My name is Allan Austen; I am the Managing Director of Ascension Homes.

Coming from a family of builders means I have been involved in the building industry from a very young age.

At 49 years of age I have extensive knowledge and experience within many areas of the building industry.

Starting my career at Manukau City Council, I trained as a Building Inspector and attained my NZC Building.

From there I worked for two years building labour only on residential and commercial sites. I moved on to work for Dempsey Homes in the Eastern Suburbs as a Building Supervisor and then Lockwood Buildings in Takanini.

In 1996 I formed Austen Construction Ltd and once again became self employed. In 1998 I became a Registered Masterbuilder and am at present on the committee of the southern branch.

In 2005 I decided to change the direction of the company and renamed it Ascension Homes Ltd.

Having lived in the Franklin District all my life and building predominantly in Te Kauwhata, Pukekohe and Papakura, in June 2007 I decided on a lifestyle/business change and relocated our company to Whitianga. Our staff now covers Whitianga and surrounding areas on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Ascension Homes have had experience in solid block masonry, plaster over brick, weatherboard, tilt slab construction and brick exteriors.

When not working I enjoy fishing, golf, wine tasting and building furniture - and riding my Suzuki Bandit 1200 around the Coromandel!!