Developments, Subdivisions & Projects

Michael Hall

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer - 2008 License No. 3495
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property - Auckland University

Industry Experience

Michael is currently the Regional Director for the New Zealand Commercial & Industrial team but began his valuation career with Sheldon & Partners Limited in 2004 upon completing a Bachelor of Property at the University of Auckland. He went on to gain registration as a valuer in 2008.

Since that time Michael has specialised in a broad range of Commercial & Industrial valuations within Auckland with a strong focus on the North Shore and Rodney regions. Michael is “born & bred” on the North Shore, and this combined with having specialised in the region since 2004 has allowed him to develop strong relationships with local key stakeholders enabling him to provide accurate, timely and cost-effective advice.

Opteon New Zealand was established with the merger of Sheldons & Partners Limited, a practice based in Auckland New Zealand that had been in operation for some 40 years.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial & Industrial valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental assessments
• Insurance valuations
• Tax depreciation valuations
• Subdivisional/development land valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Development feasibility

Richard Vaughan

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the Property Institute New Zealand
• Bachelor of Property – The University of Auckland
• Appointed to the NZ Residential Valuations Forum (RVF)

Industry Experience

Richard is a vastly experienced registered valuer whose breadth of experience ranges from established niche markets within Auckland and extending beyond taking in development projects across the Pacific and through the Middle East. Meticulous attention to detail, broad understanding of clients’ needs, and an engaging personality serve to ensure professional and competent advice is offered.

Richard joined Opteon through the merger of Sheldons & Partners Limited a long-established practice based in Auckland New Zealand that had been in operation for some 40 years.  In 2024, Richard was appointed to the Residential Valuations Forum, which includes representatives from the four main lenders in NZ, panel managers and other key stakeholders who seek to guide the residential space, aiming to mitigate risk and lift the standard of reporting across the industry.

Areas of Expertise

• Insurance Assessments
• Matrimonial Assessments
• Residential Specialist with expertise in Apartments, Lifestyle, Residential Block Land

Paul McCorry

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Member of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
• BSc(Hons) Property, Investment and Development - University of Ulster

Industry Experience

Paul joined Opteon in 2025 and currently leads the New Zealand Government Services business, bringing a wealth of experience in property and valuation services. Prior to this, he led the Housing Development team at Wellington City Council, where he was responsible for overseeing the delivery and management of a multi-year affordable housing programme. Paul has also held senior leadership roles at Quotable Value, most recently managing operations across the North Island. His expertise spans rating valuation, commercial and residential valuation, and property development, and he has successfully led major revaluation projects throughout New Zealand. In addition to his professional roles, Paul contributes to the community through several governance positions in the housing, education, and charitable sectors.

Areas of Expertise

• Rating and mass appraisal valuation
• Commercial valuation
• Residential valuations
• Lease and Development Agreement negotiation.
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuation

Kayla White

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Property – University of Auckland
• Graduate Member of the Property Institute of New Zealand

Industry Experience

With over a decade of experience in the property valuation industry, Kayla joined Opteon in March 2024 as the Valuation Relationship Manager for the Government Services team. Kayla manages client relationships, and a team of Graduate Valuers, to ensure the delivery of high-quality and timely delivery of Rating Valuation services for our clients and their customers.

Kayla began her career at a local valuation firm working on residential market valuations, before serving 7 years as a Rating Valuer, and 3 years as a Valuation Compliance Manager overseeing the integrity and compliance of valuation reports and processes for banking and finance clients.

Areas of Expertise

• Rating valuations
• Residential property valuations
• Mass valuation modelling
• Valuation compliance
• Client relationship management
• Training and Mentorship

Kris Vulinovich

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
•  Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers 
• Bachelor of Property - University of Auckland

Industry Experience

Kris is a Registered Valuer and is currently a Regional Director for the New Zealand Residential team. He began his career in the company back in 2004 for Sheldon & Partners Limited after completing a Bachelor of Property at the University of Auckland. Since 2005, Kris has specialised in a broad range of residential valuations within the south Auckland locality and has established strong relationships with local key stakeholders whilst managing his residential team. 

Areas of Expertise

Residential Property Valuations for:

• Mortgage requirements
• Selling or pre purchase
• Urban infill redevelopment sites
• Existing and proposed

Simon Bryant

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer (Registration Certificate Number: 3751)

• Member of the Property Institute of New Zealand

• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Values (NZIV)

• Bachelor of Business Studies (Valuation and Property Management) – Massey University (Palmerston North)

Industry Experience

Simon is an Associate Director within Opteon’s Government Services team, specialising in residential valuations. He joined Opteon in 2023 as a Lead Residential Valuer, overseeing the delivery of rating valuation contracts across the wider Auckland and Waikato regions. His leadership and technical expertise were recognised with a promotion to Associate Director in November 2024.

Prior to joining Opteon, Simon worked as a Valuation Panel Manager, with a focus on quality assurance for reporting standards nationwide, and relationship management with valuation firms and banking clientele. During this time, he gained extensive knowledge of the International Valuation Standards, Guidance Papers for Valuers and Property Professionals, and the Residential Valuation Standing Instructions. He achieved his Registered Valuer qualification in 2016.

Simon’s specialisation is Residential Valuations, including (but not limited to) valuations for Rating and Taxation/Government Services work and valuations for Mortgage Finance purposes.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations

• Rating valuations utilising mass appraisal methodologies

• Rating valuation objections

• Valuations for mortgage finance purposes

• Valuations pre purchase/pre-sale advice

Alexander Dolejschka-Ang

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Property Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property and Bachelor of Commerce (Econ/Fin) Conjoint – University of Auckland
• IB Diploma 

Industry Experience

Alex has been working with Opteon since 2021, following four years’ experience in the field and earning his valuation registration in 2020. In his previous role, Alex worked on broad range of valuations, including commercial/industrial, residential, land development, rent reviews, and insurance valuations. Since joining Opteon,

Alex’s focus has been on residential valuations predominantly in the South Auckland market, and lifestyle valuations in the Rodney district including Coatesville.  Alex is heavily engaged with the property valuation industry, serving as the Treasurer of the Property Institute of Auckland branch for the last four years.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• As If Complete, Kiwibuild, Land and development valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security, relationship property purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Insurance valuations, rent reviews, commercial/industrial valuations

Amelia Kirton

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Young Property Professional of the Year
• Member of New Zealand Institute of Valuers 
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Valuation & Property Management) – Massey University  
• Master of Teaching & Learning (Primary) – Victoria University of Wellington

Industry Experience

Amelia is a Registered Valuer with experience across all major property sectors, including commercial, industrial, residential, and lifestyle assets. She began her valuation career after completing a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in Valuation and Property Management at Massey University, and gained early professional experience in Wellington under highly regarded mentors, achieving Registered Valuer status in 2004.

Amelia then spent three years in London specialising in commercial property valuation in the West End and across the UK, including retail warehouse portfolios, as well as undertaking fund management responsibilities. Since returning to New Zealand, Amelia has continued to build extensive expertise across commercial, industrial and development land, with particular capability in small- to medium-scale subdivision projects. She also undertakes compensation assessments across all land categories.

Based in our Kapiti Coast office, Amelia services clients throughout Kapiti and is expanding her practice into the Horowhenua and Porirua markets. Having lived locally since 2011 and specialising in the Kapiti area since 2021, she has developed strong relationships within the region and brings a well-considered, evidence-based approach to every assignment. 

Areas of Expertise

• Subdivision and vacant land
• Commercial and industrial property valuation
• Rental assessments and negotiations
• Financial reporting and due diligence
• First mortgage security valuations  
• Valuation consultancy for both private and public sector assets
• Insurance valuations
• Land and compensation valuations
• Asset and tax-related valuations

Ben Roberts

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Valuation & Property Management - Massey University
• Registered Valuer - 2023
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers (MNZIV)

Industry Experience

Ben started with Opteon in 2019 upon completing his Property degree at Massey University and went on to gain registration as a valuer in 2023. Ben works with the NZ Commercial & Industrial team specialising in a broad range of valuations in Tauranga and surrounding areas.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial & industrial valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental assessments
• Insurance valuations
• Tax depreciation valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes

Conrad Smith

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property, Bachelor of Commerce - University of Auckland (2020)

Industry Experience

Conrad has been with Opteon since 2019. He has built a diverse skill set and gained extensive experience working with both Opteon’s Residential and Commercial & Industrial teams, particularly within the North Shore/Rodney and South Auckland regions. 

Since September 2022, Conrad has worked directly under the supervision of Kris Vulinovich, focusing exclusively on residential properties in South Auckland. As a registered valuer, he specialises in a wide range of residential properties, including new builds, home & income properties, cross-lease titles, and in-scope RVSI redevelopment sites. Additionally, Conrad undertakes Residential/Lifestyle property valuations within the North Shore/Rodney lifestyle markets. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations
• Residential/Lifestyle Property Valuations
• Valuations for Mortgage Security Purposes
• Valuations for Rental Assessments

Ewen Lilburn

Formal Qualifications

• New Zealand Certificate in Engineering
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Massey University - ongoing) 

Industry Experience

Ewen has over 15 years’ experience in the property valuation industry, primarily with Government services throughout the Northland region. He is proficient in residential, lifestyle and rural valuation techniques required in the maintenance of the District Valuation Roll and has an in depth knowledge of legislation that impacts rating valuation methodology.

Ewen provides specialist expertise in index creation and statistical interpretation of mass appraised data gleaned from the successful implementation of fourteen district revaluation projects. Ewen’s engineering background brings to Opteon added knowledge of data integrity techniques and the ability to streamline workflow processes for accurate outcomes.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential and lifestyle property valuations
• District Revaluations
• Mass valuation modelling
• Territorial Authority account management
• Asset valuation for private and government clients

Gary Brunsdon

Formal Qualifications

• ANZIV

Industry Experience

Gary began his valuation career in 1978 under a valuation cadetship with Valuation New Zealand, while completing a Diploma in Valuation at Auckland University. After qualifying in 1981 Gary obtained registration in 1983. Gary is now a Senior Member of the Property Institute and an Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers.

He joined Sheldons in 1987, and then became a director of Sheldons in 1992. On a day to day basis, he was responsible for the residential side of the Company involved in staff training, the joint directorship of the practice and overseeing the daily administration of Sheldons. Following the recent rebranding to Opteon New Zealand Limited Gary has stepped back from a full-time management role and now fulfills a consultancy role including mentoring of the younger team members.

Areas of Expertise

Gary specialises in residential valuations on the North Shore covering Albany, Hillcrest, Birkenhead, Northcote and Glenfield.

Hayden Loughnan

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer – Valuers Registration Board of New Zealand
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers 
• Bachelor of Property - University of Auckland
• Bachelor of Commerce - University of Auckland  

Industry Experience

Hayden began his career with Opteon in 2017, initially supporting the commercial valuation team through data entry and management of Auckland’s sales and lease database. In 2018, he transitioned into a Graduate Valuer role, gaining experience in rating valuations across the Rodney region. His responsibilities included both desktop and physical property inspections, as well as maintaining the regional database.

From 2019 to 2023, Hayden focused on residential valuations within Auckland’s North Shore, particularly the North-West East Coast Bays. During this time, he also contributed to rating revaluation objections for Auckland (2021) and Hamilton (2022). Between 2023 and 2024, Hayden expanded his expertise in rating valuations across multiple regions, processing subdivisions, building consents, and handling Section 14 and 16 assessments. He played a key role in the Rotorua and Auckland revaluations and began mentoring new graduates on valuation processes. 

Since becoming a Registered Valuer in 2024, Hayden has continued to support revaluation objections in Rotorua, Auckland, and Hamilton, while also undertaking market valuations in the Hamilton region. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuation
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Ratings valuation / mass valuation
• Land valuation tribunal negotiations
• Market research
• Teaching valuation processes
• International relations
• Customer relations 

Jack Whiteman

Formal Qualifications

• Residential Valuer
• Member (MNZIV)
• Bachelor of Business Studies – Valuation & Property Management - Massey University Palmerston North

Industry Experience

Jack joined Opteon in January 2026, bringing strong technical capability and five years of specialised valuation experience, particularly residential portfolios. within government‑based residential portfolios.

In his role at Opteon, Jack contributes to the expansion of our residential mortgage and government service lines, supported by his deep local knowledge of the Wellington region, including Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.

Prior to joining Opteon, Jack spent five years with Quotable Value Ltd, where he managed council rating contracts and undertook market valuations across a broad range of assets. He has delivered valuations for rating purposes, mortgage security, refinancing and reverse mortgages, and has provided services to Greater Wellington regional councils including Wellington City, Porirua, Hutt City, Kapiti Coast, Upper Hutt and South Wairarapa. As a Senior Consultant, Jack led two successful rating revaluation projects and mentored graduate valuers toward registration.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuation
• First mortgage security
• Refinancing
• Graduate registration and mentoring
• New build valuation
• Subdivision and Vacant Land

James Clark

Formal Qualifications

•  Registered Valuer – Registration Certificate Number 2757
• Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property Administration (BPA) from the Auckland University

Industry Experience

James began his valuation career in 1986 under a valuation cadetship with Housing New Zealand (formerly Housing Corporation of NZ), where he received practical experience in the building and valuation industry, property management and general administration. He is an Associate Member of The New Zealand Institute of Valuers. 

James practised in Whangarei for 9 years covering a wide range of valuation work from commercial/industrial through to residential and small blocks, before moving to Auckland in 1992 and continuing to value within the wider Isthmus. He joined Sheldon & Partners in 2001 and specialises in residential valuations within the Eastern suburbs where he resides, with particular interest in higher priced property.  This encompasses the Central Bays area from Parnell to St Heliers, Glendowie, Panmure, Ellerslie, Mt Wellington and Remuera.  James has an extensive client base and is one of the more experienced residential valuers in the Central Bays. 

Opteon NZ was established with the merger of Sheldon & Partners, a practice based in Auckland New Zealand that had been in operation for some 40 years.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Valuations
• Mortgage Security purposes
• Pre-purchase
• Pre-sale
• Development
• Trust formation

Jason Wong

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property, Auckland University

Industry Experience

Jason started with Sheldon & Partners (later acquired by Opteon Solutions) in 2007 starting in the West Auckland residential team before transitioning in 2009 to the commercial team working predominantly under Brian Stafford-Bush where he has completed a variety of work throughout Auckland. Following registration in 2015, Jason has focused on the South Auckland Commercial Industrial market, including work on a wide range of insurance valuations and helping with the training of Graduate Valuers within the firm.

From 2014 to 2016 Jason also served on the Auckland Branch Committee for The Property Institute of New Zealand serving as CPD Conveyor organising a variety of educational events for the membership. 

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial/Industrial Valuations with a focus on South Auckland
• Insurance Valuations, in particularly Bodies Corporate
• Assessments relating to the Unit Titles Act including Ownership Interest and Utility Interest assessments

Jeffrey Qin

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer Licence No. 3852
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property, Auckland University, New Zealand – 2012

Industry Experience

In 2019 Jeffrey became a Registered Property Valuer. Jeffrey started working at Opteon, formerly Sheldons in 2014 as a commercial valuer working alongside Jessie Jiang, undertaking a range of commercial and industrial valuations in the central Auckland region. Over the last few years Jeffrey has focused on residential and development land valuations within the south and central Auckland regions being involved in a wide spectrum of valuation assignments ranging from standard residential properties to high value complex assets and subdivision projects. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations
• Commercial & Industrial valuations
• Development Land valuations
• Mortgage requirements
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Insurance valuations

Jessie Jiang

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer (NZ)
• Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Member of the Property Institute of New Zealand
• Bachelor of Property, Auckland University
• LLB (Peking University)

Industry Experience

Jessie began her valuation career in early 1999, gaining a wide range of valuation experience, involved in various consultancy assignments including site acquisition and disposal, financial analysis in conjunction with leasing and development projects, budget analysis in portfolio management and cell site acquisitions for the communication network. After joining Sheldons in 2002, Jessie specialised in residential valuations. Wanting to expand her commercial experience Jessie worked as a senior valuer for Bayleys Valuations Limited in 2004-2005. Her main focus was commercial and industrial valuations including market valuations, rental reviews, arbitrations and compulsory acquisitions. In 2006, Jessie joined Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) where she was responsible for commercial valuations including office buildings, shopping centres, large blocks of land and industrial properties. In 2007, Jessie re-joined Sheldons to fulfil the role of commercial team leader and shareholding director. After Sheldon’s rebranding to Opteon, she is now an Associate Director with Opteon New Zealand.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and Industrial valuations
• Development valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Valuation for mortgage security purposes
• General Property Consultancy
• Insurance valuations
• Rental valuations

John Hickey

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Senior Member of the New Zealand Property Institute
• Diploma in Urban Valuation from Auckland University

Industry Experience

John is highly regarded as a valuer and is very experienced in the areas he concentrates on being Auckland’s Eastern and far Eastern Suburbs.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice purposes
• Valuations for compensation purposes
• Valuations for insurance purposes
• Rental valuations

Kate Tubberty

Formal Qualifications

•  Bachelor of Property from Auckland University
• Registered Valuer in 2002- License Number 3307

Industry Experience

 Kate joined Opteon New Zealand in early 2017 and undertakes a range of residential valuations across the Auckland region, with a strong focus on South Auckland. Her expertise covers valuations for various purposes, including mortgage finance, forced sales, acquisition and sale, matrimonial and accounting purposes. She also specialises in lifestyle property valuations. Kate completed a Bachelor of Property in 1999 and became a registered valuer in 2002. Upon completing her degree, she worked at Jones Lang LaSalle, where she gained experience in a broad range of residential, industrial, and commercial valuations. Opteon NZ was established through the merger of Sheldons & Partners Limited, an Auckland-based practice with over 40 years of operation. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations including lifestyle property
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre – purchase/ pre – sale advice purposes
• Rating and Land Tax Objections

Kathy Zhu

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property – University of Auckland (2018)

Industry Experience

Kathy began her valuation career in 2019 and joined Opteon in 2023. The majority of Kathy’s expertise is in residential valuations, particularly in rating valuation. She has successfully assisted in completing revaluations and meeting roll maintenance deadlines. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations
• Rating valuations 

Kurt Brunsdon

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property Valuation and Management - Massey University
• Bachelor of Business (Finance and Marketing) - Massey University (2011) 

Industry Experience

Kurt joined Opteon in 2012 after graduating from Massey University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business (Finance and Marketing). He later completed a Bachelor of Property Valuation and Management and obtained NZIV registration in 2017.

He undertakes a wide range of residential valuations across the North Shore, with particular expertise in properties on the western side of the motorway. Kurt leverages his deep market knowledge and strong network of local property professionals to deliver accurate and reliable valuations.

Kurt grew up immersed in the valuation industry, with his father being one of the founding partners of Sheldons and Partners Limited, which later became Opteon. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre – purchase/ pre – sale advice purposes
• Commercial valuations for Insurance purposes  

Leeane Gregory

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer

• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers

• Bachelor of Property (University of Auckland 2003)

• Bachelor of Commerce (BGS) (University of Auckland 2008)

Industry Experience

Leeane joined Opteon NZ in 2016, having previously worked for Sheldon and Partners, CBRE and Aim Valuation from 2003. She has a range of expertise with specific focus in residential property, including valuation of single and multidwelling residential properties, apartments, investment property, land and development land, construction, insurance and high value residential property within the Auckland Area. Leeane also provides reports to councils and government departments for specialised purposes, including for acquisition and disposal requirements, rental and development assessments amongst others.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations

• Development land and construction (including progresspayment certificates)

   

• Valuations for mortgage security purposes (including apartments and high value properties, multiple income units and investment properties)

   

• Valuations for property taxation, legislation, acquisition including partial acquisition

   

• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes / division of relationship and estate property

   

• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes

   

• Valuation for insurance certificates

   

• Rental assessment

Mark Davidson

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property, Auckland University
• Diploma of eCommerce

Industry Experience

Mark joined Opteon in 2017. He graduated from Auckland University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Property and worked as a valuer before heading overseas for several years. More recently Mark has worked in residential development management, construction and project management roles before returning to valuation. He has been a keen property investor since 2008 and enjoys the nature of the everchanging market. Mark is currently a member of the Commercial & Industrial team with a focus on the North Shore & Rodney markets.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial & industrial valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental assessments
• Insurance valuations
• Tax depreciation valuations
• Subdivisional/development land valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Development feasibility

Michael Dempsey

Formal Qualifications

• Licensed Valuer in Auckland, New Zealand (Registration Certificate No. 3879) (Practising Certificate No. 31861)
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Valuation and Property Management) - Massey University, New Zealand (2015)  

Industry Experience

In 2019 Michael became a Registered Property Valuer in New Zealand with three years prior valuation experience in Auckland. Michael’s experience includes the preparation of Valuations and consultancy advice for residential asset classes ranging from prestige residences to urban infill redevelopment sites, existing and proposed residential.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations
• Mortgage requirements
• Strategic investment property advice
• Resumption of freehold land
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice

Mike Mclean

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer (November 2000, Reg. No 3249)
• Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Member of New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property, Auckland University

Industry Experience

Mike joined Sheldon & Partners, now Opteon, in 1996, as a graduate where he was involved in a wide range of valuation work, before focusing on commercial and industrial property, becoming a Registered Valuer in 2000.

Mike’s strong relationships with Real Estate Agents and other property professionals has enabled him to provide accurate and timely advice. He provides excellent client service and believes effective communication is the key to success.

The work he has undertaken encompasses a wide range of properties through New Zealand from typical investment assets for individuals, specialist assets for financial reporting, corporate portfolio’s, compulsory acquisition, rental reviews and insurance assessments.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and Industrial Valuations
• Specialised Assets
• Insurance Valuations
• Valuations for Acquisition & Disposal
• Rental Reviews

Ming Zhao

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Property & Bachelor of Commerce (Conjoint Degree) from the University of Auckland
• Registered Valuer – 2011 Registration Certificate No. 3605
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers

Industry Experience

Ming is currently working as a senior residential valuer. He joined Sheldon & Partners Limited in 2003 as a valuer while he completed his studies at the University of Auckland. Ming started full time in 2005 after completing his Bachelor of Property and Bachelor of Commerce degrees. He went on to gain registration as a valuer in 2011.

Ming has firmly established himself as a highly regarded apartment specialist with his expertise including a broad range of apartment valuations such as leaky building/leasehold/serviced apartment valuations, etc. in Auckland City and fringe city suburbs. Ming’s expertise also includes residential valuations in the central Auckland area, such as Blockhouse Bay, New Windsor, Lynfield and Mt Roskill. Ming is bilingual in Mandarin and Cantonese, and his valuation expertise is predominantly residential.

Opteon NZ was established with the merger of Sheldon & Partners Limited, a practice based in Auckland New Zealand that had been in operation for some 40 years.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Broad range of Apartment valuations including freehold/leasehold/serviced/leaky building/rental valuations
• Valuation for mortgage security purposes
• Valuation for property taxation, legislation and disclosure purposes
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental Assessments
• Subdivisional/development land valuations
• Development feasibility

Nick Westerkamp

Paolo Katigbak

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property – The University of Auckland (2021)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Economics) – The University of Auckland (2021) 

Industry Experience

 Paolo joined Opteon in 2021 after graduating from the University of Auckland with a Commerce & Property degree. As a Registered Valuer, Paolo has gained experience in a broad range of valuations, specialising primarily in commercial & industrial property within the Central Auckland region. Paolo also has experience with residential development valuations across the wider Auckland region. 

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial & Industrial Valuations
• Valuations for Mortgage Security Purposes
• Asset Valuations for Financial Reporting
• Pre-Sale and Pre-Purchase Advice
• Rental Assessments
• Insurance Valuations

Pierce Dobbie

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Property
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Member of the Property Institute of New Zealand (MPINZ)

Industry Experience

Pierce works primarily for the NZ Commercial & Industrial team. Pierce joined Opteon in 2021 part time during his studies, working for the commercial research team. In 2022 Pierce completed his studies, graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Property & Bachelor of Commerce and began his career as a valuer. Since graduating, Pierce has gained experience in a broad range of Commercial & Industrial valuations, with some experience in the residential sector. Pierce recently achieved registered valuer status.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial & industrial valuations
• Residential valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental assessments
• Insurance valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting

Pip Sinclair

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Valuation & Property Management) – Massey University
• Committee member of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers

Industry Experience

Pip graduated from Massey University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in Valuation and Property Management. During her final year, she worked full-time as an assistant valuer in Wellington, specializing in residential valuations in Wellington and Kapiti. After three years of supervised work, she achieved Registered Valuer status in 2022.

She has been actively involved in professional organizations such as the Property Institute of New Zealand (PINZ) and the New Zealand Institute of Valuers (NZIV). Pip served as the chairperson of the Wellington branch of PINZ and is currently a committee member of the Wellington branch of NZIV.

Pip continues to specialize in residential valuations, focusing on the Kapiti, Porirua, and Horowhenua regions. Her expertise is supported by collaboration with experienced valuers, enhancing her knowledge of valuation processes, legislation, and local market dynamics. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuation
• Insurance valuations
• Lifestyle properties
• Valuations for matrimonial purposes
• First mortgage security valuations
• Estate planning
• Refinancing
• New Builds
• Subdivision and vacant land

Sasha Peters

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer

• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers

• Bachelor of Property Degree (First Class Honours) - The University of Auckland   

Industry Experience

Sasha has over 15 years of valuation experience spanning across various specialisations. Currently - Since mid-2014, Sasha has focused on residential valuations specialised in a West Auckland patch, including: Waterview, Avondale, Te Atatu Peninsula, Te Atatu South, New Lynn, Kelston, Glen Eden, Green Bay, Titirangi, Laingholm, Parau, Oratia (Lifestyle), Waiatarua, Henderson Valley, Huia and Piha.

In 2009 Sasha graduated from the University of Auckland with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Property degree and commenced his valuation career at the Head Office of a large multi-national property firm in Britomart as a Commercial Property Valuer, where he spent over 3 years. Sasha began by specialising in the ‘Large Scale Development Land’ division for approximately 2.5 years where he undertook valuations throughout New Zealand for institutional investors, corporate owners, developers and various banks. This work was varied both geographically and by type. In this time, Sasha jointly undertook a number of the largest and most complex valuations in the country. In 2012, Sasha transitioned (within the same company) into the ‘General Commercial’ team where he specialised in industrial, commercial office, and retail properties throughout the City fringe and South Auckland area.

Sasha joined Sheldons (now Opteon) in 2013 where he continued to specialise in industrial valuations throughout the South Auckland area. After gaining over two years of industrial valuation experience, Sasha then moved into residential valuations. 

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations for mortgage security purposes

• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes 

• Insurance valuations (assessment of sum insured)

• Rental valuations assessments 

• Residential house valuations  

• Home and income and investment type property valuations  

• Lifestyle property valuations

• Subdivision/(re)development land valuations
  
  

Simon-Peter Finlay

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property – University of Auckland

Industry Experience

Simon-Peter graduated from the University of Auckland in March 2013, where he completed a Bachelor of Property. Following his graduation, he joined Sheldons (now Opteon), where he undertook insurance valuations for both residential and commercial properties. He later specialised in residential valuations within the South and West Auckland areas. In 2018, Simon-Peter established the Opteon brand in the Waikato region and now undertakes residential valuations in Hamilton City and its surrounding districts. 

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage requirements
• Selling or pre purchase
• Existing and proposed ‘as if complete’ valuations
• Residential Insurance Valuations

Steven Flexman

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers 

Industry Experience

Steven obtained his registration in 2013 and has since gained experience across a broad range of commercial and residential valuations. In recent years, he has specialised exclusively in the residential property sector, with a focus on the former Rodney District, now part of the greater Auckland area.  

Before embarking on his career in property valuation, Steven worked in both residential and commercial construction, as well as the manufacturing and sales of construction materials for domestic and export markets. His broad experience in construction techniques and materials, combined with his strong understanding of valuation methodology, enables him to deliver efficient and accurate valuation outcomes informed by practical knowledge and industry expertise. 

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuation
• Lifestyle property valuation
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuation for pre-purchase/pre-sale
• Insurance valuations
• Rating & land tax objections
• Valuations for financial reporting 

Tim McCabe

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers
• Bachelor of Property - University of Auckland (1986) 

Industry Experience

Tim has been a registered valuer since 1994, with extensive experience specialising in residential properties on the fringe of Auckland City. He has completed valuation assignments for both public and private sector clients, supporting a wide range of purposes including mortgage finance, property sales and purchases, trust formation, relationship property division, and development projects. 

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage  
• Pre purchase /sale
• Compensation
• Trust Formation
• Development
• Relationship Property Division

Tony Mcewan

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer
• Member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers

Industry Experience

 Tony began his career as a valuer in 1974 with Valuation New Zealand and has worked as a full-time valuer for over 40-years. Tony is a founding Director of Sheldons and now a consultant, contractor to the company, which has now been rebranded as Opteon New Zealand Ltd.

He is a past Chairman of the Auckland Branch of The New Zealand Institute of Valuers and New Zealand Property Institute and was admitted as a Fellow of those Institutes in 2002 in recognition of my services to the profession and expertise as a Valuer. Most of his experience has been in the greater Auckland Region. He has previously been employed in Northland and has provided services for clients in various regional centres in the North Island. 

In addition to his professional roles, Paul contributes to the community through several governance positions in the housing, education, and charitable sectors.

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial & Industrial valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental assessments
• Insurance valuations
• Tax depreciation valuations

Tyson Gedge

Formal Qualifications

• Registered Valuer 
• Member of the Property Institute of New Zealand
• Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) majoring in valuation and property management (VPM) - Massey University

Industry Experience

Tyson Gedge is a senior registered valuer who graduated from Massey University with a degree in Valuation and property management (BBS, VPM) in 2012. He then started his career at Sheldons and Partners Limited in 2012 as a graduate valuer before becoming a registered valuer in 2016. Tyson has specialised in a broad range of residential valuations in the West Auckland area and has established strong relationships with local key stakeholders.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations  
• Valuation for mortgage security purposes  
• Valuation for property taxation, legislation and disclosure purposes  
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Rental Assessments 
• Subdivisional/development land valuations 
• Development feasibility 

Duncan Stuart

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Land and Property Management majoring in Rural Valuation – Lincoln University

Industry Experience

Duncan started working with Opteon in October 2025 with a strong drive to achieve registration as a valuer. Prior to joining, he completed an overseas experience after graduating from Lincoln University. Duncan also brings several years of experience in the agriculture industry through various roles in both New Zealand and Australia, giving him a broad understanding and genuine interest in the rural field. Duncan is based in Whangārei, where he collaborates closely with the Government Services team on maintenance projects while assisting in the 2025 Taupō revaluation, with a focus on lifestyle properties.

Areas of Expertise

• Lifestyle properties

• Building consents

• District maintenance work