Hot spots defying slump that’s dragged sellers back to 2022
The best indoor plants to bring the outdoors in
11.
First Impressions Matter: Powerful Marketing
Resene: Embrace the senses
26.
What's happening in the market, local area statistics
35. Properties for sale
When selling your home, effective marketing strategies are critical.
Understanding your target market will influence the way you tailor your campaign whether it’s a city apartment or a rural family lifestyle property. Professional photos and a compelling description are must haves, setting your property apart and highlighting its unique features. A prominent signboard captures drive-by attention, while brochures and letterbox flyers spread the word to neighbours and their networks. Online advertising is essential too. Social media targets specific demographics while real estate portals not only reach active buyers but reap valuable campaign analytics. Print media, from magazines to community newspapers will engage those less digitally inclined and even connect with passive buyers. Open homes maximise exposure and create competitive energy among buyers while videos and virtual tours are impactful immersive experiences especially for overseas or emotionally driven purchasers. A thoughtfully planned and diverse campaign is a powerful way to drive competition leading to a faster sale and higher price.
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
Written by Tony Alexander, Source: oneroof.co.nz
In the major metros, the future looks bleak, but optimism prevails in the countryside.
I ran through some of the factors helping explain the recent weakness in New Zealand’s residential real estate market which I have seen coming through in my various monthly surveys. Now, we have evidence from REINZ showing the extent of that weakness.
Amidst the plethora of house price measures available in New Zealand the only one I look at is the nationwide House Price Index calculated by REINZ using analysis undertaken previously with the Reserve Bank. This index fell by 0.6% in May we have just learnt.
Is this meaningful? On a one-month basis, no. But when we consider that this measure fell 0.3% in April and 0.6% in March, it becomes clear that house prices around the country are once again falling.
I say once again because a similar thing happened in 2024. Between May 2023 and February 2024 average prices rose just over 5%. They then fell almost 4% until August last year. Between that month and February this year, they recovered 2.5%. Now they have just retreated by 1.5% and sit where they were at the end of 2022 and the start of 2021.
Prices on average have shown no growth from four and a half years ago. Given that mortgage rates have been falling since August last year, it seems best to conclude that this absence of growth largely reflects a surge in new house supply. Listings are more than double what they were in mid-2021 and high awareness of the large number of properties for sale will be a factor making buyers feel almost no FOMO.
The many vendors currently frustrated at their inability to get the price they want might be looking at some of the economic commentary doing the rounds at the moment and conclude that interest rates have a lot further to fall.
This commentary is coming on the back of some weaker-than-expected readings for the manufacturing and services sectors in New Zealand. But I would urge caution.
First, we should take all monthly data with a large grain of salt at the moment because of the disturbances to sentiment created by the US-initiated tariff war and now actual war in the Middle East. It would be dangerous to strongly extrapolate monthly readings which could easily whip back the other way.
Second, some inflation measures in New Zealand are creeping higher, and actual inflation could soon move back above 3% because of things like increased food prices. The Reserve Bank’s primary target is low inflation as a contributor to good growth, not strong growth itself.
Third, the Reserve Bank must surely have learnt a lesson from its errant actions during the pandemic. Panicked decisions based on over-extrapolation of weak developments and unwillingness to back away from “an abundance of caution” have given us the extreme volatility which has destroyed thousands of livelihoods throughout the country since 2020. They are likely to want to wait to get a strong feel for what is really happening rather than assuming we are headed back into recession.
Fourth, in some regards, we are at a classic stage of our economy’s traditional recovery. In the cities, people are dour, house prices are falling, worries abound, and the future looks bleak. But in the countryside returns are great and optimism prevails.
History tells us that eventually the rural upturn will feed through into the cities. That process has commenced and will be seen first of all in Invercargill and Dunedin, then Christchurch, New Plymouth, and Hamilton, then Auckland, and last of all Wellington.
Only if the Reserve Bank policy committee members base their policy choices on the woe they see on the Terrace, Lambton Quay, and Courtenay Place in Wellington will monetary policy be again aggressively eased. I’d say they will hold off extra easing for now and maybe for quite a few more months to see what really happens.
Source: yourhomeandgarden.co.nz, Author: Katie Delany
Before you go and create an indoor jungle, find our guide on everything you need to know.
Best for: Empty corners with plenty of space to grow
Fiddle leaf figs are very popular as an indoor plant, and it’s no surprise why. With their large green leaves and ability to grow (and keep growing), they’re the kind of plant that really makes a statement. These trees are adapted to indoor temperatures and bright, filtered light, and if well-cared for, will grow up to 10 feet tall.
We all know the benefits of spending time in nature. Greenery has remarkable effects on our moods, sleep, and mental and physical health. Introducing living plants indoors can provide the same effect, all while purifying the air. Better still, caring for a plant gives a sense of purpose and is much simpler than feeding a pet.
But before you go and spend your pennies at your local garden centre, it’s wise to research which plants are right for your home, how to keep them alive (dead plants don’t make the best home decor) and where to position them so they can thrive.
Best for: A narrow, tall space on a bench or side table with plenty of light
This succulent can be easily grown by anyone, as by nature, it is very low maintenance. The snake plant (also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) requires very little water, can survive in an array of conditions, and generally looks great. Though this plant is slow-growing, it will succeed best in a sunny spot, and time to dry out between waterings.
Best for: Light-filled corners that’ll allow the plant to stretch out its leaves
Also known as the Swiss cheese plant or fruit salad, due to its split, broad leaves, the monstera plant is a delight to grow for everyone. These are fast-growing, so they may need to be staked, and prefer warm environments and dappled or partial light.
Hot tip: Monstera’s are known for their aerial roots. Put these into a glass of water to give your plant a boost.
Best for: A bright spot with plenty of space to grow
Tough and hardy, but glossy and green, the Rubber Plant is one for all plant parents, from beginners to the experts.
Perfect for filling a corner of a room or adding a green statement to a space, these plants will thrive and delight throughout their lifetime. With multiple varieties on the market, select the Rubebr Plant that’d best suit your decor.
Best for: Low-light spaces and humid bathrooms
With dark green foliage and stunning white flowers, Peace Lilies are one of the best choices for those looking to purify the air while adding an easy-going (while thirsty) plant to their space. You’ll know your Peace Lily is eager for a drink once all its leaves drop, but give it a good watering and the foliage will return to its upright, happy position within a few hours. These plants prefer medium to low light, so they are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms and offices. Be sure to keep your Peace Lily away from pets and small children, however, as they are considered toxic.
Best for: A warm, bright room that could mimic the Arabian climate
Known for its medicinal purposes, Aloe Vera has been a favourite for inside the home and in the garden for centuries. As a succulent, its natural habitat is hot and dry, which can be easily replicated in the home. Each leaf rises directly from the base, often featuring small white spots and short thorns along the edges. Though these are not particularly sharp, it’d be best to keep this plant out of children’s reach.
Luckily, most indoor plants do not need regular pruning and feeding, compared to their outdoor counterparts. Indoor plants benefit from the removal of dead leaves, or a trim of they’re outgrowing their spot. An annual feed of slow-release fertiliser would also ensure your plants grow strong and healthy.
The amount of watering a plant needs is specific to the species, but as a general rule of thumb, hardy indoor plants should be watered once or twice a week in summer and once every second week in winter. If you’re unsure, a food way to check if a plant needs water is to push your index finger into the top layer of soil – if the soil is dry, it’ll need a good drink of water.
As dust can accumulate indoors, it’s a good idea to clean the leaves of your plants, especially those with large, green leaves such as rubber trees or fiddle leaf figs. Either take a damp cloth and wipe down the leaves, or pop them into the shower to simulate the rain. Let them drip dry, and place them back in their spot, clean and refreshed.
August is the ideal time to repot your indoor plants, as their growth would have likely been dormant over winter, and the start of spring would call for new growth. Before you start, ensure you have a specific indoor potting mix – these usually include a slowrelease fertiliser that’ll feed your plants throughout the year.
• Remove your plant from its pot and gently tease out the circling or matted roots.
• If you want your plant to continue to grow, find a pot a few sizes larger
• Place the plant roots back into the pot and fill with your indoor potting mix, an inch or so below the rim of the pot
• Water the plant thoroughly to remove any air pockets
It’s incredible how a humble indoor plant not only looks good, but is also good for us. Many indoor plants work to purify the air and filter out nasty germs. Some of the best at achieving air purification are the Rubber Plant, as it helps remove mould and bacteria from the air, the Snake Plant, which releases oxygen at night to help us breathe, and the Peace Lily, which is efficient at removing airborne particles. Aloe Vera, the Spider Plant, Bamboo and the Boston Fern also help to remove toxins from the air, preventing these from entering our lungs.
If you have a south-facing room, or just any space that doesn’t receive a ton of light, but you still want to add some greenery, you’re in luck. There are still plenty of houseplants that will tolerate low light. These include the Snake Plant, which is so incredibly hardy that, can survive in most conditions. Most Philodendrons will also thrive in medium light, as well as the ZZ Plant.
Recipe by Sarah Tuck, Photography by Josh Griggs, Source: dish.co.nz
This recipe makes 14 hand pies, perfect to make and freeze uncooked, ready to bring out for watching rugby
with friends.
COOK’S NOTE:
The filling is enough for either 14 individual pies or two standard family pies. If you’re making familystyle pies, you’ll need four sheets of pastry.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 150 grams bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 200 grams chorizo, sliced
• 1 kilogram beef mince
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 400-gram can cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup beef stock
• sea salt and ground pepper
• 400-gram can red kidney beans, drained
• 7 ready-rolled flaky puff pastry sheets
• 7 balls cherry mozzarella, drained and halved
• 1 egg yolk whisked with 2 tablespoons cream
Line an oven tray with baking paper.
Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan and cook the bacon for 5 minutes then add the onion and chorizo and cook for a further 8 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the beef and garlic and cook, using a fork to break up the mince, for 7–8 minutes so that it is well browned.
Add the spices, flour, tomatoes and stock and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Leave to simmer uncovered over a gentle heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add the beans and cook a further 30 minutes or until the liquid is almost fully reduced, then remove from the heat to cool.
Cut each pastry sheet into four squares. Divide the filling between half of the squares — about ¾ cup on each — leaving 2cm bare pastry around the edges. Pop a half mozzarella ball cut side down in the centre of the filling and top with the remaining pastry squares. Give each one a quick stretch with a rolling pin to make them slightly bigger before using. Seal the edges by pressing with the tines of a fork. Compress the pastry around the filling as you go then trim the edges neatly with a sharp knife. Brush with egg wash and decorate with the trimmings as desired. Refrigerate for half an hour (or freeze in individual resealable freezer bags for future use).
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan bake. Bake the pies on the oven tray for 30–35 minutes until golden.
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.
“This
Daniel Coulson Chief Executive Ray White New Zealand
LESS
MORE CUT-THROUGH
“In a sea of sameness, timing your move matters,” Coulson argues that sellers now face less competition from fresh listings, giving well-presented properties a tactical advantage.
“Buyers perceive new listings differently from those on the market for several weeks. Right now, sellers are competing primarily against what’s newly available – and that pool is shrinking.”
“Inventory levels remain high overall, but that’s not the whole story. Properties lingering unsold across online portals are not your competition. Today’s active buyers –especially those serious about transacting- are gravitating towards fresh stock, over fatigued listings.”
AFFORDABILITY INCREASES ENGAGEMENT
Financial conditions have improved for many households, particularly as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has slashed the Official Cash Rate (OCR) six times since August 2024, and lenders have responded with lower retail offerings.
Coulson says that as affordability improves, so too does buyer confidence. “Many are taking advantage of stronger negotiating power, greater choice, and more flexibility around conditional offers. These are buyers with intent, not tourists.”
Crucially, he says, banks are playing ball. “Lower-thanforecast mortgage application volumes mean there’s greater willingness to work with non-standard borrowers. E.g., those with lower deposits, variable incomes, or less traditional credit profiles.
Written by Wayne Maguire, CEO Maguire & Associates
So you’ve decided to sell your home. The next question is likely to be “how are we going to do it?”
Once you’ve selected your agent and method of sale the discussions around marketing strategies begin. But why do we advertise? What tactics work best? And how much should we invest?
Marketing your home the right way will strongly influence a successful sale in the time frame needed. You’ll need to maximise exposure of your property by targeting the largest possible audience of potential buyers. It’s logical to expect that more buyers checking out your home increases your chances of a successful sale. More buyers mean more competition and increased competition expands the chances of selling your home at a higher price.
Start by identifying who your market is and what attracts them. If you own a one-bedroom apartment in Auckland’s CBD, your advertising content will differ from that needed for a five-bedroom home on acreage in Pukekohe. By deploying fit for purpose tools you’re giving your marketing campaign the greatest chance of success.
The blueprint of any real estate selling campaign should contain a mix of components that will expose your property as far and wide as possible.
Professional photos and clear descriptive copy are the mainstays of your campaign. A professional photography shoot will set the scene and create visually appealing imagery along with well-curated content describing the property’s highlights.
A prominent signboard outside the property is an immediate attention-grabber catching the eye of drivers passing by - especially powerful if you’re on a busy road.
Online advertising offers the trifecta of reach, visibility, and frequency and can be divided into four main categories.
• Social media platforms are influential in targeting specific demographics, connecting with both local and offshore buyers, instantly adaptable to campaign changes, and enables your agent to quickly respond to enquiry
• Real estate portals - oneroof.co.nz, realestate.co.nz, homes.co.nz and Trade Me for example, along with company branded websites are the first port of call for active buyers with the added advantage that they offer detailed analytics of site visit numbers and how people are responding
• Print media like magazines and newspapers have traditionally been the tried-and-true advertising medium. Before the internet age, print was our primary reference point and still is for those less digitally engaged. It’s also good for capturing passive buyers who weren’t actively looking and people wanting a new home where they already live who spot an ad in their community newspaper
• Video and/or virtual tours are increasingly popular as the market favours a more immersive and interactive experience. Overseas buyers can virtually “stroll” through the house and for people who need to emotionally connect to a property – a warm and welcoming video enhances that feel good factor
Brochures, window cards, and letterbox drops target the locals telling them the home is for sale – especially if relayed before the signboard goes up. These can flush out residents and their friends and family who are maybe in the market – it’s quite likely that your neighbours have contacts who want to relocate into their area.
Open homes are the weekend pastime for thousands of Kiwis up and down the country. If buyers are braving wind and rain to get to your weekend open home, they are more likely to be serious. Apart from the obvious benefits of increased exposure to a wider pool of buyers, an open home can demonstrate to those coming through that they have competition. Nothing motivates buyers like FOMO (fear of missing out)!
Marketing your home for sale should not be considered an expensive one-size-fits-all ordeal. It’s an important cost-of-sale investment. When done strategically and effectively it yields a better chance of selling more quickly at a higher price thanks to the increased competition generated.
Source: yourhomeandgarden.co.nz
Plant one spud and you'll get plenty in return.
There’s something deeply satisfying about digging up your homegrown potatoes – it’s like finding buried treasure in the veggie patch. Our New Zealand climate is perfect for growing these humble heroes of the dinner table. Whether you’re working with a raised garden bed or a few containers on the deck, potatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow. With the right prep, a few helpful companions and a bit of patience, you’ll be harvesting a bounty of spuds in no time.
How to grow potatoes – at a glance:
When to plant: From July until February (after last frost)
Position: Full sun
Soil type: Free-draining soil, rich in organic matter
Water: Potatoes don’t like wet feet, but keep soil damp
Harvest: Dependent on variety, between 3 – 5 months after planting
What you need to grow potatoes:
Seed Potatoes (not just any spud will do)
Start with certified seed potatoes, available from your local garden centre from early spring. Avoid supermarket potatoes as these are often treated to prevent sprouting. Select a variety you love to eat –agria, desired, nadine – to be sure your harvest won’t go to waste.
sunny spot and free-draining soil
Potatoes love the sun. Pick a site in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. If you’re dealing with heavy clay or poor soil, consider building a raised garden bed or planting in grow bags or large containers.
Before you plant, consider chitting your potatoes
Before planting, it’s a good idea to chit your seed potatoes. This means encouraging sprout shoots, which can lead to earlier, more productive crops. To chit, place your seed potatoes in a single layer in an egg carton or tray, with the ‘eyes’ (small dimples) facing upwards. Leave these in a cool, bright spot out of direct sunlight for two to four weeks. Once the shoots are around 2-3cm long and stubby, they’re ready to go into the ground. If you skip this step, your potatoes will still grow, but chitting gives them a strong, confident start.
Prepare your soil and plant
When it’s time to plant your potatoes, make sure your soil is loose, free-draining and rich in organic matter. Potatoes don’t like wet feet, so if your garden tends to hold water, mix in plenty of compost and a bit of sand to improve drainage. A slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5) is ideal. Dig a trench about 10-15cm deep and place each seed potato with the shoots facing up, spacing them roughly 30cm apart in rows. Cover lightly with soil and water. As the plants grow, continue moulding the soil around the base to protect developing tubers and encourage more to form. If you’re short on space, you can plant in grow bags or deep containers using the same method. Just keep topping the plants with potting mix as they grow taller.
Companion Planting: Good neighbours for great crops
Like most plants, potatoes grow well with some vegetables but not others. Good companions include beans, which fix nitrogen into the soil, and brassicas like cabbage, broccoli and kale, which share similar growing needs. Be aware of planting potatoes too close to plants that will create shade, such as corn and tomatoes. Lettuce and spinach are also useful companion plants, as they are shallow-rooted, meaning they won’t impose on limited space. Strongsmelling plants such as chives, garlic, and onions are also useful to help repel pests.
Harvest time: When and how to dig up your spuds Harvesting potatoes is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Once the foliage begins to flower, your potatoes should be ready for harvest. For early varieties (rocket, swift, Charlotte), you can start digging them up after about 10-12 weeks after planting. Gently rummage around the base of your garden bed, grow bag or container with your hands to lift a few and check their size. For main crop potatoes (desired, red, fingerling), wait until the foliage has turned yellow and died back completely, around 4 – 5 months after planting. Use a garden fork to lift the potatoes from the soil, being careful not to stab or bruise the tubers as you dig. Once harvested, leave your potatoes to dry in a cool, airy spot out of direct sunlight for a day or so, then store them in a paper bag in a dark place (your pantry should do) until you’re ready to cook them up.
Source: oneroof.co.nz, Sponsored by Resene
in your home with colour, lighting and texture.
Finding that perfect combination of paint colours that you find uplifting every time you walk into a room in your home is one of the great joys of home decorating.
It doesn’t have to come just from colour. It might be the curve of a certain furniture piece or the way natural light hits a favourite decor item. These simple sweet spots are often what we’re all chasing when we put some consideration and thoughtfulness into our interior designs.
What if we took that idea a little further and combined these different design elements like colour, texture and light to create whole rooms that are not only uplifting but are stimulating to the senses on every level?
This idea of a more allencompassing design can be as simple as being more maximalist in your approach, to include a broad range of colours, patterns and textures that you find stimulating and exciting to be in. You can also approach your rooms from an ‘immersive’ perspective, working with every surface and item in the room to create a story or a feel that you step into every time you enter the room.
The point might be to escape, focus, relax, sleep or simply watch a movie. By working with colour, light and texture you can create rooms that feel as though you are stepping into a different world suited to a specific feeling or purpose.
“Often we think of virtual reality headsets as the only means of providing an immersion experience, but this same feeling can be created in a room,” says Resene Ccolour Eexpert Jackie Nicholls.
As a quick guide to how you want your room to feel, Jackie suggests starting with adjusting the light levels. Just simply changing the amount of light in a room, whether that’s through brighter or warmer bulbs, dimmer switches or different window coverings, can radically alter how cosy or invigorating a room feels.
“As an example, minimising the light will draw you inwards to a room, while deepening the walls and especially the ceiling to a moodier shade like Resene Masala or Resene Deep Teal, will create a sense of cocooning.”
Not all rooms may work for a total immersion-style design. Practical, high use spaces like kitchens and dining rooms, for example. But others, such as spaces where you want to set a particular mood or tone, can work beautifully.
This might include media rooms, offices, play rooms or creative studio and work spaces.
A media room, if you have one, is really the perfect space to try for a total immersion design so you can enjoy family movie nights with little distraction.
Go for a bold black on black look using Resene Black or slightly earthier Resene Element. Add texture for the eyes, by opting for a suede-like flat finish on the walls and ceiling in Resene SpaceCote Flat or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, then try the same black in high gloss Resene Enamacryl on trim door frames, skirting and other trim areas.
Opt for a black floor as well, which you can achieve by painting or staining the floorboards then adding a plush dark rug designed for sprawling on.
Break up the black with subtle accent notes but keep to just one or two colours if you can, or a selection of tonally very similar shades, so you get the impact and visual relief but don’t break up the feeling of being immersed in the black.
Try a milk off-white like Resene Half Merino rather than a bright white, for a softer contrast, or a beige-toned neutral like Resene Half Spanish White and Resene Quarter Spanish White.
For more dramatic contrast try accent features in a rich jewel tone like magenta Resene Scrumptious or aqua Resene Maestro.
Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey says the sheen level can have quite a big impact on the feel of a total immersion-type space. "If you go with a flat finish, that's going to absorb the light and sit quietly in the background. That's the sort of vibe that you want in a calming environment."
A matt finish on darker colours also helps the walls and ceilings to recede which can make smaller spaces feel taller and wider.
If all black is not for you or you’re designing a focused space like an office rather than a media room, sub in a complex navy like Resene True Blue, with a botanical beige like Resene Caraway and an accent of brick red Resene Dynamite.
Design that is stimulating and uplifting doesn’t need to be too bright or overly dramatic.
of textures and colours immerse
Standalone powder rooms are fun places to experiment with this kind of ‘all in’ immersive design.
Transform a small powder room with a simple, plain deep green with Resene Wallpaper Collection 396555, even on the ceiling, then paint skirting in either a similar shade like Resene Goblin or eye-catching Resene FX Metallic Gold. Finish the room with crisp white bathroom fittings, an extravagant light fitting and brass tapware for a little private luxury.
Bold jungle wallpaper prints like Resene Wallpaper Collection 2536V-11 or sculptural patterns like Resene Wallpaper Collection 2538M-13 are also dramatic when used in a small space like a powder room. The effect of walking into a whole different world is given extra impact if the space outside the powder room, whether it’s a hallway or guest bedroom, is kept quite neutral and minimalist.
Creating a space that you can get lost in, doesn’t need to mean always using bold, sensory sparking colours. You may want to create a spa-like space where you can soothe your senses and escape the world for a little while.
For this type of feeling Jackie suggests turning to nature. “Biophilic design is a movement that places emphasis on the natural environment and helps us to feel more connected to nature.
It can help with everything from productivity to recovery from illness or injury, or simply relaxation.
“It’s an approach you see a lot in Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies with simple, gentle colour palettes, natural textures and fibres and natural light.”
Try immersing yourself in complex greens like Resene Green Days, Resene Field Day and Resene Vantage Point to evoke a feeling of calm and relaxation in a bathroom, conservatory or any relaxation space. Pair them with pale weathered washes such as Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy and Resene Colorwood Whitewash for a soft-look finish.
If you want a little more impact and luxury, Jackie suggests trying nature-inspired wallpaper designs like Resene Wallpaper Collection 33304 and Resene Wallpaper Collection 39647-2.
“Echo these stunning colours and patterns in your soft furnishings and accents to bring it all together.”
All the senses
Colour choice is often the centre of attention when we’re planning any space, whether you want it to be immersive or not, but sight isn’t the only sense to play with.
When planning a stimulating space, think about how you can use textures, scents and sounds to embrace a particular vibe in your rooms.
It can be as simple as a textured anaglypta wallpaper like Resene Wallpaper Collection RD124 or rough finish tiles, lush carpets and different wood finishes; anything that makes you want to reach out and touch surfaces. The suedelike finish of a flat finish paint like Resene SpaceCote Flat can also help with this.
You can also give a sense of texture, by experimenting with limewash or plaster-look finishes using Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with your favourite colours. Try a neutral base of Resene Anglaise then topcoat with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium mixed with Resene Calico for a washed terracotta look that will take you straight to the Mediterranean.
Pattern is another visual way to draw you into a room and give it a sensoryappealing feel. It might be as simple as vivid stripes of burnt orange Resene Fire with crisp white Resene Eighth Rice Cake on a bathroom wall, bold primary-coloured flowers painted on to a child’s bedroom wall or complex maximalist clashes of patterns.
Think about how you can add scent to a room, with candles, plants - or even just open windows to connect you with the outside. It needn’t be a strong scent, just a hint of salty air or subtle lavender will help engage your senses.
Top tip: Don’t forget about lighting. Being able to adjust or adapt lighting to change the mood of a room will also help you enhance the space.
Ultimately engaging your senses in your interior design simply means thinking beyond a purely functional or practical colour. Before you start your decorating projects, think about how you want the room to feel when you walk into it, and start from there.
Add in the warmth of a fire if possible and consider a clever sound system, especially with speakers dotted around. Subtle scents from candles or fresh herbs and flowers will also add to the feeling.
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We serve a high-quality Chinese-speaking readership in New Zealand— including property investors, homebuyers, financial professionals, and business decision-makers.
Our articles and video content consistently reach over 50,000 local readers and viewers in New Zealand, and we are steadily growing into one of the most influential and trusted Chinese-language financial media outlets in the country.
By choosing NZET, you gain access to our professional content influence and highly targeted audience reach—empowering your brand to achieve greater exposure and conversion in the Chinese market.
Contact us for advertising opportunities and the latest media kit to connect directly with New Zealand’s core Chinese-speaking audience.
Recipe by Kelly Gibney, Photography by Kelly Gibney, Source: dish.co.nz
Banana cake is a classic that is perfect for afternoon tea or lunchboxes. The chocolate buttercream is a wonderfully rich and creamy topping. Adding a beautiful touch like dried rose petals or rosebuds will make this simple cake fancy enough for any occasion.
SERVES: 10
INGREDIENTS
• 3 ripe bananas
• 3 Otaika Valley free range eggs
• ½ cup oil
• ½ cup plain yoghurt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM
• 200g butter, room temperature
• 2 ¾ cups icing sugar
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
METHOD
CAKE: Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Mash in the bananas in a large bowl until as smooth as possible. Whisk in the eggs. Add the oil, yoghurt, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Whisk till combined.
Sift in the flour and baking soda. Mix until just combined, don’t over mix.
Pour into a lined 20 x 27cm ovenproof dish. You can also use a lined 20cm round springform cake tin (it will need a few more minutes of cook time).
Bake for 50-55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean when inserted. Cool completely before dressing with buttercream or icing.
BUTTERCREAM: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to whip the butter until lighter and fluffy. Add half of the cocoa and icing sugar and run the mixer on low to gently incorporate it. Increase the speed to high and beat for 2 minutes. Add the remaining cocoa powder and icing sugar and mix on low again until incorporated. Increase speed to high and beat for 5 minutes. Add the milk, beat for 1 minute. Spread the cake generously with the buttercream.
新西兰第一季度GDP环比增长0.8% ANZ预测：OCR今年或降至2.5%
NZET/编辑部
根据新西兰统计局(Stats NZ)公布的数据，2025年第一季度，新西兰实际GDP环比增长0.8%，显著高于储备银 行此前预测的0.4%，也高于多数银行经济学家预期为0.7%。
澳新银行(ANZ)经济学家近日发布最新预测报告称，ANZ维持对新西兰储备银行(RBNZ)未来货币政策的判断， 预计官方现金利率（OCR）将在未来数月进一步下调至2.5%
这一增幅延续了2024年第四季度0.5%的增长势头，各主要行业中农业、制造业及商业服务表现突出，带动整体 经济上行。数据显示尽管新西兰第一季度经济增长好于预期，但经济复苏仍显脆弱，未来仍需更大力度的货币刺 激以支撑增长。
目前，OCR自去年8月以来已从5.5%连续降至3.25%。然而，金融市场定价显示，市场普遍认为 OCR或不会低于3.0%，甚至存在维持当前水平的可能性。
ANZ高级经济学家Matt Galt和Miles Workman在最新预测更新中指出，该行已将2025年第二季度国内生产总值 （GDP）增长预期从此前的0.4%下调至0.1%，储备银行目前对二季度的增长预期为0.2%。
这一调整反映了近期高频经济数据所释放出的疲软信号。尽管，2025年第一季度GDP增长录得0.8%，不仅高于各 大银行经济学家最新上调的预期，也远高于储备银行预测的0.4%。
储备银行目前对第二季度GDP增长的预测为0.2%，显示其早已预期经济活动将有所放缓。ANZ经济学家表示，此 次预期下调也考虑到了第一季度强劲数据后可能出现的“回调效应”，以及高频数据中反映出的实际疲弱迹象。
两位经济学家认为，“我们的GDP最新预测并未显著改变对OCR的看法，尽管第一季度数据强于RBNZ预期，第二季 度非贸易通胀或高于预期，再加上储备银行的数据依赖型政策态度，进一步降息的时点可能较我们此前预测稍晚。
但我们仍认为，储备银行为了在2025年至2027年这段时期将通胀稳定在目标区间内，经济仍需要更明显的货币刺 激，也就是OCR低于中性水平，我们继续预计OCR的周期低点为2.5%。
ANZ经济学家指出，除当前季度外，该行对未来GDP增长的预测变化不大。经济的脆弱复苏已经开始，但过程缓慢， 且起点较低，预计经济在一段时间内将持续存在显著的通缩性产能过剩。
ANZ预测表示，新西兰经济复苏将在2025年持续进行，但较此前预期略有延后。到2026年，伴随更宽松的货币环 境，经济内在动能有望逐步增强。该行预计，2025年年均经济增长率为0.9%，2026年升至2.4%，2027年进一步升 至2.7%，届时经济有望恢复至长期趋势水平。
尽管最新GDP预测表明“最困难的时期可能已过去“，但经济学家指出，许多家庭在劳动力市场回暖、通胀调整后的 工资持续正增长之前，仍难以感受到经济好转的实质性变化。
对于许多家庭而言，生活成本仍是严峻挑战。这实际上是价格水平的问题，而非价格增速问题。由于储备银行的职 责是将通胀率降至2%，而不是让物价水平下降，因此这一问题只能通过实际收入增长来缓解。
ANZ经济学家表示，未来随着经济持续复苏，收入与物价的比值有望逐步改善，从而减轻家庭压力。
Yuan Hong +64 27 5566 886
yuan.hong@geo-solutions.co.nz www.geo-solutions.co.nz
GeoSolutions is a specialised consultancy practising in geotechnical engineering. We cover projects and sites all around the North Island and look after residential building sector.
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Local Statistics
May 2025
SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS
-
MONTHS
Stonefields, Panmure, Mt Wellington, Ellerslie
56 Sales G12.5% G18.8%
BREAKDOWN BY SUBURB
Stonefields = 7 | Panmure = 4 | Mt Wellington = 34 | Ellerslie = 11
MONTHLY SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS MONTHLY TREND - LAST 12 MONTHS
$1,060,000 E0% E11.6%
Mangawhai,
AUCTION
Maguires One Team - Reporting period: Apr 2025 - Jun 2025 50% 8%
OTHER SALE
(Maguires One Team percentage of homes selling within 90 days)
OTHER SALE METHODS
AUCTION 35 52 days on market days on market
(Maguires One Team average days on market)
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A RARE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY-OWN THE REMARKABLE!
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Subdivision Investment: Potential to subdivide into 7 sections, including existing infrastructure and buildingsfast-track your next development project.
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$15,000,000
Viewing: Please contact salesperson for viewing details
Set against an awe-inspiring backdrop, this distinguished 3,700 sq ft clifftop residence offers sweeping, uninterrupted views from Rangitoto Island to the iconic Sky Tower. Perfectly blending modern sophistication with natural beauty, this residence fosters a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Located in the highly coveted St Heliers enclave, this property promises an exclusive lifestyle, offering both ultimate privacy and effortless proximity to the vibrant village and waterfront.
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Step inside this extraordinary home and be immediately captivated by uninterrupted, picture-perfect views of Rangitoto Island - a daily panorama framed by floor-to-ceiling glass and surrounded by a lush, subtropical garden. Perfectly positioned on a north-facing freehold circa 944m² land in the heart of Kohimarama, this property offers a rare blend of mid-century charm, architectural integrity, and effortless contemporary flow. Bathed in natural light, the open-plan kitchen and scullery is an entertainer's delight, while the dining, and living area, complete with gas fireplace, connect seamlessly to sun-drenched outdoor entertaining spaces. Whether you're hosting an alfresco dinner or simply enjoying a quiet moment, the vistas of Rangitoto and the harbour create an ever-changing backdrop - like living inside a work of art. Designed with flexibility in mind, the home suits both growing families and downsizers alike. Enjoy the space of a large family home or the ease of single-level living and an apartment-style retreat on the main floor, while the versatile lower level presents an ideal space for extended family or guests. The downstairs 'granny flat' with both internal and external access - and car park - adds further value, whether for independent family members, border/au pair, and guests seeking their private retreat. This tropical haven is only a short stroll to Kohimarama Beach, Madills Farm, and local primary schools, offering a coveted lifestyle of sun, sea, and serenity. And with ample space to add a pool, the garden oasis offers even greater potential to elevate your lifestyle in this exceptional setting. Opportunities like this are rare - discover this hidden gem and experience Bays living at its best.
$2,875,000
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Richard Lyne
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