TEAM PROFILES

Greg Lees – Director Greg has a lifetime of experience, having grown up in the business under the guidance of Tim Lees, his father, and taking over the running and growing the business since 1992.	Greg
Dale Collins – Foreman Dale has 25 years boatbuilding experience and is in charge of work in progress. He has an exceptional ability to see through problems and the depth of experience to undertake the management of repairs. Whenever he is required to do a job, he just gets on and does it – no fuss, no drama, it just gets done. The world needs more people like Dale! Dale runs Karewa and is primary skipper of the tugboat. He always exercises prudent seamanship from his experience as a commercial operator. Dale has the old fashioned Kiwi ability to fix anything – with a sound and tradesmanlike ability. All our spray painting is handled by Dale, who is recognized as the leading spray painter in the area.	Dale
Coll Bell - Leading Hand and Consultant Coll has a wide range of experience in the boatbuilding industry, spanning 35 years. As a result of this he has a practical and logical approach to problem solving, as well as an inventive nature which allows him to focus on efficient paths to overcome some of the difficult problems often found in dealing with boats. Coll also has extremely comprehensive knowledge of ferro-cement boats.	Coll
Russell Brown - Apprentice Boatbuilder Russell joined the team in January 2009 and is already proving to be a valuable team member, showing remarkable aptitude and enthusiasm in all aspects of his work and study.	Russell
Brian Thompson – Master Craftsman, Senior Boatbuilder and Tradesman Brian has been with the company for 30 years. He began his trade as a Cabinetmaker and then worked for Max Carter in Auckland. Brian is one of the best Boatbuilder/Joiners to have worked with us and easily the most experienced timber worker we’ve ever had. Customers come back year after year to have Brian work on their boats.	Brian
Warwick Leslie – Senior Boatbuilder Warwick comes from a lifetime boating background and has a passion for yachts and design. He is fully qualified having worked in Auckland boat building then settling in Warkworth. He has now been with Lees Boatbuilders for five years. As a hobby Warwick produces “one-off” half models of customers’ boats as commissioned and for his own pleasure.	Warwick
Gerry Ryke Gerry has immigrated to New Zealand and has been with Lees Boatbuilders for one year and has taken an adult apprenticeship in boatbuilding. Coming from an electrical and building background Gerry quickly showed a very high standard of workmanship, confirmed by receiving top marks on his block courses, as well as a diligent and thorough approach to all his work.	Gerry
David McKenzie David also has a lifetime of experience in boating, both power and sail. David comes from a commercial background and has completed boatbuilding at technical college. David works well with the team and competently on his own with an insite to grasp concepts and complete all work with practical thoroughness.	David
Tim Clissold From time to time we work closely with Tim Clissold. Tim is a well known local Yacht Designer and Boatbuilder with a wealth of boatbuilding and sailing knowledge and experience. Read more about Tim's background, designs and experiences on the TC Design website. For more info click here	Tim
Jo Lewin – Administrator Jo is based in the office and provides administration support to the team (ie keeps the boys in line). Being a boating enthusiast she thoroughly enjoys the environment at Lees Boatbuilders.	Jo
Rosie Lees Rosie is currently completing her third year in Marine Studies at Auckland University. She has worked throughout her University holidays at Lees Boatbuilders and has signed up to complete Primary qualifications towards a Boatbuilder's apprenticeship. Rosie has confident and capable boating skills, having been brought up in a marine environment, initially tutored by her Grandfather. Rosie has rowed competitively with North Shore Rowing Club and hopes to take that up again once her study commitments are over. She still rows recreationally in her own single scull.	Rosie