In the Spotlight - Paul McCorry, Director of Operations - Government & Advisory

Paul McCorry grew up ‘in a beautiful part of the world’ just outside of Belfast, Northern Ireland, which will not surprise anyone who has heard his lilting accent.

During the height of the global financial crisis, Paul completed his degree in Property Investment and Development, Real Estate at Ulster of University. As there were no graduate programs on offer, he worked for a few years in the utility sector before deciding to go backpacking. During that time he also performed as a bass guitarist in a few bands, including a record label-signed punk band that he had formed with his cousins after a grave-side chat at a family funeral.

After buying his ticket to Australia, Paul met his now wife Alana. They stayed in touch while Paul was travelling and she decided to join him in Bangkok months later. Together, with one 15kg backpack between them, they travelled throughout SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

In May 2013, Paul secured a property valuation graduate role in Wellington and has called the city home ever since. He and Alana now have three young sons, love the outdoors lifestyle New Zealand offers, and ‘would need a shipping container to go anywhere’. Paul is also actively involved in his local community, including as the chair of a charity that operates community run daycare and as a parent representative on a local school council.

Since becoming a qualified valuer in New Zealand, Paul has gained wide valuation experience and has gone on to specialise in rating and taxation valuations. His expertise in this space was enhanced by his management experience at Wellington City Council, which included running Te Kāinga – Wellington City Council’s affordable rental program. Paul remains the Chair of the Board for Te Kāinga, which commits to providing 1,500 affordable rental apartments for workers in Wellington by 2033.

In late 2024, Paul established a consultancy and ‘got excited about being involved in valuation again’. ‘I really enjoy the variety of work you do as a rating valuer. I’ve valued everything from airports, shopping malls and farms to an abandoned prison and toilet blocks,’ he said.

In September 2025, Paul joined Opteon to lead the Government Services business and a team of approximately 40 valuers who are located in six offices across New Zealand. ‘My focus is on innovation, operational improvements and community impact so that we consistently deliver high quality, defensible valuations that local councils and their residents can rely on,’ he said. ‘I’m also enjoying working with a large team of talented professionals and supporting their ongoing development.’

He added: ‘With a review of the rating valuation rules on the horizon, and AI developments continuing to emerge in this data-heavy space, the sector is facing significant transformation. We’re at a pivot point and I’m excited to be part of the change journey. I’m also confident Opteon is going to be well-placed to respond quickly and effectively to the impending change, as it is an agile international company that invests in its clients, its people and technology.’