, “Collaboration was key, everyone needed to knuckle down and get on board because of the tight timeframes.”
Technology advisory
At an early point in the due diligence process, we introduced Kotahi to TwentyTwo’s Workplace Technology team, knowing that not only would they do a great job specifying and delivering the appropriate technology smarts, but they could respond rapidly to the programme challenges.
TwentyTwo’s Matthew Peko-Fox (Chief Technology Strategist) and Johan Meyer (Senior Advisor), led the workplace technology workstream, ensuring the initial specifications aligned with Kotahi’s operational needs. Their advisory role, also as part of the Project Control Group, helped refine the technology aspects within the workspace, ensuring both functionality and future-proofing.
The scope of work included pre-planning and design, defining what should be architect-led versus technology-led, and implementing a range of solutions tailored to Kotahi’s needs. This involved:
- Establishing a cloud management portal to streamline ongoing technology oversight.
- Designing and delivering workplace technology solutions for seven meeting rooms and two additional quiet spaces (bookable without technology).
- Oversight of all AV installed including displays, microphones and video conferencing systems – configured and set up by our team.
- Implementing a new meeting room naming system, updated technology and integrated booking systems with room panels displaying live calendar availability.
- Developing bespoke Staff Hub solutions – a ground-up design tailored to Kotahi’s requirements.
- Applying a repurposing strategy, leveraging existing assets from their previous space.
- Managing CCTV solutions.
- Coordinating data cabling and patching, creating a comprehensive database to track connections.
- Deploying digital signage in the lobby.
- Providing team training on using the new technology and developing user guides.
The outcome
Kotahi successfully secured a workplace solution that meets their evolving needs while optimising costs and efficiency. Designed and constructed by Cachet Group, Kotahi’s new office is a dynamic blend of functionality and identity. The design integrates bold industrial elements, paying homage to Kotahi’s roots. Upon arrival, container-inspired meeting rooms make a striking first impression, while Kotahi’s signature colours guide movement throughout the space, reinforcing their brand presence.
Technology played a crucial role in ensuring the workspace was not only visually striking but also highly functional. With integrated AV solutions, intuitive booking systems and a cloud-managed technology platform, Kotahi’s team now has a seamless digital experience that enhances collaboration and efficiency.
The project was delivered on time and in budget, with practical completion achieved on 17 December 2024.
