REAL ONE
Ray White Mission Bay 33 Tamaki Drive rwmissionbay.co.nz
Ray White St Heliers 10 Polygon Road rwstheliers.co.nz
Ray White Kohimarama 5 Averill Avenue rwkohimarama.co.nz
Ester Kanaway
Your home and investments are your biggest financial assets.
For this reason, Ester Kanaway takes listing your home and investments with the up most trust and care it requires.
Working with Ester you can rest assured that she will work diligently at every stage of the process to ensure you get a maximum return for your asset and her loyalty is to you.
She does this in a way where she has your best interest at heart, and her warmth and friendly nature makes sure all your buyers feel at home and are well supported in their due diligence process to be confident buyers for your property.
Ester Kanaway is an experienced Marketer, having led the marketing teams in some of
New Zealand’s Blue-Chip organisations such as Air New Zealand and Fisher & Paykel Finance, before moving to New York and London to working with emerging technologies.
As specialist in marketing and in particular digital marketing Ester Kanaway will ensure you have a strong marketing campaign for your property at the same time giving you access to additional buyers in the expat market returning home to New Zealand.
Passionate about the water, beach and sea views, Ester Kanaway is looking forward supporting you for your next steps in your property journey.
Ester Kanaway
Licensee Salesperson
021 532 637
ester.kanaway@raywhite.com
Ester Kanaway - Testimonials
To be honest, Ester is such an amazing agent and person.
I have met others from Ray White and it was sad but Ester proves that Ray White is The Brand to go for, her honesty, her kindness and her professionalism is to be commended, making Ester My Agent of Choice to work with.
I do not hesitate to write this recommendation for her.
ELAINE
I am impressed with Ester's professionalism and knowledge of real estate.
On top of this her willingness to put in the background work and her friendly nature gave me the confidence that I have chosen the right agent.
JODY
If you want to be confident in your home purchase or sale, and if you want it to be completely stress-free, then Ester should be your first choice.
Ester’s positive attitude & warm personality was just the added bonus to her experienced property advise.
She made herself available around the clock for questions and was quick to respond with a phone call or text.
She made the whole process not only easy but enjoyable! We would definitely recommend Ester to anyone looking to buy or sell.
Thanks again Ester for all your help with our home.
VIJI
08.
Why no one should be taking a punt on interest rates right now
10.
Desk job: Home office ideas to inspire WFH productivity
15.
Wayne Maguire: American Politics and the NZ Property Market
18.
Resene: Bring your holiday home
26.
What's happening in the market, local area statistics
35. Properties for sale
Growth 2025
Inflation is down, interest rates are dropping, and market activity is picking up.
We’ve observed an encouraging number of buyers active over the Christmas holiday break. Early in 2025, we anticipate an increase in listing numbers. More choices in the market tend to attract more buyers. For instance, homeowners who have delayed listing due to limited options now have opportunities to start purchasing new homes.
For vendors, more choices mean greater competition. This makes it essential to put extra effort into the presentation of your property and the strategies used to maximize the reach of your marketing. For assistance with this, speak to any of our salespeople—they are skilled professionals ready to help.
If you’re thinking of selling, come and talk to our team. We are the Ray White experts “In the Bays.” With offices in Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and St Heliers, we are your local property specialists.
Wayne Maguire AREINZ CEO Maguires One Team
Ray White Mission Bay 33 Tamaki Drive rwmissionbay.co.nz
Ray White St Heliers 10 Polygon Road rwstheliers.co.nz
Ray White Kohimarama 5 Averill Avenue rwkohimarama.co.nz
Tony Alexander: Why no one should be taking a punt on interest rates right now
Written by Tony Alexander, Source: oneroof.co.nz
There is a lot of uncertainty in the economy, so fixing for longer might be the smartest option.
One of the key messages I’ve been stressing in my writings and presentations since about the middle of last year is that the scope for large falls in mortgage interest rates this cycle will be limited by various factors. It looks like that message is being picked up by many other analysts and commentators now, with an increasing frequency of warnings that after the 0.5% (or 0.25%) cut in the official cash rate later this month, further cuts if any will be minor.
The financial markets have already factored in this outlook to some degree. Over the past seven months, the cost to a bank of borrowing money at a fixed rate for a year to lend to customers has fallen by 2.3%, but the cost to them of borrowing fixed three years has declined by just 1.7%.
In fact, the cost of fixing a bank borrowing rate in the wholesale markets for three years is currently the same as it was in September last year - about 3.5%.
Since September, the main bank one year fixed mortgage rate has declined by about 0.8% and the three-year rate by 0.2%. We are probably not too far off the likely cyclical lows for the medium- to long-term fixed mortgage rates.
I write “likely” because the level of uncertainty regarding the direction of fixed rates is extreme. We cannot be sure where New Zealand’s rate of productivity growth will go in the next couple of years and that means we can’t be sure how fast the economy is able to grow before inflation starts to pick up to worrying levels.
We can’t be sure how much businesses will take advantage of the expected improvement in growth to rebuild their margins, which are still being crunched by rising costs. My suspicion is there will be substantial margin rebuilding (higher prices).
We definitely cannot be sure where global inflation is headed, not only for the usual reasons but also because tariffs are being used as a bashing tool by the new US president.
It is important to acknowledge this uncertainty because it means that the chances of any of us forecasters getting our interest rate predictions right are very low.
There is little chance realistically that people like myself will accurately pick when the cyclical lows for different interest rates arrive and what those rate levels will be.
This means borrowers should lean more toward fixing mortgage rates for longer rather than taking a punt. After all, banks don’t take punts on interest rates at all outside the walls of their tightly controlled dealing rooms.
Banks recognise the low predictability of NZ interest rates by borrowing at a fixed rate on the day they lend at a fixed rate. They lock in the margin. Kiwi householders do no such thing. Banks know interest rates cannot be predicted. Householders believe they can and that is why almost no one currently is fixing their mortgage rate for longer than two years.
People believe interest rates have further to fall and that they and the people they listen to will recognise when rates have reached their cyclical lows and that is when they will switch to fixing three years or lower. Or, they will ignore folk like me just as 95%-plus of borrowers did over 2020-21 when they continued fixing for one year at 2.29% or thereabouts rather than locking in for five years at 2.99% as some of us said we would do.
At least this time around the risk of rates jumping up sharply is small so perhaps there is more time for people to contemplate their actions than was the case back then.
Desk job: Home office ideas to inspire WFH productivity
Source: yourhomeandgarden.co.nz, Contributor:
Jane Binsley
How to make your home office or study nook work.
The home office is a place where function often triumphs over form – but we believe you don’t need to sacrifice one to achieve the other. Creating a workspace that looks and feels good will mean you’ll want to spend time there, so you’ll get more work done.
How to make a space for a workspace
Unlike in the past, when a home office required a printer, fax machine, phone and filing cabinets for all that paperwork, today’s working spaces can be as simple as a nook in the kitchen where you perch your laptop. If you don’t have the luxury of a spare room to transform into a home office, here’s how to steal space from another room.
Where to set up shop
Think about how you work best. Some of us need silence and calm, whereas others prefer to have their desk in a common space so they can keep an eye on the kids, or on the dinner in the oven.
If all you need is a place to do home admin and send a few emails, a fold-down secretary desk built into custom cabinetry in the kitchen might do the trick, or you might feel perfectly happy at the dining table –just make sure you keep a nearby drawer clear so you can sweep your paraphernalia into it when you sign off at the end of the day.
If you need a bit more space, consider squeezing a desk into a hallway, under the stairs or on the landing of your stairwell, or you might have an alcove in the living area or a workbench in the laundry that would suffice.
If it’s important to you that you can shut the door on work, carve out space for a ‘cloffice’, or closet office, in a hall cupboard or bedroom wardrobe. Need even more separation between home and work – even if your commute is only a 10-second walk? Maybe it’s time to clean up that shed or cabin languishing in the garden and move out there.
Work-life balance
To make your workspace feel integrated with your home, deck it out in colours and materials that echo the rest of the room. If your desk is in your living area, choose a desk chair with a bit of style so it can be used as spare seating. If your office is in a cupboard or nook, you might want to line the back wall with wallpaper for visual interest, add open shelves and even install a downlight in the closet ceiling.
Converting a room into a home office
If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated room for your home office, here’s how to give it a glow-up.
Office attire
Use colours that make you feel welcomed when you sit down to start work. Remember that blues and greens tend to be calming and improve your concentration and efficiency, whereas reds, oranges and yellows are energising and stimulating when used in moderation. Add texture, warmth and sound cushioning with a rug under the desk.
If you have room, add a comfy armchair or a day bed as an alternative spot to curl up with your laptop, and a meeting table for when you feel like a change of scenery.
Use vertical space – install open shelves or a pinboard above the desk to prevent clutter on the desk surface. Display keepsakes and collections to personalise your space, and as a final touch, light a scented candle –citrus, rosemary, jasmine and cinnamon scents are thought to help with focus and concentration.
The front desk
Desk placement is key for a functional office. If you find it claustrophobic sitting at a desk that faces into a wall, consider spinning it around so you face back out into the room.
These days, you don’t just need to think about what you’ll be looking at when you’re sitting at your desk – you also need to consider what your clients and workmates will be seeing behind you when you’re on a video call.
Curate a backdrop that communicates your personal brand – whether that’s shelves of legal tomes, a green wall of plants or a well-chosen artwork. Yes, most video-call apps offer virtual backgrounds, but you don’t want to live in fear that one day it might cut out and show your most important client your piles of laundry.
Health & safety audit
If you’re going to be spending a bit of time working from home, your workspace must be set up ergonomically.
Invest in an adjustable-height desk so you can alternate between sitting and standing, and make sure you can raise or lower the height of your chair so you have your feet flat on the floor and your eyes level with the top of your computer screen. Add a footrest or prop your computer up on extra height if necessary.
The filing room
Plan adequate storage for your needs – how much you require will vary depending on how far you’ve managed to progress down the path to the ‘paperless office’. If an under-desk console or old-school filing cabinet feels too formal for you, use open shelves or cubbies with baskets and pretty folders.
The IT Department
It’s not a good idea to work hunched over a small laptop screen and trackpad all day – so get yourself an external keyboard and mouse, and prop your laptop up so it’s at eye level, or mirror it to a larger external screen.
Make sure you have a strong wifi connection – if not, get a wireless range extender. You’ll also need power points close at hand and maybe a power board. Avoid cheap imported chargers, which can catch fire, and don’t leave electronics charging overnight or when you’re not around. Smoke alarms are also essential.
Aim for a combination of gentle, ambient lighting and brighter task lighting. An Anglepoise desk lamp is a practical and stylish solution. Prepare for every eventuality, with a fan for sweltering summer days and a heater for the depths of winter, and if you enjoy music while you work, invest in a Bluetooth speaker. Shop our favourite desks
The success of your work-from-home space depends a lot on the desk you choose
If you’re going to splurge on anything, choose a comfortable
Asher Rattan Office Chair
Sala Desk Chair
Indian-spiced cabbage and kūmara fritters
Recipe by Sarah Tuck, Photography by Josh Griggs, Source: dish.co.nz
Inspired by Japanese okonomiyaki, these fritters are utterly delicious and surprisingly filling.
METHOD
Sift the flour, cornflour, baking powder, sugar, spices and salt into a bowl.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS
• 1 & 1/3 cups plain flour
• 1 tablespoon cornflour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 - 2/3 cup chicken stock made with stock powder
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1/2 small cabbage finely shredded (you need 7 cups)
• 1 cup grated kūmara, squeezed dry of excess moisture
• 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as rice bran)
TO SERVE
• mayonnaise and/or yoghurt
• fresh coriander leaves
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• sea salt
• chutney or sriracha
Whisk the eggs and chicken stock together, then whisk into the flour mixture to create a smooth batter. Leave to sit for 30 minutes.
Mix the carrot, cabbage, kūmara and onion into the batter.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and spoon in the batter to create 6 or more fritters, depending on your desired size. Don’t make the fritters too fat or they will be harder to cook through. Cook for 4 minutes before carefully flipping to cook another 4 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining mixture and keep the cooked fritters warm in a low oven.
Serve topped with mayonnaise, a sprinkling of coriander, chilli and sea salt and chutney or sriracha.
Ray White Now
Introducing Ray White Now, an insight to provide clarity to all our customers on what is happening in the market now.
If you are considering selling we explain how you can take advantage of the current conditions to achieve the best possible sales outcome.
Why sell now?
Kiwis will ring in the new year, encouraged by a significant shift in the general uncertainty that defined the 24 months prior.
Ray White New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Daniel Coulson, says that rising interest rates, subdued housing demand, and cautious sentiment have given way to a property market imbued with greater confidence.
“Easing borrowing costs and a tightening supply of homes are driving momentum right now, opening the door for opportunity to leverage a shift in conditions as buyers and sellers look to plans for the new year.”
-
Daniel Coulson, Ray White New Zealand Chief Executive
Daniel Coulson Chief Executive Ray White New Zealand
American Politics and the NZ Property Market
Written by Wayne Maguire, CEO Maguire & Associates
Another year dawns and like all summer holidays, that one went by too fast, with the best weather seemingly appearing the minute the kids return to school!
Over the December and January period we were busy finalising deals for clients moving into their new homes for Christmas and concurrently working to help sellers prepare their home for marketing in the first quarter of 2025. In our business, the need to be on deck at Christmas time might include the one on a boat where a fishing trip in the Hauraki Gulf occasionally includes fielding a call from buyers and vendors needing our help.
Meanwhile – a lot has been going on globally that may or may not have an impact on how real estate here in New Zealand is likely to play out.
Of course, January was dominated by the significant events taking place in Washington DC as President Donald Trump was inaugurated after which he immediately hit the ground running. Many here will be questioning that as a laundry list of the first Executive Orders were signed and implemented what impact a Trump Administration may have on New Zealand. In the long run we in real estate and anyone else with a vested interest in the property market might be reading the tea leaves right now for a fix on where we are headed. Mind you, history shows that no matter who is in charge in the White House (or indeed the Beehive), property prices go up over the long term.
It remains to be seen how our real estate market here reacts to this new era as a Republican Administration with a polarising leader dictates the direction of the third most populous nation on earth. Some commentators are saying that although Trump has an “America-first” agenda, and unpredictability creates uncertainty, there may be opportunities for New Zealand exports – particularly with our weaker dollar which fell sharply in December 2024.
The more critical consequence of the change is likely to be Trump’s policies around the introduction of tariffs. How is that going to affect our other trading partners and our own exporters? And downstream from that, how is our currently fragile economy going to fare?
As we are all aware, New Zealand is in recession (the largest contraction in GDP in 2024). Some analysts are tentatively optimistic that the worst is over. The only way is up! Certainly with this announcement there’s talk of an interest rate cut in February and more to follow. This will be welcome news to homeowners and may encourage more first home buyers to stop sitting on their hands and commit to a purchase.
Back in November when Trump won, searches from US based users on realestate.co.nz tripled to almost 180% in a two-day period. That may have been a knee-jerk reaction at the time but as this year unfolds, we as agents may have more anecdotal evidence to relate about an uptick in buyer enquiry from newly arrived Americans!
The world feels like it’s in a transitional phase and as two small islands in a far-flung corner of the Pacific struggling to recover financially in the Covid aftermath, we are at the mercy of bigger players. But Kiwis are famously resilient, resourceful, and tenacious – we have split the atom (even though Trump recently claimed it was an American!), conquered Everest, have the most successful rugby team in the world, and punch above our weight in countless other ways.
There’s an optimism and determination to forge ahead this year and put the tough times behind us. US citizens voted for change in November 2024 and with the new Republican administration, we can only have faith that the consequences for New Zealand create much needed vigour in the overall economy and this has a ripple effect for the real estate market.
As always, we’re looking forward to exciting times ahead and being involved in your real estate decisions for 2025.
Loan Market Lending Update
Market Update & Mortgage Insights – A Promising Start to 2025
We’re excited to kick off the year with valuable insights and opportunities for homeowners and buyers alike. With economic shifts underway, now is the time to make informed mortgage decisions that can lead to significant savings and financial flexibility.
Economic & Interest Rate Outlook
Inflation & OCR Expectations
• The latest CPI data showed annual inflation at 2.2%, now within the RBNZ’s target range.
• This has reinforced expectations of OCR cuts, with the first cut anticipated on February 19.
• Most economists predict the OCR will settle between 3.00% and 3.75% by the end of 2025.
Impact on Mortgage Rates
• As the OCR trends downward, mortgage rates are expected to follow.
• Short-term fixed rates (up to two years) could fall to around 5% or lower in the coming months.
• While rates are decreasing, they are unlikely to return to the record lows seen during the pandemic.
Maximizing Savings – A Smart Repayment Strategy
The recent decline in interest rates presents an opportunity to reduce your loan term and save thousands in interest costs.
• Example: A first-home buyer who took out a $550,000 loan last year at 6.89% fixed for 12 months, paying $3,600 per month over a 30-year term.
• With the 12-month fixed rate now at 5.49%, they could keep their repayments at $3,600 instead of lowering them.
• This simple strategy could shave around seven years + off the loan term and result in $167,000 in interest savings.
If you're looking to make the most of these rate changes, reach out for tailored advice on how this strategy could work for you.
Tenzin Choedon Mortgage Adviser
021 404006
tenzin.choedon@loanmarket.co.nz loanmarket.co.nz/tenzin-choedon
Fixed or Floating? Key Considerations for Your Mortgage Strategy
With the next OCR announcement on February 19, I get a lot of questions whether to fix or float. Here’s what to consider:
Floating Until Closer to/Post-OCR
• Provides flexibility to react to rate movements after the announcement.
• However, if you choose to float, be proactive— lenders don’t automatically apply discounts.
• If you have sufficient equity, request a discount on the advertised floating rate, as reductions typically range from 0.80 to 0.20 percentage points.
Fixing for 6 or 12 Months
6-month fixed: Offers short-term flexibility and potential for lower rates soon but comes with higher costs now.
12-month fixed: Provides immediate savings but locks you in for a year, limiting access to future rate cuts.
The best option however depends on your financial position and risk appetite.
If you’d like to discuss your mortgage strategy, feel free to get in touch!
Watering plants 101
Source: yourhomeandgarden.co.nz
Create a healthy garden without wasting water.
Watering plants – it sounds simple, right? Just get the hose, or watering can, and let the water flow until the plants have had their fill.
While this does describe the general routine of plant watering, once you actually go to do it, you might find yourself overthinking the whole process and asking questions like: how much water do my plants need? What is the best time of day to water my plants? Will wetting the plant’s leaves cause burns? Then there’s the matter of keeping down your water bill and being considerate of the environment.
Here, we get to the bottom of plant watering and teach you how to take the guesswork out of the task to ensure your garden gets just the right amount of hydration.
Soil composition 101
Soils that are sandy in texture take the least water to wet a given depth but dry out again quite quickly.
Heavier, clay-based soils take the most water, but they also hold that water for the longest time so don’t need to be rewatered as often as sands. Loamy soils (an ideal mix of sand, clay, silt and organic matter) sit between the clays and the sands.
How to work out the correct amount of water for plants
Aim to apply 25–30mm each time you water. That will wet sandy soil to a depth of between 150–175mm, but only half that depth if your soil is clay-based.
To find out how long you need to run a sprinkler to deliver that amount of water, place a rain gauge, or a straight-sided jar or tin, within the range of the sprinkler. Turn the sprinkler on full and note the time.
In exactly 15 minutes turn the sprinkler off and measure the depth of the water collected. Multiply that figure by four to get an hourly rate of delivery in millimetres. To check on moisture penetration, wait two hours then dig down. Adjust the length of sprinkler operation to wet the soil to root depth.
What happens if you don’t use enough water?
Roots seek out water and if only the top few centimetres of soil are wetted, roots will rise to the surface where they’ll be vulnerable to drying out. Thirsty plants will often look droopy (but perk back up once watered), and have brown or curling leaves (not yellow leaves) and roots that are dried out.
What happens if you use too much water?
You’ll know plants are getting too much water if the lower leaves start to turn yellow and if the plant looks sad and droopy.
When is the best time of day to water plants?
The best time to water your plants is whenever you have the time (some water is better than no water at all), but many gardeners swear by watering in the morning. Watering in the morning has several advantages including:
• Cooler morning temperatures reduce surface evaporation, allowing moisture to penetrate deep into the soil
• Ensures plants are hydrated as temperatures rise
• Allows any excess moisture to evaporate over the day, preventing root rot
Will wetting leaves cause burns?
Getting water on the leaves of your plants is totally harmless, so if you’ve gotten a bit carried away with the hose, don’t fret. You may have heard this myth, but you can rest assured, it’s completely false. Leaf ‘burns’ occur when a plant doesn’t have enough moisture in its leaves, making it susceptible to scorching and drying out.
Don’t forget to mulch
Applying organic mulch to the garden is extremely important to help keep your plants hydrated throughout the hot summer months. Organic mulch (basically any kind of mulch that breaks down over time, including bark, leaves, straw, woodchips or compost) reduces moisture loss from the soil and, over time, will break down to nourish your plants.
Bring your holiday home
Source: oneroof.co.nz
Sponsored by Resene
Who doesn’t love a holiday?
Maybe it’s family camping, a sandy beach getaway, a road trip or even an international adventure.
We come home and fill our homes with the memories, photos and souvenirs gathered from the time away. But, when holidays aren’t possible, for whatever reason, you can still cost effectively recreate the relaxed vibes and inspiring locations of your holiday at home.
The trick, when starting to pull a relaxed holiday look together, is to think carefully about the holiday feeling you want in your home, rather than recreating a holiday destination or a particular look.
Summer relaxation
When you’re trying to give your home interior a holiday vibe a good place to start is with the colours of nature. Think of your favourite holidays and what are the colours that come to mind? It might be inky blue clear night skies or vivid sunsets. It could be stretches of clear blue sky or turquoise ocean against shimmering ivory sand. Maybe it’s lush green bush, bright flower gardens or rolling paddocks in a spectrum from deep green to parched browns.
Colour has been proven to be a strong trigger for memories, so it makes sense to start with colours as the foundation for your at-home holiday style.
If it’s summer beach holidays you want to bring home, Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey suggests starting with the sky, sea and sand as your colour palette inspiration.
To keep the relaxed feel of a holiday work with softened, muted greens, beiges and blues, such as Resene Double Duck Egg Blue, Resene Half Robin Egg Blue and Resene Awaroa Bay. These subtler shades evoke not only the colours of the beach, but retain a relaxed, lived in look, that is comforting and easy to be in.
These types of muted shades are also great as the basis of a soothing colour scheme because they’re versatile, often working well with cool and warm accent colours and changing in relation to the colours around them.
Top tip: Always try your colours out first using Resene testpots to paint A2 sheets of card (leaving a 2cm unpainted border) so you can see what they look like in different rooms, on different walls at different times and against other colours.
Resene Double Duck Egg Blue, works with everything from a steely silver like Resene The Ritz, to a delicate yellow like Resene Moondance or a sharp neutral like Resene Black White.
Add a clean, fresh touch by pairing your colour choice with crisper off-whites like Resene Chalk Dust and Resene Half Carrara or brighter Resene Alabaster so the space feels airy and open.
For a moodier look that is still beach holiday inspired, look for colours reminiscent of wilder, open coast beaches. Take your colour palette a little darker with shades like deep grey-blue Resene Rhino teamed with Resene Parchment and Resene Sea Fog.
Of course, holidays aren’t all about the beach. Other holiday-evoking hues could be the organic greens of the forest floor like Resene Tarzan, vibrant plant-life with Resene Pohutukawa or Resene Green House.
If you’re a fan of an all-neutrals look, try a palette of earthy beige shades, like Resene Sand, Resene Desert Sand and Resene Bronco., Meryl says.
“These shades are remarkably versatile and will bring warmth and depth to your neutral palette. You can add contrast notes in shades that will help create a specific holiday feeling or moment.”
Want a stunning sunset vibe? Try Resene Solitaire with Resene Tuscany and Resene Soiree. Want a soothing native bush setting? Try Resene Sand with Resene Green Smoke and Resene Mangrove.
Hotel chic at home
For some of us a great holiday is all about staying in a beautiful hotel or resort and emulating that look and feel can give you a great framework for your home interiors.
As with any design, start with the feeling you want to evoke from a hotel style. Is it a sense of escape? A little at-home luxury? The carefree warmth of a tropical resort? Or the urban sophistication of a city break?
Starting with neutral colours gives you a blank canvas to add a layer of affordable luxury with plants, art and decor pieces. Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene White Pointer are warm neutrals that work well with rich jewel tones such as Resene Stromboli or Resene Hot Chile for a warm, comforting retreat. Or try cooler neutrals such as Resene Sea Fog or Resene Bon Jour for airy, subtler tones with Resene Lemon Grass or Resene Mint Julep.
Restful colours are another good place to start if you’re not sure what style of hotel chic you want. Try warm blues like Resene Kashmir Blue or Resene Bali Hai, soft pinks and peachy tones such as Resene Blossom or Resene Calico and biophilic greens like Resene Amulet or Resene Dingley.
An opulent wallpaper pattern, paired with luxe finishes using Resene FX Metallic paint or timber stained in deep Resene Colorwood Mahogany, and finished with lush velvet fabrics is another effective combination for a little hotel luxury at home, that won’t break the bank. Try a fabric-look textured finish like Resene Wallpaper Collection ILA603 or an Art Deco inspired pattern like Resene Wallpaper Collection M421-19. Repeat highlight colours in your wallpaper pattern in key decor pieces in your room to pull the space together.
The lived-in look
Almost the opposite of creating hotel chic at home, is designing rooms that feel lived in. That may seem silly when you are living in those rooms, but adding softer, weathered touches to newly decorated rooms can help them feel less formal and more relaxed. Think of holiday homes rather than holiday hotels as your inspiration here.
One simple and quick way to do this, Meryl says, is with texture. It might be actual texture in the form of natural fibres, throws and other soft furnishings. But it’s also about visual texture.
Try a limewash or sponged effect to create an undone or weathered look reminiscent of Mediterranean homes or older farm cottages, using Resene FX Paint Effects Medium.
To start choose your colour from the Resene range and try mixing 60 mL of that colour (one Resene testpot) per one litre of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium. Always test your effect before applying it to the walls or other surfaces in your room. You can play with the finished effect by changing how much paint you add to the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium, how you apply your effect (such as with a rag, roller or brush) and what colours you use with the medium or as a basecoat.
Some combinations to try are Resene Parchment over Resene Aspiring for a weathered concrete look or Resene Anglaise over Resene Calico for a parched, beaten earth appearance.
Washed or stained timber surfaces, both inside and out, also give a relaxed finish to furniture that evokes coastal getaways or bach life, Meryl says. “The Resene Colorwood We Speak Beach collection of colourwash hues is inspired by the lazy days of summer and can be used on walls, upcycled furniture, flooring and other interior wooden surfaces.”
If you need help getting starting or deciding on the colours that best suit your home, come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop, Ask a Resene Colour Expert free online, resene.com/colourexpert or book a Resene Colour Consultation free instore or virtually or a paid home visit in selected areas, www.resene.com/colourconsult.
Madras chicken kebabs with roasted cashew nuts
Recipe by Claire Aldous, Photography by Yuki Sato, Source: dish.co.nz
Chicken kebabs are a perennial favourite and this aromatic spiced version is sure to please.
METHOD
MAKES: 12 KEBABS
INGREDIENTS
• 800 grams boneless chicken thighs, skin off MARINADE
• 1/2 cup Greek natural yoghurt
• 1/4 cup apricot jam
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons madras curry powder
• 1 teaspoon each ground garam masala, cumin and ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon each ground turmeric and chilli powder
• sea salt and ground pepper
TO COOK
• neutral oil for cooking
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
TO SERVE
• 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashew nuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup store-bought mango chutney
EQUIPMENT
• 12 x 16cm thin metal skewers.
MARINADE: Whisk all the ingredients together in a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper.
CHICKEN: Cut the chicken into long strips about 3cm wide. Add to the marinade and mix so they are all well covered. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. Take out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking.
Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
TO COOK: Thread the chicken strips onto the skewers (yes, it’s very messy). Brush the barbecue hotplate with oil and cook the kebabs for about 3–4 minutes each side until lightly charred in spots and fully cooked. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. Brush the kebabs with melted butter and cook for another 30 seconds each side.
TO SERVE: Arrange the kebabs on a plate and scatter over the cashew nuts. Serve with mango chutney to spread on the kebabs.
Anna Stephenson Licensee Salesperson 021 393 565
Donna Watts Licensee Salesperson 027 250 9417
Hannah Pritchett
Salesperson 022 176 2731
Meet our team
Wayne Maguire Ceo And Auctioneer 027 422 3377
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Douglas Melville
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Jono Barton
Salesperson 027 919 4944
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Salesperson 027 477 4407
Gerry Smutz
Salesperson 0275 203 980
Judith Everitt
Salesperson 021 2777 844
Ray White Mission Bay, Kohimarama & St Heliers - Maguires One Teamare experienced real estate professionals committed to providing you with the best possible service.
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021 131 2018
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We have a specialist team of experienced and successful agents who have a unique insight into Auckland Suburbs including Mission Bay, St Heliers, Kohimarama, Orakei & Glendowie.
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Ray White St Heliers 10 Polygon Road rwstheliers.co.nz
Ray White Mission Bay 33 Tamaki Drive rwmissionbay.co.nz
Ray White Kohimarama 5 Averill Avenue rwkohimarama.co.nz
What's happening in the market.
Local Statistics
December 2024
Mission Bay, Orakei, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Glendowie
TOTAL SALES DECEMBER 2024
43 Sales E79.2% G28.3% LAST YEAR LAST MONTH
BREAKDOWN BY SUBURB
Mission Bay = 5 | Orakei = 2 | Kohimarama = 9 | St Heliers = 15 | Glendowie = 12
MONTHLY SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS
MEDIAN SALE PRICE DECEMBER 2024
MONTHLY TREND - LAST 12 MONTHS $1,450,000 G14.7% G2.7% LAST YEAR LAST MONTH
Mangawhai,
Auction vs Other Sale Methods
Maguires One Team - Data over 3 Months to 12/11/2024
AUCTION
OTHER SALE METHODS
75% 11%
(Maguires One Team percentage of homes selling within 90 days)
AUCTION
OTHER SALE METHODS
30 46 days on market days on market
(Maguires One Team average days on market)
Sell with confidence through the auction method
One Team's Recent Sales
Specialising in the Eastern Suburbs
20/20
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Maguires
PRESTIGE PROPERTIES
176 St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers
LIVING THE DREAM
This magnificent family home set well back from the road on 1020sqm of prime real estate, has been extensively renovated and modernised to accommodate today's busy lifestyle, now representing the "epitome of classic family living".
The quality and craftsmanship throughout is superb and will surely appeal to those discerning and astute purchasers who appreciate style, space and sophistication.
The well thought out floorplan has been created for families of all ages. Beautifully designed and superbly appointed to capture the abundance of sun and natural light. Spread over two levels, this wonderful home offers multiple living options, providing growing families with their own sense of space. Featuring modern/ contemporary interiors enhanced by high ceilings, timber floorboards and stylish neutral decor.
The generous bespoke open plan kitchen and living/ dining will no doubt be the hub of the home, which flow effortlessly through large sliders onto a spacious entertainers courtyard, complete with outdoor fireplace.
Accommodation comprises of four well-proportioned bedrooms, all equipped with built-in wardrobes, plus three stunning bathrooms and extra powder room.
Further features include two separate living areas, the choice of three outdoor spaces to either entertain or relax, swimming pool, office space, double garaging, laundry, loads of storage, workshop, a kitchenette and plenty OSP for your guests and/or boat.
Presenting an outstanding opportunity to purchase your family dream home in a quiet setting, walking distance to St Heliers village, park and beach.
Your early inspection is highly recommended. Call today for viewing.
For Sale:
Please contact salespeople for price guide
Viewing:
Please contact salespeople for viewing details
4 3 2
66 Melanesia Road, Kohimarama
CONTEMPORARY KING-SIZE COASTAL LIFESTYLE
This secluded lifestyle retreat guarantees superb privacy and tranquility with elevated Madills Farm Reserve and sea views. Just minutes walk to St Heliers and Kohimarama beaches this substantial and masterfully renovated resort style property has a heated in-ground pool and seamless flow to significant alfresco zones featuring an outdoor fireplace and stone firepit ideal for open air entertaining.
Harnessing timber flooring, crisp white tones, and black detailing, core living areas bask in natural light and invite gentle air circulation for a tranquil, coastal mood. Impressive high stud spaces amplify open-plan dining and living zones divided by a double-sided gas fireplace centerpiece incorporating display storage and media. The unique designer kitchen with fully equipped scullery features a colossal stone topped island, on-tap soda, dazzling brick tile back splash and a top-of-the-line AGA cooker. Additional living spaces include a separate family room while a ground floor guest bedroom or media room is accessed off the spacious double height entry foyer.
Three bathrooms serve all four bedrooms - two as ensuites - within a versatile 343 sqm (approx.) layout. The secluded penthouse master quarters comprise a huge dressing room, luxury bathroom, and a dress circle outlook while an adjacent study is an optional additional bedroom.
Fitted with a cutting-edge home automation system and four strategic heat pumps, the highly- specced home leaves no stone unturned for quality detailing.
Internal access double garaging has a drying room, bespoke laundry with integrated guest powder room and ample storage with four vehicle parking inside a huge 1113 sqm (approx.) fenced grounds. In zone for Kohimarama School and Glendowie College, this meticulously renovated property promises to be the perfect future-proofed retreat for families.
Call ANYA KHOMINICH at 027 654 3006, or WAYNE MAGUIRE at 0274 22 33 77.
Asking Price $4,395,000
Viewing:
Please contact salespeople for viewing details
5 5 2 6
70 Taumata Road, Omaha
MAKE YOUR MOVE! VENDORS COMMITTED TO DOWNSIZING
Nestled in the coveted Southern cove end of Omaha, your total privacy is assured with this seamless & tasteful sprawling home created in the style of a South Asian retreat. Constructed with a focus on high quality, this home features robust yet sublime Sandstone & 20mm cavity Cedar construction; a combination that ensures a natural aesthetic appeal & longevity. Our vendors spared nothing when creating this retreat for their family in 2009, then added the pool & spa in 2013. Lush fully landscaped perimeter gardens with a private access gate to the beach walkway completes the 2197m2 landholding.
Opulently spacious, on offer is 498m2 of luxury living. The hub of the home is the open plan Kitchen (& Butlers kitchen), dining and living - surrounded by the beautiful stone cladding both inside & out; the Cedar & Tonka wood supports dreamily interface with Iron Bark wood flooring throughout. Free flow indoor/outdoor either side of the lounge, fully retractable sliders, electric airflow windows. Enjoy the large 100m2 courtyard as an extension to your living, with a gas fireplace keeping the ambience alive.
3x strategically placed ensuited bedroom wings lend themselves to seclusion & peace. With walk-in wardrobes, fully tiled bathrooms & Hansgrohe hardware. A super large games room, separate laundry, double internal garage & sports storage garage complete the lower level.
An architectural sweeping concrete & ironbark timber staircase leads to the Master level complete with walkin wardrobe, double vanity ensuite, separate powder room, nursery/bedroom & large study (or another lounge). Several balconies on this level extend the elegance with views to the surrounding rolling hills.
This is a rare opportunity to secure the largest piece of premium real estate in magnificent Omaha (1hour from Auckland with the new Ara Tuhono Road). A genuine sense of community pervades Taumata Road & you deserve to be a part of it. Don't miss this rare opportunity of an era!
By Negotiation
Viewing:
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5 2 2
298B Riddell Road, Glendowie
SUBSTANTIAL STYLE FOR BAYS LIVING
Seen on Episode 4 of Location. Location, Location!
Giving new meaning to high-calibre family living this brand new, three-level architectural statement embodies a truly exceptional place to call home. A towering accomplishment on one of Glendowie's most prestigious blue-chip streets.
Nestled in private parklike surrounds with harbour views from nearly every aspect, this residence offers multiple living areas across three levels with a premium Powerglide elevator to simplify movement throughout.
Once inside the European oak engineered flooring and sheer expansiveness with floor to ceiling glass stacker doors will impress. From here step out to the terraced oasis with the heated pool and spa with sheer descent water feature and inbuilt lights - it leaves no doubt that family and entertainment are at the highest order here - if you're thinking summer soirees then do- this home was built for it.
You'll entertain from the bespoke kitchen with premium integrated appliances, serve from the bar with stunning Armand black copper woven panelling or simply pull up a stool for a casual weekday meal. This level also offers a home office.
Discreetly aside you'll find a powder room and office/ bedroom, before ascending the solid oak staircase to the second floor where all three double-sized bedrooms present with either park or harbour views. On this level you'll also love the media/ entertainment room - a perfect spot if the children are wanting some space away to hang with friends.
Occupying the entire top floor is the opulent adultsonly area. Featuring the jaw-dropping primary master, delicately separated from the bustle of the household offering un-obstructed vistas through glass feature walls. Imagine waking to glittering ocean harbour views out to Musick Point and beyond. A luxurious oversized dressing room and ensuite with Hansgrohe fittings and rainshower provide the resort style ambience you'll ache to return to each day. Title and CCC now issued.
Built by Hicksworks with JSC Premium Architectural and Building Solutions.
Price On Application
View:
Please contact salespeople for viewing details
5 2 2
298A Riddell Road, Glendowie
AS SEEN ON LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
A sensational success from the onset - this brandnew beautifully designed vision is complete, bold and contemporary, comforting and inviting, a celebration of luxury family living with high-spec features throughout and privately set off the road on one of Glendowie's most sought-after streets.
Instantly appealing from the moment you set eyes on the schist feature frontage - this family home was designed with you in mind. Where dramatic architecturally planned living unfolds across two levels allowing you room to clear the mind from the hustle of life. European oak engineered flooring leads you into the open and airy living and dining where floor to ceiling glass stacker doors provide a warm, floodlit haven. Slide the doors open to the private terraced oasis with gas fire table. This is where you'll start your day with coffee, or end with sundowners where a crowd will easily be accommodated sheltered beautifully against the lush green easy-care landscaped gardens.
The family will love time in this oversized kitchen with premium integrated appliances, Bosch double oven and the stunning bespoke glass splashback. Pull up a bar stool for more intimate, casual dining and it's the perfect spot for an end of day wine and debrief. Discreetly aside you'll find a powder room and home office, before ascending the solid oak staircase to where all bedrooms present with either park or harbour views.
On this level you'll also love the media/ entertainment room - perfect for a separate hang out space for the young ones. The family bathroom will delight with sensor lights and soaking tub. With a massive internal garage there's plenty of room for the boat and toys, and the Churchill park.
The primary suite promises absolute rejuvenation with spectacular sweeping views out to Musick Point and beyond, a walk-through wardrobe and oversized resort style ensuite with Hansgrohe fittings and rainshower. Title and CCC now issued.
Built by Hicksworks with JSC Premium Architectural and Building Solutions.
Developer Wants it Sold - Present Your Offer
View:
Please contact salespeople for viewing details
41 Cliff Road
CLIFFTOP LUXURY WITH UNMATCHED VIEWS
Enjoy stunning, unobstructed views from Rangitoto to the Sky Tower in this exceptional 3,700 sq ft clifftop residence. This contemporary masonry home offers complete privacy, luxury, and a tranquil setting across two and a half levels.
The spacious, open-plan living areas and chef's kitchen are designed for both style and function, while the beautifully landscaped grounds and sun-filled poolside terrace provide the perfect spaces for outdoor living and entertaining. With multiple outdoor areas to follow the sun throughout the day, this home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.
Positioned in one of St Heliers' most sought-after locations, this property offers a rare combination of luxury and privacy, with easy access to the village and waterfront.
A Rare Opportunity - With the adjacent property now sold and set for demolition, this is a unique chance to secure one of St Heliers' premier clifftop homes. Perfect for those seeking a luxury family home or an executive sanctuary.
Viewing:
Please contact salespeople for viewing details
By Negotiation
3 3 2
3/6 Keys Terrace, St Heliers
LOOKING FOR AN APARTMENT WITH BREATHTAKING HARBOUR VIEWS - THEN LOOK NO FURTHER!
A short stroll to the St Heliers Village and the Waterfront with all it's Cafes, restaurants, retails shops and a newly opened Library, the location is nothing short of superb, sought after and all you could ask for.
North facing and sundrenched, this apartment is one of four and has been newly redecorated to a high specification. the harbour views are simply panoramic and breath taking.
Oddles of space, and all tastefully, elegantly presented, the living and dining areas are complimented by 3 double bedrooms each with its own ensuite. To top it off there is an additional study and a media room. Every care has been taken to cater for a variety of modern lifestyles.
With 100m2 of deck opening from the living, an ideal extension for your outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying family living.
The double garaging has one additional park.
This apartment has many extras, my invitation to you is make an appointment to view, you will be pleased you did!
$4,350,000
Viewing:
Please contact salespeople for viewing details
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Maguires
RESIDENTIAL
Country & Coastal
