We’re a family run business owned and operated by husband and wife team Calum and Rebekah Hughes, who funnily enough first met while working in a local garden centre before starting University and they’ve been together ever since!
Calum established Green Republic in 2010, after spending his whole working career in the industry. The majority of this time was spent working on the tools as a landscaper and landscape designer.
Over time Calum saw that many landscapers were proficient in certain areas but often one dimensional as a whole and not able to offer design advice or make creative changes on the go. From early on the skills gained and qualifications earned were a strategic move. Part of a plan to create a company that clients needed and expected, a company that can bend and adapt, listen and execute and collaborate with clients.
Rebekah was there from the start and already had a successful career in business management that she enjoyed. While we individually formed our own careers it was always the long-term goal to work together again and run the company as a family orientated business. It wasn’t until the arrival of our kids that Rebekah officially came on board full-time and we can now truly call ourselves a family business.
QUALIFICATIONS: DIPLOMA OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN (UNITEC 2005)
EXPERIENCE: 2001 – PRESENT (18+ YEARS) LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, LANDSCAPE FOREMAN AND PROJECT MANAGER
What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?
It’s always extremely satisfying to be part of the build and to see a space change throughout. Getting a message in the evening from a happy client when a major component is completed is always a great feeling!
What would be your best advise to your clients when discussing starting a new landscape project with them?
Hands down it’s to have a landscape design drawn. Plan your project well and treat the landscaping like an extension to your home or kitchen renovation and get a plan on paper.
Favourite plant of choice and why?
Hmmmm, this is hard but this week I’ll go with Dypsis baronii. Dypsis is well suited to residential landscaping and in the right position is a perfect subtropical staple to have in the garden.
Ideal summer holiday?
A good old kiwi camping holiday with the family at Waihi Beach. Nice and relaxed, full time jandal weather and ocean swimming.
Hobbies and interests outside of work?
If I’m not spending time with the family it’s going to be sport related. The glory days are behind me now but I’ll still play a game of golf or beach cricket and look to win in dominant fashion!
What kind of project excites you the most?
A toughie, but I’d say a project that’s intricate and unique, with clients that have a shared vision and enthusiasm for the project. For us that’s a winning combo and really gets us excited!
QUALIFICATION: BACHELOR OF APPLIED ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIENCE: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, PROJECT PLANNING, KEY ACCOUNTS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING & EVENTS.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping to ensure your project runs smoothly behind the scenes, by supporting the team with all the finer details.
What would be your best advice to your clients when discussing starting a new landscape project with them?
Planning is key. Have a clear idea about your ultimate goal and how you picture your finished landscape. Create a mood board of ideas and components you would like to include, this will ensure the garden is complimentary to both your personality and lifestyle.
Favourite plant of choice and why?
If I’m being honest, the most satisfying plants for me to grow are edibles. Vegetable and herb gardens are so rewarding as they keep on giving all year round and can be a great activity to get your kids involved with.
Ideal summer holiday?
A place where everything is taken care of for you, and you can simply sit back and enjoy the view!
Hobbies and interests outside of work?
Having small children doesn’t leave much time for chilling, but they are always keen for a run around at the park or an ice cream at the beach. If I do get a spare 5 minutes, you’ll find me knitting as a way to relax and be crafty.
Does your garden need updating or want to start fresh with a new project?
Get in touch below.
We’re with you all the way! We’ll be the first and the last points of contact for your project. We physically install your landscape (with the help of others) and you will see and hear from us daily. Full ownership of the project lies with us and we ensure the job runs smoothly with minimal fuss and stress. Our business is based on word of mouth and referrals so your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Individually we have years of experience and collectively we’ve got decades! Relevant experience is an important consideration in an industry that covers a very broad spectrum of skill sets. We come with backgrounds and qualifications in Landscape Design, Business Management, Horticulture and Construction. So you’re well and truly in safe hands.
We take great care and put a lot of time and detail into accurately pricing your project. We give you realistic, honest pricing that’s backed by years of experience and knowledge. We break our pricing down and incorporate every aspect, removing any hidden surprises others may choose to overlook.
We’re very focused on detail and it shows in our workmanship and planning. Years of experience and a perfectionist personality mean that we simply can’t do it any other way! We notice the things that others miss and we think that matters.
We’re friendly people that respect you and your home. You can absolutely trust us, and you’ll enjoy having us around. We’re approachable, conscientious people and we often get told by clients that they’re sad to see us go!
We’re professionals who do things right the first time. We believe in building your landscape to the highest standards, with the best possible materials and methods. We never cut corners and we always aim high. Our reputation and livelihood is on the line so it’s a no brainer!
