About Me

Rodrigo Hakas – Founder of Hakas Garden Management

My journey in landscaping began over 40 years ago, in the garden with my mother—potting flowers, arranging indoor plants, and discovering the joy of creating beauty with my own hands. But it was 25 years ago, during a holiday in the United States, that my passion truly took root. Visiting my cousin Gonzalo, who was working in landscaping, I joined him on-site for a day — and from that very first job, I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve built a career spanning residential and commercial landscaping across the U.S. and New Zealand, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of the trade:

  • Operating heavy machinery and driving trucks

  • Managing crews and coordinating subcontractors

  • Tracking budgets and timelines

  • Overseeing every detail of on-site work

Some of my U.S. experience includes projects in:

  • New York: New Rochelle, Bedford

  • Connecticut: Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Westport

  • Massachusetts: Cape Cod

After relocating to New Zealand in 2006, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to high-end projects in:

  • Queenstown

  • Wānaka

  • Taupō

  • Christchurch

  • Auckland

  • Mangawhai

Along the way, I’ve collaborated with some of the country’s leading landscape designers, delivering projects that demand precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of both plants and people.

Over the years, I’ve learned that every garden tells a story. My approach combines technical expertise, horticultural knowledge, and creative design, ensuring that every project not only looks beautiful but thrives for years to come. From planting and irrigation to earthworks and long-term maintenance, I focus on attention to detail, sustainability, and timeless design.

After many years immersed in the world of gardens, plants, and outdoor spaces, I realized it was time to create something truly my own. That’s when I founded Rodrigo Hakas Garden Management — a company born from passion, dedication, and the desire to craft landscapes that stir the soul. Each garden we touch is treated as a living work of art, combining expert knowledge, careful planning, and a personal touch that brings spaces to life in a way that is both functional and poetic.

Today, Hakas Garden Management stands for exceptional quality, thoughtful design, and ongoing garden stewardship. My goal is simple: to bring your garden vision to life, nurture its health, and create outdoor spaces that inspire, delight, and endure.

Why choose Hakas Garden Management?

 

  • Proven Expertise – With over 25 years of hands-on experience in New Zealand and the U.S., we bring unmatched knowledge in managing complex, high-end landscaping projects from concept to completion.

  • Stress-Free Project Oversight – We handle the details so you don’t have to—coordinating builders, subcontractors, and suppliers while keeping everything on budget, on time, and to the highest standard.

  • Clear & Transparent Communication – Weekly progress reports, site updates, and open dialogue ensure you’re always informed and confident about how your project is tracking.

  • Customised Solutions – Every site, client, and design is unique. We adapt our approach to fit your project, ensuring the final result reflects your vision and lifestyle perfectly.

  • Passion & Dedication – Landscaping isn’t just our profession—it’s our craft. From earthworks and drainage to the finest plant selection, we treat every detail with care and commitment.

  • Trusted Partnerships – We work alongside some of New Zealand’s top landscape designers and contractors, ensuring your garden receives the very best expertise at every stage.

  • Results That Last – Our focus is not only on creating stunning landscapes but also on building outdoor spaces that thrive, age beautifully, and add long-term value to your property.