Parihoa: A Legacy, a Transition, and a New Beginning
For the last two years, I have been on the lookout for my successor to Parihoa. Much like a company, I have been effectively looking for the legacy to continue what my visions and journey have been.
The difference with Parihoa is that it is land! But the similarity with my last company, ChapmanCG, is uncannily the same—it's hard to let go of because I love it.
When Parihoa first popped up in my web browser in mid-2012, and I was living an apartment-based lifestyle in Singapore, it pulled me in. A year-long journey saw me jumping through a number of overseas investment-related hoops, and the main thing was working out how to pay for it. When I settled on August 1, 2013, I had not one spare cent to my name.
But I did it, and the rest is history. I am now 12 years beyond that. Parihoa taught me many lessons—the biggest of which was to slow down and enjoy life. I left Singapore, sold out of many of my companies and investments, and sank into the life I signed up for.
Everything about it turned out to be appealing—my new friends in NZ, my veggie gardens, doing up buildings on the farm with PK, and endless exploring through the pastures. Parihoa became a hub for those I loved. Hundreds, if not thousands, felt the energy of the "friendly cliffs."
Along the way, though, I hatched my next dream—a serene property in the South Island. I bought that in 2019, at the same time I started selling my companies. By 2020, COVID had struck. I ended up stretched mentally until 2022, and after then, I started to feel free of my global commitments.
By then, I had a great appreciation that there is only one of me and life is finite. I wanted fewer things and more time to enjoy life. With two incredible properties through hard work, I would simplify to one. And because of my love for the mountains, that would be my southern place, Edge of the World.
If I knew what I know now, I may have started the process on Parihoa earlier. The top end of the NZ market is thin, and the real estate process to find a buyer relies a lot on plastering ads on sites and social media. Via Sotheby's, then Bayleys, over two years, the answer didn't come through. There were lots of tire kickers and one aborted offer midway through the process. It's kept me humble. No surprise, as when the previous custodians looked for me, it took three years. And in one hit, I was the answer.
Fast forward in the evolution of Parihoa and it's 2025. Rather than close up the shutters, I continue to drive forth on the Parihoa vision. Like the owners of many of NZ's finest properties, the transition of custodianship is a long one.
And with MC² now launching globally, I have decided to make Parihoa the name of the NZ chapter, the Parihoa Network. I'll also use Parihoa as the global retreat of MC², the first of which will be November 27–December 1 (see here).
Parihoa, with its 40 or so beds across the farmhouse, villa, pods, cottage, and main homestead, will be used for accommodation for the network or for the occasional high-profile visitor and their entourage. The creative spaces—Gallery, Jewel Box, Well-being Box—will be used for remote work or product showcases. And most of all, the vibration of Parihoa will continue to be serene and creative, doubling also as my beloved home.
At some point, the right successor will see it for what I have seen, appreciate my dreams, and put their own spin on the future, for which I am even happy to join or lead. For me, this transition is more an energy exchange to allow me to focus on the future and not spread myself thin.
The story of Parihoa and its place at the center of the Parihoa and MC² Networks will continue, and I'll get as far as I can without being distracted by the "what if." I think this psychology yields the best outcome as it keeps me focused, protects the energy of Parihoa remaining high, and serves the greatest purpose for others connected with the property.
Stay tuned.
