After just two years with Prendos, Chartered Building Surveyor Mike Woods was appointed to the Board of Directors in December 2024. We chatted with him about his rapid rise through the ranks, and what his vision for the company looks like.
You’ve been with Prendos for a relatively short time – how did you become a Director so quickly?
“I may not have been with Prendos for very long, but I do have a wealth of experience behind me. I was Director of a company back in the UK where I came from, so I developed my leadership style there, and dealt with running a business. I think my approach to leadership and staff development was recognised too.”
What do you think sets Prendos apart?
“I think it’s our heritage. It’s strange to think of heritage as being the last 30-odd years, coming from a country where the history of surveying stretches back to the 1800s. But there is a heritage in Prendos – they were instrumental in the development of the industry that we now work in, here in New Zealand.
“Building Surveying is essentially an imported profession. It was originally made up mainly of Chartered Surveyors who made their way ‘across the pond’ to New Zealand from the likes of the UK and Ireland. We’ve since developed some brilliant home-grown talent within New Zealand. But it’s still a relatively young industry, and Prendos was there at the beginning. It spearheaded it, and I think that gives it a heritage people trust.”
Are there any new ideas you’re keen to implement as a Director?
“I don’t think they’re necessarily new ideas, maybe just a different approach. I’ve always been one for developing staff and building incredible teams within the workplace. It’s important to be heard and respected. That, together with providing first class experience and professional development, is what turns out professionals at the top of their game.
“It’s also an exciting time with the development of AI. It’s interesting contemplating the role that technology like this can bring to our profession. It can’t replace the eyes and experience of surveyors, but there are other areas in which it can assist, and we are eagerly exploring those.”
What do you hope to achieve, in your new role as Director?
“I hope to achieve a significant expansion of the Auckland office. We’ve come through a really trying economic period, and we’ve come out of it well. I think that’s testament to the people we’ve got and the work that we take on. But there’s always room for improvement and expansion, and I’m looking forward to seeing that rapidly develop. In fact it’s already underway with two new recent appointments to our team.”
What’s your vision for Prendos in the next five years?
“I’m excited about how Prendos is developing and the rejuvenation of the Board that we’ve just gone through. That mix of deep-rooted experience and fresh innovation is a winning combination.
“We’re already thought of as the go-to company for difficult situations or where clients know they need advice, but they’re not sure where to turn. We’ve developed some really interesting bespoke services for international clients lately and I see that developing further as our reputation continues to grow and we explore new ways to add value for our clients.”
Mike Woods is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Senior Project Manager, who leads Prendos’ Auckland-based Building Surveying team. If you’d like to speak with Mike about your next project, you can contact him on 09 970 2659, or email mike.woods@prendos.co.nz.