The family's wealth was built on civil engineering firm Kaipara, which plays host to a widespread asset base that includes the Brookby and Smythes quarries.
It also owns a large industrial estate in Highbrook and two residential developments – Spinnaker Bay and Solway on the outskirts of Auckland – and stakes in Pine Harbour Marina, near the family's base in Beachlands.
Now in his mid-seventies, Allan Drinkrow has left the day-to-day running of the business to his stepson, Simon Male, who’s taking a ‘steady-as-she-goes’ approach to the portfolio.
However, the Drinkrow projects are vast.
Solway, for example, is a 160ha development that boasts panoramic 360-degree views of the Auckland isthmus. The starting price is about $1 million for one of the 28 secluded sites.
Having established the Pine Harbour Marina 30 years ago, the Drinkrow family is now tapping into Auckland property’s relentless growth by providing drinking water for the dozens of new terrace-style townhouses and apartments being built around the marina.
The quarry business is also forging ahead after the Environment Court gave approval in late 2014 to effectively triple output from the Brookby Quarry.
Last year Allan sold the Beachlands Pine Harbour Motorsport Museum site that houses his collection of sports car and motorbikes.