Ohana
Inspiring Family-Centric Innovation in Hospitality

Phil Cooper, director of Ohana, along with his now wife Joy and son Andreas, never imagined he would go from living as a solo dad with six kids to running one of the most successful property management companies in New Zealand.

Having started many successful businesses, Cooper is certainly no stranger to delivering on his track record.

From hosting guests at their single-family cottage to managing over 180 properties across New Zealand, Ohana has perfected the art of short-term rental management by elevating customer experiences by providing exceptional services through security monitoring, guest communication, property maintenance, cleaning/linen services and an inhouse interior design and construction team.

The Hawaiian concept of ‘Ohana,’ meaning family, is deeply rooted in the company’s ethos. It firmly believes that if the mission is built on strong values and goals, money follows.

A key differentiator for Ohana is the experience it creates for customers, unlike traditional run hotels has a strong family focus and offers more than your standard hotel room.

“We make the property entertaining with a variety of amenities, like spas, saunas, pool tables, bowling alleys and gaming consoles,” says Cooper.

It offers specialized management services, including shortterm and long-term rental management packages with complete property management. Operating as a professional tenant, it signs an agreement with property owners for a guaranteed weekly rental. Ohana handles property improvements, maintenance and upkeep without incurring any additional fees. This guarantees landlords a stable income, safety of their property and peace of mind from maintenance hassles.

The welcoming nature and the hospitable atmosphere across all its properties make Ohana the stay of choice for guests. Its team of trained staff is well-equipped to cater to guests’ diverse needs.

A family-run business, which embodies the principles of ‘Ohana,’ a catchphrase from their favorite film, as a single dad his kids would watch often, Lilo & Stitch’s—‘Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.’

Staying true to this ideology, Ohana has enriched the experience of over 20,000 guests in a very short span of time now offering across New Zealand now over 950 beds. Even during the pandemic, the company was steadfast in its commitment to hosting customers and offering them the best experience. While most businesses were shutting shop, Ohana continued to operate, even serving international travelers who had no place to stay.

Its strategic partnership with Outsource Room, a Philippines-based agency, has played a key role in its growth. This collaboration goes beyond just business benefits, demonstrating Ohana’s commitment to supporting underserved communities. It helps local families prosper by offering them employment opportunities and better remuneration.

By prioritizing a sense of unity in both professional and personal spheres, the company truly embraces the spirit of Ohana, which is evident through its simple yet impactful actions. Aiming to improve its services and cater to a larger audience, the team continues to adopt more properties under its family-centric brand. For the future, it has set its eyes on the international playing field.

Ohana is creating meaningful and lasting experiences for guests through the curation of coveted properties that radiate warmth and hospitality.