THE CLIENT SIDE
OUR VISION.
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Clarity before commitment.
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Delivery with Direction.
Great communities are built through great projects. Whether public or private, these investments should reflect local priorities, deliver real social value, and set the standard for how we build for people—not just places.
Our goal is to bring control and clarity to the management of projects, programmes, and property portfolios—strengthening organisational credibility and fostering pride in the services and places they create.
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We believe the best projects start with clarity and purpose.
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At The Client Side, we help our clients set projects up for success—right from the start. We ask the right questions early, challenge assumptions, and ensure every decision adds long-term value.
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We're more than advisors. We solve problems, unlock opportunities, and make things happen.
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Our team brings a proven track record of navigating complex challenges together. We back each other, and we back our clients—with the capability, experience, and mindset to deliver. We're driven by high standards, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a shared belief in doing what's right.
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We specialise in four key areas:
PROPERTY PORTFOLIO ADVISORY
We don’t just give advice — we provide leadership in managing property portfolios. We help build strong, positive cultures within property teams and unlock the strategic value of property for the organisations we work with.
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Our services provide tailored advice to support informed decision-making throughout the entire property asset lifecycle, aligning asset management with project outcomes.
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Whether it’s asset renewal planning, integrating programmes, or leading property teams, we offer the insight, strategy, and leadership needed to maximise value and manage risk.
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WHAT WE DO.
PROJECT & PROGRAMME ADVISORY
Feasibility studies, project and programme business cases, programme governance, commercial contracting strategies, gateway reviews, - we’ve been on the developing and receiving end of all the above and much more and we know what good looks like. 
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We bring a practitioner’s lens to strategic decision-making, offering grounded, real-world advice that balances policy, delivery, and operational realities. Whether you need upfront clarity, mid-stream course correction, or an honest health check before the next gate, we’re here to help you navigate complexity with confidence.
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We’re specialists in this space with depth in experience across sectors and institutions including health, education, central and local government. ​
CLIENT SIDE PROJECT DELIVERY
We work alongside and within client teams in diverse project delivery roles—from long-term and annual planning processes through to project initiation and operational readiness. We master the fundamentals—planning, programming, risk management—but what sets us apart is our ability to integrate these elements with a strategic, big-picture perspective.
Our institutional experience enables us to quickly diagnose issues, while our networks and political acumen help us implement effective solutions.​
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For us, project delivery is about control. We establish it from the outset and implement structures to maintain it through to completion.
OPERATIONAL READINESS
Efforts to properly operationalise a new or redeveloped asset are often overlooked leading to - at best, benefits failure, and - at worst, lengthy delays and substantial unplanned cost.​
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We have demonstrated the value of detailed operational readiness planning for almost a decade through several significant and varied projects.​​​
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We develop extensive work breakdown structures to define actions for operational teams and integrate these into existing project delivery and operational environments ensuring intended outcomes are realised from day one. ​
BRAYDEN BARNETT
Operational Readiness Lead
Brayden is a civil engineer with 12 years of experience delivering projects for government, utilities, and private clients. 
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He has worked on some of the largest local government new-builds in Christchurch post-earthquake, directly contributing to their success. 
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Brayden has a particular strength in project establishment and operational integration, ensuring a smooth transition from construction to operation. 
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His focus on early planning and risk mitigation ensures that clients are well-prepared for project completion and facility handover.
WHO WE ARE.
NICK HUGHES
Property Portfolio Advisory Lead
Nick has over 15 years of experience in leading large property portfolios, capital programmes and projects and the teams that deliver them.
His experience and knowledge help clients structure property programmes and improve the performance and longevity of their property portfolios. 
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With expertise across the full property asset lifecycle, Nick works closely with clients to align property strategies and teams with organisational goals.
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He is a trusted advisor for planning and operational strategies.
MATT CUMMINS
Project Delivery Lead
Matt has over 20 years of experience directly managing complex projects for varied clients.
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He has successfully delivered major community and cultural projects, including libraries, sports facilities, and civic centres. 
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With an extensive network of consultants and contractors across the country, Matt is known for his ability to establish projects for success and re-energise existing projects. 
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He is a skilled communicator who instils trust and builds strong relationships, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders. His expertise spans project initiation, procurement (including independent roles), governance, risk management, and project delivery.
JOHN ROSSETTER
Programme and Project Advisory Lead
John is an experienced Project Director and independent Board advisor with expertise in initiating and planning complex projects. 
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A critical thinker, he develops robust business cases and ensures that projects have clear vision and intent aligned with strategic objectives. 
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He has successfully led teams delivering multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, including libraries and research facilities. 
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John specialises in programme governance, feasibility studies, and project recovery, providing clients with the leadership needed to navigate complex projects.
WHAT SETS US APART.
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Trusted Leadership & Delivery
We take ownership of challenges and are relentless in driving results. Our clients trust us to lead projects with integrity, pragmatism, and a focus on outcomes.
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Deep Institutional Knowledge
With extensive experience in public sector project delivery, we understand the complexities of working within large institutions and political environments.
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Strategic & Commercial Expertise
We don’t just manage projects—we provide strategic clarity and commercial acumen to ensure long-term value. We help clients make informed decisions that optimise cost, quality, and risk.
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Problem Solvers, Not Just Advisors
We go beyond advice—we actively solve problems and implement practical solutions to get things done.