Dream job comes true on Broadway
For Matamata couple Diann and Tony Voyce, living the life of moteliers in Matamata is what they love.
Diann a former teacher and her husband Tony, an aviation worker, wanted a life where they would both have time for one another and their family.
Having no experience in the accommodation industry, the couple made a decision which would change their lives.
In 1982 the motel sector was about to become the first choice for New Zealanders wanting family accommodation and so the Voyces purchased the lease for the 11 unit Matamata Broadway Motel.
Tony Voyce remembers the place was run down as most motels were leased for a couple of years. Managers moved on without any regular maintenance carried out to the premises.
The financial crash of 1987 offered the couple the opportunity to buy the motel freehold.
‘‘It made sense as our mortgage repayments were lower than our lease,’’ said Tony Voyce.
Having ownership the couple was able to embark on a programme which involved fixing drainage problems, sealing the car park and rejuvenation of the units.
Having completed a course in interior design, Diann wanted to put her own personal stamp on things and enjoyed redecorating the units.
The couple have since extended the original complex with a second tier and have designed and built five executive units which are now known as Broadway Miro Villas in a park setting which Diann tends to.
The motel is still reliant on the ever changing business clientele throughout the week and families in the weekend.
‘‘We have seen the changes in our business traffic with less company representatives being on the road,’’ said Tony Voyce.
The couple keep a balanced life and Diann Voyce is very keen on her rose garden and enjoys a round of golf. The life of moteliers’ suit them as they can have their six grandchildren come stay and help out in their own way.
‘‘We are just happy to keep welcoming people into what is our extended home,’’ said Diann. ‘‘Matamata is a great place to live and work for us.’’