We all know that hindsight is a wonderful thing. How many times have we heard it said - “Who knew this area would take off like that” or “I wish I’d had the foresight to get in early before that area became so popular”? Well, all signs (literally) point to the emerging new town center of Pāpāmoa East being the next big thing in the Bay of Plenty. Artist Impression of future planned stages of The Sands Town Centre As coastal living stretches its way further down the  Pāpāmoa coastline, the billion-dollar Sands Town Centre and surrounding urban development are starting to unfold. With co ..read more

In recent times, an increasing number of urban professionals in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region have been choosing to work in the bustling city of Tauranga while finding their perfect haven in the quaint town of Matamata. This lifestyle choice signifies a shift towards a more balanced way of living, where individuals seek to merge the opportunities of city employment with the tranquillity and affordability of land in Matamata. Let's delve into why some are making the move to Matamata and discovering the allure of this hidden gem.   Embracing the Matamata Lifestyle:   Nestled at t ..read more

As published in Nourish Magazine, Issue 54, Autumn 2024.  Words by Liz French | Images by Brydie Thompson. In our burgeoning urban areas land is getting scarcer and site sizes smaller. Medium to high density housing can be achieved without sacrificing quality of life, making rethinking the way we live a liberating experience. Andra and Andrew Rapley did not move far for a fresh life in a contemporary environment. They now relax in sunshine and seclusion in the courtyard of their new home; right behind their original one in an established central city locale. Subdividing a property (with ..read more

If the suggestion of cork flooring conjures up memories of orange tiles from the 70's then think again! In our Thorne Group showhome, cork flooring has emerged as a standout feature, captivating visitors and sparking conversations about its unique attributes.   One of the most compelling aspects of cork flooring is its eco-friendly nature. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is a renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the tree, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. By incorporating cork flooring into our showhome, we aim to ra ..read more

Words Liz French, Images Brydie Thompson Since its inception in 2007, Thorne Group (TG Homes) has been a proudly family owned and operated building business, with the second generation of Thornes continuing the legacy. Their clients can’t speak highly enough of them. Exciting, enjoyable, stress free and fun are not words normally associated with having a new home built. Yet this is exactly how the Thorne Group clients who invited Nourish magazine into their homes described the process. Hilary and Rob moved from Auckland to retire in Omokoroa, buying an elevated section with all day sun and glo ..read more

Every now and then, something special pops into our inbox that completely lights up our day. An email from a client who took a moment just to share their gratitude or how much they love their new home, really gives us a lift. Then there was this email from Ange. To give you a bit of backstory, Ange runs this amazing company called 'What Lies Beneath'. They've been diving deep, researching our former clients to pinpoint areas where we might make our service even better. Our marketing budget? Think miniscule! We rely heavily on the age-old, tried and true method of word of mouth. It's the heart ..read more

Friday 21st July marked the 2023 Regional Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition, an event that celebrates excellence in workmanship, creativity, and innovation. In amongst the challenges of life, the opportunity to gather and connect is something that we really value. It was fantastic to be in the same space as so much passion and skill, a great reminder of the incredible community we're part of. Our Papamoa Showhome was a particular stand out for the night, recognizing the true labour of love it represented for everyone involved. Special commendation was noted from the jud ..read more

This week we celebrate 17 years since Thorne Group Homes was established. Over the years we have experienced so much together. We have shared many laughs but also drawn strength from each other during our lowest lows (we don't share everything on socials). Whilst not everyone is related, everyone feels like family. Our clients have stuck with us through thick and thin, their unwavering support being a constant source of motivation. We've been fortunate enough to call many of our clients 'friends' and for that, we are truly grateful. We're equally indebted to our suppliers. They are more than ..read more

Stone is a beautiful, timeless building material that will endure for many years. It has been used in construction since ancient times and it's still widely used today. In New Zealand, we have a long history of building with stone due to our terrane and geology which provides us with high-grade deposits of this natural resource. Staying true to nature Stone is a natural, 100% organic material and, unlike many other building materials, quarrying does not involve the use of chemicals or release of embedded carbon, so the land does not require soil remediation and is easy to reclaim. Stone itself ..read more

This month we celebrated Craig McNaughton - Thorne Group Senior Foreman - being with us for 15 years! Craig is often referred to as a 'legend' with his ability to transmute the craftsmanship he developed and refined as a bespoke furniture maker for the Fortnum & Mason family in London, applying his talents to detailed high end residential homes. What is phenomenal is Craigs ability to apply these traditional skills whilst working with the very latest technology in often extremely complex builds. These two unique skill sets don't always go hand and hand Everyday we see the results of Craig ..read more