Commercial Real Estate Solutions Backed by 20 Years’ Experience.
CRES delivers smart, pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to commercial property challenges across New Zealand.
A curated collection of office premises offering flexible sizes, modern amenities, and tailored lease options.
Manoj Ediriweera
Originally from Sri Lanka, I emigrated to New Zealand with my parents over 50 years ago. After attending New Plymouth Boys’ High School, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in Accountancy, at Massey University in Palmerston North.
I am happily married to my very patient and supportive wife of nearly 30 years, and together we have two wonderful children. Our daughter is currently completing a Master’s degree in Marine Science at the University of Otago, whilst our son is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
I began my professional journey in accounting, spending approximately 10 years in finance roles across New Plymouth, London, and Wellington, where I eventually settled with my family.
In 2004, I transitioned into the commercial property sector, within the Wellington City Council. This marked the beginning of a career spanning over 20 years in property, during which I have developed deep expertise across a range of disciplines.
I subsequently joined Wareham Cameron + Co, where I worked primarily on the tenant side. During this time, I refined my skills in property strategy development, lease negotiations, project management, and cost–benefit analysis.
Following this, I moved to CBRE, initially managing ANZ Bank’s corporate property portfolio nationwide before transitioning into the office leasing team. After approximately nine years with CBRE, I joined JLL to lead their office leasing team. When JLL later closed its Wellington and Christchurch offices, I transitioned alongside much of the agency team to MC Property Group.
Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients across New Zealand, including Crown agencies, large corporates, local government, and the tertiary education sector.
I bring a strategic, client-focused approach to every project, underpinned by two decades of experience and strong industry relationships.
Assistance with complex lease negotiations
I provide expert guidance through complex lease negotiations, combining detailed market benchmarking with commercial and legal acumen to secure commercial terms that protect your organisation’s financial and operational interests.
My approach includes preparing negotiation strategy, identifying and prioritising key economic and non‑economic lease clauses, coordinating legal counsel where needed, and conducting scenario analysis to ensure agreed commercial terms are appropriate for current market conditions.
I aim to deliver balanced, pragmatic agreements that reduce exposure to unforeseen liabilities while preserving flexibility for future growth.
Assistance with rent reviews and lease renewal negotiations
I manage rent reviews and lease renewals with a focus on achieving outcomes that reflect current market conditions and your organisation’s strategic objectives.
By understanding the market conditions and comparable premises, I negotiate on your behalf to mitigate rent escalation and unfavourable lease clauses.
I will ensure the process is handled efficiently to protect operational cash flows and secure tenure.
Negotiating exit obligations
I assist clients in understanding and negotiating exit obligations with a goal of minimising exit cost and minimising operational disruption at lease expiry. I will review lease provisions, work with other experts to quantify risk, and develop negotiation strategies aimed at reducing reinstatement liabilities and any onerous break conditions.
Working closely with legal counsel and contractors, I pursue pragmatic solutions that limit any financial exposure and enable a controlled, cost‑effective exit.
Project management
I provide dedicated project management services for fit‑outs, refurbishments and other property-related projects. By coordinating design, procurement, contractors and compliance, my goal is to deliver projects on time and within budget.
By understanding what success looks like, I will minimise disruption to business continuity while optimising costs and end-user satisfaction.
Tenant representation
As a dedicated tenant representative, I advocate for occupier interests across, portfolio strategy, site selection, lease negotiation and relocation.
I deliver impartial advice based on market insight and commercial pragmatism. I prioritise total occupancy cost, operational efficiency and long‑term flexibility, coordinating financial modelling, workplace strategy and legal review to secure optimal terms.
My client‑focused service ensures decisions are data‑driven, aligned with
organisational objectives and executed with minimum disruption to business operations.
Success in the commercial property sector relies as much on who you know as what you know. After two decades operating in Wellington's commercial property market, I offer more than just technical advice. I provide a network of professional relationships and a reputation for getting pragmatic deals done.
My approach skips the fluff in favour of smart cost-effective strategies that prioritise your bottom line. When you work with CRES, you aren't just hiring a consultant, you're gaining a partner who understands the local landscape and has the industry depth to solve even the most complex property challenges.
