PropertyPhysical Address: 11 Park Place, Whanganui
Postal Address: PO Box 4003, Whanganui, 4541 Property Division Phone: (06) 349 0902 Email: [email protected] |
Melanie Ford - Property Manager
Melanie has been an integral part of ESL for over 18 years, having joined the business in 2008. With more than a decade leading our Property Team, she brings extensive experience and knowledge of the education property sector. Melanie works closely with schools and the Ministry of Education, supporting clients through their property planning, project management and property needs. She is passionate about building strong relationships with clients and helping schools navigate what can often be a complex property environment. With her wealth of experience and practical understanding of school property, Melanie provides leadership to the Property Team and is committed to delivering professional, practical outcomes for our clients.
Dave Sheddan - Property Project Manager
Dave joined our property team late June 2017 with 24 years experience in the building industry. This background equips him perfectly to provide effective site supervision of property works at schools. Dave has a great attitude, work ethics and a good sense of humour.
Outside of work Dave enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife and 2 children.
Outside of work Dave enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife and 2 children.
Guy Harvey - Property Project Manager
Guy joined ESL in May 2022 with several years’ experience in the building industry along with project management. Prior to that Guy spent 10 years managing farms and people and developed a strong set of skills in communication, management and problem solving. He thrives off developing and maintaining strong rapport with both clients and subcontractors and loves seeing a project through to completion. Outside of work, Guy can be found working on projects in his workshop, helping his Fiancé Rebekah with their catering and bar service company and spending time with friends and family. Guy looks forward to working with the dynamic team here at ESL and building relationships with new and longstanding clients.
Tom Newton - Property Project Manager
Tom joined ESL in July 2023 and brings with him a wealth of experience, with over 25 years in the construction industry, across multiple different countries and job profiles. He has been involved in wide range of projects from working as a carpenter building mansions in the South of France, to Demolition Project Leader for Southern Response following the Chistchurch earthquakes. Tom is also an experienced humanitarian having completed rebuilding projects in Vanuatu, Fiji and Kiribati, following recent tropical cyclones. After hours Tom is a father of three and likes to spend his time outdoors, fishing, hunting and hanging out with his family.
Nicholas Kernahan - Property Project Manager
Nick is based in our New Plymouth office and joined the Property Team in January 2025. Nick is a qualified builder with 25plus years’ experience in construction. Seven of these have been working on school construction projects, which has given Nick extensive knowledge and experience in the area of school property project management & maintenance. Nick is a father to 3 children and enjoys spending time with family in weekends, coaching his children’s sports teams and playing golf in his spare time.
Tim Price - Property Project Manager
ESL is thrilled to introduce Tim, who became a valuable member of our team in June 2025. Tim brings with him 25 years of comprehensive experience in the construction sector, providing him with an unparalleled understanding of project dynamics and a strong focus on securing exceptional client results. He has seamlessly transitioned into his role, demonstrating immediate readiness for this exciting new phase of his career. Tim looks forward to fostering strong collaborative relationships with both colleagues and clients. Away from work, Tim's priority is enjoying life with his wife and two sons.
Trudi Deane - Property Administrator
Trudi became part of the team in November 2022. Prior to joining Education Services, she previously worked for Neighbourhood Support. Trudi enjoys walking with friends, gardening, reading and spending time with her daughters and family and friends.
Elyse Butters - Property Administrator
Elyse joined the ESL team in November 2024. She has a background in Retail and Veterinary Nursing which brings out her strengths in customer service, alongside her caring & kind nature. Elyse enjoys spending time with her Jack Russell x Arlo, gardening, feeding the wild/native birds, baking, spending quality time with her parents & friends.