​Kowhai Southland / The Lakes is owned and operated by Deb and Graeme Howie.

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Graeme, who grew up in Otatara, became a painter straight out of school. After heading overseas for his big OE, Graeme went on to run large painting crews in England and Australia. He met Deb in Australia and the couple returned to Southland in 1996 where they started Cleanlines Decorating.
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Deb, a former School Principal, applied her excellent organisational skills to the admin side of the business ensuring that right from the beginning all the paperwork and communication was completed promptly and to the highest standard!
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In 2005 they took on the Kowhai Southland & Lakes franchise and have grown the team to four. Looking after their crew and working safely is a huge part of their company ethos which is why everyone is Site Safe and Working at Heights and Ropes & Harness Certified.
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That’s something they carry into their personal lives too and the couple are both volunteer firefighters in their local Fire Brigade. Graeme has been involved since 2013 and Deb signed on in 2015.
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Based in Athol, Kowhai Southland & The Lakes services from Lake Hawea to Bluff.