Himatangi In-tent

Margaret & Dennis Penney

It never ceases to amaze ... the routes that are taken by business owners to build and grow their business ... and the key decisions that are made along the way. Margaret & Dennis Penney who like many in New Zealand loved their summer tenting holidays at our lovely beaches; for them the Coromandel Peninsula was always a favourite. Although they came from careers in panel beating and bakery management, experiences both good and not so good with camping grounds started them on their "journey", to eventually owning one ... The Himatangi Beach Holiday Park in the Manawatu.  Margaret & Dennis didn't leap into this on a whim; they experienced the business by working in a holiday park in Tauranga and further afield. They learnt and understood the positives and the negatives of being in this sort of business. They became involved with the Holiday Parks Association of NZ and asked even more questions.

As Margaret would say " we didn't have a large business plan document BUT we do have very clear goals and a plan for how we want to grow the business". They have built very strong relationships with their accountant and bank manager ... all local people, who have helped them with business planning and the stages of business growth.

Building the business and improving the facilities and services has been challenging however their perseverance and a team of trusted advisors saw them win the 2007 AA Spirit of Hospitality Supreme Award for Excellence in Customer Service. They have a solid customer base, who return year after year because of the family atmosphere and developments that have been completed at the holiday park. This is a credit to the Penney's vision, determination and perseverance ... as well as having a sound plan, mutually developed with their accountant and bank manager.

Take time out on that trip along State Highway 1 and go and have a "down to earth" conversation with a pragmatic, inspiring couple ... Margaret and Dennis Penney.

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