Celebrating Malcolm Gillies: His Impact on Wellington

Transforming Upper Hutt & Beyond

Few have left a mark on Wellington like Malcolm Gillies. His work has reshaped Upper Hutt, breathing new life into its residential and commercial spaces. From large-scale subdivisions to revitalizing the former Dunlop tyre factory into Brewtown, his projects have brought jobs, opportunities, and growth to the region.

Gillies’ redevelopment of Wallaceville Estate and Riverstone Terraces stands as a testament to his vision. His ability to turn underutilized areas into thriving communities has earned him immense respect. When Wallaceville Estate is completed, he will have built more than 2,000 homes in Upper Hutt.

His contributions extend beyond housing. He transformed the former Dunlop tyre factory into the South Pacific Industrial Park, where he once worked as an apprentice fitter and turner. After its closure in 2006, he revitalized the site, bringing back employment opportunities for around 400 people.

The Man Behind the Success

Malcolm Gillies, founder of Gillies Group, has been a driving force in Wellington’s real estate and property development since 1996. Over the years, he has developed more than 1,500 sections, creating spaces where families and businesses can thrive. His expertise in land development has made him one of the most influential figures in Wellington’s transformation.
Beyond his property ventures, Gillies owned Gillies and Mark Realty, which once dominated Upper Hutt’s real estate market with over 40% market share. In 2022, after 25 years in real estate, he sold the business to focus on larger development projects.

He and business partner Kevin Melville purchased the 386-hectare Plimmerton Farm, planning to develop more than 1,550 sections and lifestyle blocks, further shaping Wellington’s future.

A Leader We Are Proud Of

Wellington owes a great deal to Malcolm Gillies. His dedication to enhancing the city’s infrastructure, economy, and residential landscape is commendable.

He was honored with the One Eighty Recruitment Outstanding Leadership Award and the Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award. These accolades recognize his relentless efforts in reshaping Wellington and providing countless opportunities for the community.

Gillies has also been instrumental in developing the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport at the former Central Institute of Technology site in Trentham. His vision includes altitude chambers, hydrotherapy pools, and world-class sports science facilities.

Beyond development, he is a major donor to the local sports and arts communities. He and his wife, Carol, are naming sponsors of the Gillies Gallery, a $7.25 million extension to Upper Hutt’s Expressions Whirinaki Gallery and Entertainment Centre.

Malcolm Gillies’ work speaks for itself. We celebrate his contributions and are grateful for the lasting impact he has made on Wellington’s future.

Credit to Malcolm Gillies for his outstanding contributions to Wellington’s development.