Private seclusion
Nestled within the sheltered privacy of a gorgeous garden setting, French Provence whispers its presence. From the design of the home itself – limestone chip paths, landscaped banks and garden corners, to the exotic allure of the swimming pool – this property transports you to another world.
Nestled within the sheltered privacy of a gorgeous garden setting, French Provence whispers its presence. From the design of the home itself – limestone chip paths, landscaped banks and garden corners, to the exotic allure of the swimming pool – this property transports you to another world.
words JO FERRIS
The privacy of this exquisite country home goes far beyond the gated security offered by Te Puna’s elite Tides Reach enclave. One of 29 high-value properties, this home hides from the road – blossoms on the cherry trees lining the long driveway having given way to summer’s leafy welcome.
Pavilion styling divides the home into two distinct wings – connected by a foyer that immediately introduces the garden expanse beyond, thanks to a full-wall picture window.
Living sits to the left; gabled ceilings showcasing sarked lining and exposed beams to enhance the space. The tone is genteel; classically refined like French champagne. Glazing stretches the length of the wing – from dining and family lounge, through to the lounge. It ensures both the view and outdoor links are captured in every area of this wing.
Sun-drenched decking includes a sheltered outdoor lounge – somewhere to gaze out to the pool and reflect on the beauty all around. Dedicated alfresco dining invites grand occasions outside, while the pool has its own invitation. A shallow ‘chaise longue’ segment for sun lovers; louvred roofing over the ‘pool house’, with its outdoor fire and lounge setting, plus a spa alcove for added luxury. The symmetry between the house, outdoor settings, pool and large garden expanse is captivating.
The accommodation wing, while seemingly a stand-alone pavilion is also linked intricately to the garden. The master suite sits at the far end – its romantic bathroom showcasing a clawfoot bath and French-door link with a screened garden – privacy assured in all aspects and brilliant walk-in shower.
Three more bedrooms share a family bathroom – a bath here as well and a separate powder room for added convenience. Other features include a study, a ‘play room’ for children, hobbies or gym; a dedicated laundry, triple garage with attic storage and an adjoining workshop. Every area in this corner is connected – walk-through access to and fro’, plus double-sided entry to the workshop for the ride-on mower and implements.
With tennis at the shared court at Tides Reach, nature trails to the harbour’s edge, this French-inspired ‘maison élégante’ makes an indelible impression here in Western Bay’s Tides Reach.
41 Te Karaka drive, Te Puna
Masterful simplicity
Perched above nature, this peaceful home showcases refined minimalism and breathtaking rural vistas.
Perched above nature, this peaceful home showcases refined minimalism and breathtaking rural vistas.
words JO FERRIS
The serenity of rural seclusion is absolute in this hidden pocket within Western Bay. Nestled at the end of a private lane, the home’s elevated position above a vast lawn makes an immediate impression. It presents the advantage of views, while the backdrop of towering trees instantly suggests prolific birdlife.
As a young home, there is ample potential to develop the grounds into playground pastimes. The owners have already planted numerous fruit trees and sown banks with wildflowers, herbs and lavender. Tiered gardens in front of the house complement its clean lines, while hinting at the style behind its vision.
Mindful of melting into nature, not dominating it, the home's designers have mastered the art of restraint. The simplicity of minimalism actually hides the intricacy behind it. It’s not easy maintaining that concept, but this home achieves it with respectful appreciation.
It begins at the formal welcome, with a massive pivot front door. The connection between outdoor elements and rooms inside – while unobtrusive – are evident throughout. The horizontal thread of larch on exterior cladding continues on feature walls inside. Full-height glazing ensures nature and views are always in sight, while recessed motorised blinds maintain the clean look of minimalism.
The heart of the home revels in sun and a country outlook. Devoid of any clutter, it adheres to the restrained philosophy with extraordinary skill. The kitchen showcases a bold dark tone of textured cabinetry, negative detail and integrated appliances, while the hidden scullery enjoys the appeal of open shelving.
Banks of stacker doors instil a seamless link with outdoor relaxation. Polished concrete flooring is finished with a salt-and-pepper tone, putting a new slant on concrete’s functional appeal and capacity to harness solar warmth. Zoned underfloor heating is there if required, however – including in all three bathrooms. The media room has the mood of a flame, with its gas-fire cosy ambience.
The owner's privacy is assured in one wing, which includes an office for work; while an ensuite guest room and remaining bedrooms offer options in the far wing. Every bathroom is fully tiled – similarly designed with dark allure and a no-fuss approach. Except the main bathroom – where the white oval bath is the star; fronting a full-height window for a garden outlook.
Complex simplicity underpins an extraordinary home. Its promise of privacy – at one with nature – cannot be emphasised enough.
6H Ainsworth Road, Minden
Detail in the artistry
A love of Bali – partnered with an artist’s eye for whimsy and a businessman’s head for detail – weaves a fascinating story in this orchard and home.
A love of Bali – partnered with an artist’s eye for whimsy and a businessman’s head for detail – weaves a fascinating story in this orchard and home.
Words Jo Ferris
Bare land on a discreet Athenree ridge 24 years ago, this secluded haven now embraces a mature orchard with 62 Hass avocado and 1.2 canopy hectares of gold kiwifruit – fully managed and increasing the appeal to those seeking financial reward in their next move.
The house is centre stage and a tribute to this couple’s remarkable foresight. Solid as a rock, with underfloor heating throughout and an impressive display of American Oak flooring; its size and scale is deceptive, thanks to the grounds surrounding it. Designed to honour a breathtaking panorama across Tauranga Harbour,
this rare sweep takes in major headlands – Tanners, Tuapiro, Ongare and Kauri. Mauao winks on the horizon, Karewa peeks above Matakana Island and shipping can be seen on the ocean behind Bowentown.
Extraordinary dawn-to-dusk scenery is matched by an equally extraordinary garden. Bali influences are everywhere, from towering palm trees to exotic specimens. Manicured lawns beg barefoot freedom in this lush playground. A heated swimming pool, meditation bure, adventure playground for the kids – complete with a zip line! Paradise within a paradigm.
Paradise lost has no boundaries. From the orchards and gardens, this property includes a man-cave shed, ultimate big-boy garage for the boat and motorhome; plus a cabin office and ablution facilities in a quiet corner. Getting “lost” in the house is also an experience.
Bedroom and bathroom indulgence showcases artistry in their finish. The gourmet kitchen and scullery cater for those grand occasions and dinner-party crowds. Family relaxation and more formality in the fireside lounge interweave to connect with all the fun outside. That stunning view is always in sight.
Hidden gems set this home apart. An artist’s studio, a mud room that looks like the laundry – until doors open to the actual laundry, which is more like a laundrette with all its units. Quite simply, this home keeps on giving. Attention to detail is found in every facet, every closet.
With the kitchen and bathrooms all renewed four years ago and the house repainted, only touches like the tropical fountain, with its friendly goldfish, give a hint as to this home’s true age. That and the orchard, of course. This is income, lifestyle and freedom – perfection personified.
265 Athenree Road, Athenree
Viewing pleasure
Tauranga’s connection with water and scenery feeds the inspiration behind countless homes lucky enough to command envious views. From this Otumoetai Ridge, views change with the days and seasons.
Tauranga’s connection with water and scenery feeds the inspiration behind countless homes lucky enough to command envious views. From this Otumoetai Ridge, views change with the days and seasons.
Words Jo Ferris
Change is constant, and for this spectacular home, it not only represents a transformation of the site, but the journey of a couple who enjoy the challenge of creating something new.
That challenge began by removing the original 50s’ house from a significant site in Maxwells Road. The vision centred on views from this elevated spot – sun-drenched, with a panorama overlooking Tauranga’s inner harbour, port, Mount, and the cruise ship entrance between Mauao and Matakana Island.
Views and sun define this home’s design. Greeting both each morning is serene – either from the privacy of the master retreat upstairs, or downstairs in the family hub. The home follows the sun and ensures natural light and solar warmth is harnessed everywhere possible.
Architecturally designed, clean lines and quality construction look to the future, while staying true to the importance of function and flow. Impressive by any standard, there’s a down-to-earth warmth here that’s instantly relatable. The front-door greeting might be formal, but it quickly sways to this home’s outlook and focus on entertainment. The heated swimming pool tucks within a central courtyard to one side, which draws it almost inside the house. Clever design also incorporates a pool house with separate access to what doubles as an ensuite studio and jet ski drive-in. Perfect for spill-over visitors and brilliant recreational space when vacant.
As eyes drift to the main view, the home unveils its intriguing outlook. The sights and sounds of city life moving across Chapel Street provide the foreground for constant shipping and recreational marine activity – Mauao always in sight. Ever-changing by day, at night it’s enchanting. No need to lower the blinds here. Floor-length glazing is like a cinema screening of an endless movie. Warmth is constant, thanks to the day’s sun, while underfloor heating runs throughout the ground floor.
Open-plan living is spacious yet intimate, thanks to each area’s purpose and a masterpiece kitchen with its drawcard bar-stool feature. Clean lines match the home’s understated style, while the detail defines the craftsmanship underscoring the bespoke finish. Unique elements, fascinating nooks and niches intertwine versatility within rooms, walkways and outdoor privacy.
Ready for a new challenge, these owners will soon leave behind a special quality of life – passing on this home’s intrinsic warmth and endless fascination with the views it commands.
80 Maxwells Road, Otumoetai
Amazing Grace
Packed with extra bonus features, this built-for-the-builder home combines exceptional design with quality construction.
Packed with extra bonus features, this built-for-the-builder home combines exceptional design with quality construction.
Words Jo Ferris
It’s often been said that a builder knows best what makes a home function and flow. It also helps if that builder owns their own company. Originally building this home for themselves, a change of plans means good fortune for the next owner. This is an exceptional example of design, quality and finish – combined with features and extras not normally offered in a home, let alone a brand new one.
Grace Road is one of Tauranga’s most sought-after areas within the Avenues’ precinct, and among the most tightly held. For good reason. Its proximity to the city, recreation and water cements its value. Sitting off the streetfront, this home nestles in relative seclusion, with scenery for company and the pleasure of being brand new.
Views gaze east over Waimapu Estuary – idyllic by day, but gorgeous at night. Two levels ensure the views from upstairs are picture-perfect, thanks to smart design, extensive glazing, wraparound balconies and seamless connection with the scenery stretching out in front. Punctuated only by trees, the leafy ambience ensures nature is preserved.
Construction blends strength with beauty – concrete, vertical Abodo weatherboard and Alpine stone schist. It’s an edgy, earthy look – this notion repeated inside with a décor that showcases an innate understanding of tone, texture and style.
Four bedrooms, three stunning bathrooms and a powder room spread over both levels – together with three separate living areas that change moods from one to the other. Each zone gives privacy for different occasions, while defining their purpose. Either snuggled around the gas fire watching a movie, entertaining with company in the family hub or toasting the city’s evening lights outside around the schist-clad fire, this home excels. The outdoor lounge is also an extension for the master suite – making it the perfect ending to a day as lights twinkle in front.
Good design is accompanied by exquisite taste in fittings throughout this home. The kitchen and scullery showcase detailed styling. Bathrooms are all personalised to reflect their individual purpose, and careful selection of lighting also reflects a clear understanding of how lighting can truly enhance a space.
Recessed ceilings in key places become light features at night that complement the mood. Upstairs or down, this home connects with its setting – function and flow sit at its heart. Underpinning all that is the quality construction and assurance that this builder didn’t cut any corners. It was built for themselves after all.
154A Grace Road, Avenues
Bella Italia
Impressive and imposing, this Italian-styled home brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Tauranga.
Impressive and imposing, this Italian-styled home brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Tauranga.
Words Jo Ferris
Sharing more in common with some of the finest estates on Waiheke Island or Auckland’s blue-chip suburbs of Herne Bay and Remuera, the fact this prestigious property even exists here in Tauranga is testament to its owners’ foresight and belief in the district’s future. This home will defy time
– and remain as rock solid as it stands today – long into the future.
This home’s design, construction and innate essence are born from the Italian aristocratic palazzos it pays homage to. Solid concrete – including internal walls – construction and quality finish throughout totally belies any initial perception some buyers could be forgiven for thinking, according to Oliver Road’s Cam Winter.
Viewing is essential – if only to confirm the extent of this home’s magnitude. On the surface, the epic design and unique finish extols the Italian penchant for grandeur. Beneath all this however, the home hides well-considered attention to the fundamentals of a warm, healthy environment.
It epitomises the Mediterranean appreciation of family and nourishment. Togetherness feeds the soul - and this home instils that village philosophy in every conceivable way. Layered – like family – it revolves around the main household. This is magnanimous, and caters for crowds as effortlessly as it does for intimate dinners for a few. From here, the house embraces inter-generational unity with two individual, self-contained suites. The largest provides a two-bedroom apartment on the upper level. The second is a New York style one-bedroom apartment cleverly built into the basement level. Separate living for elders or extended members with children – together, yet independent.
Being multi-faceted, this home’s capacity for accommodating staff is also brilliant – from groundspeople to nannies or private tutors. A property of stature that also lends to boutique accommodation or an intimate function venue. Entertaining inside or out, the focus revolves around nurture and nourishment. It’s easy to envision long, lazy lunches outside, or lingering dinner parties in the soaring luxury of the banquet hall inside.
Such status personifies the luxury of international grand homes and estates often featured on TV programmes and in exclusive magazines. And deservedly so. Seen firsthand, the quality here is clearly apparent – from the concrete construction to the interior finish that mixes genuine Italian materials with exquisite New Zealand and accents. It is an intricate fusion of ancient Mediterranean heritage with hi-tech innovation and engineering ingenuity. Safely guarded behind gated security, within nearly an acre, this haven ensures seclusion and solace, protection, and privacy. Manicured gardens and courtyard corners, topiary pathways and sloping lawns,
a heated pool for year-round leisure, a spa for added bliss – it is the quintessential lifestyle.
Cam Winter notes that its relative length of time-on-market can be almost entirely attributed to perception, both with respect to its construction (given Tauranga’s and New Zealand’s unfortunate “leaky home era”), which this property sits so far beyond – not only in age (built 2008) but also in the reality of its solid-concrete construction. Possibly also some concern about the future Takitimu North Link.
Now under construction and, with clear evidence of what will eventuate on Waka Kotahi, NZTA’s website, far away from producing any audible impact on this property, the highway will actually improve surrounding traffic and shorten distances to key arterial connections including shortening the distances both into Tauranga’s CBD and north towards Auckland. The scenic beauty of Wairoa Valley will remain, and its uninterrupted west-facing aspect will continue to produce magnificent afternoon sunshine which become romantic late-evening sunsets. With only 14 neighbours spaced in their own settings, life in this elite enclave can only improve.
5 Sunny Downs Drive, Tauriko
Secret garden
Pulling from Hawke’s Bay’s Black Barn, Glenorchy’s Blanket Bay, and Huka Lodge in Taupō; Te Māra commands equal status as one of Bay of Plenty’s finest country homes
Pulling from Hawke’s Bay’s Black Barn, Glenorchy’s Blanket Bay, and Huka Lodge in Taupō; Te Māra commands equal status as one of Bay of Plenty’s finest country homes.
Words Jo Ferris / Photos supplied
From its secluded plateau in Whakamārama hills, the timeless design and nuance of this property applauds the collaborative approach of architectural and interior designers. But it’s mostly down to the lady of the house, whose vision entailed matching her dream home with a garden that would eventually embrace it.
Bare land five years ago, the home now melts into a garden, blending symmetry and corridors to frame the outstanding coastal views, an orchard and home for chickens, as well as a poolside haven and meandering pockets where potager gardens and herbs interweave seasons, colour, and inspiration.
Two te māra, Yoshino cherry trees, grace the entrance and give the property its name. That it took just five years to cultivate the depth and scale of this garden heaps further praise on the owners. Both the garden and home look and feel like they have been entrenched in seclusion far longer. Which was the plan from the outset, of course.
For the home, the brief was small but detailed – emphasis on “home”. Its intimate embrace graces every corner. It is somehow familiar, yet utterly unique. The tone and texture rest on the seemingly complicated, yet incredibly simple way each element fits like Lego. In fact, the owner utilised her son’s Lego bricks to construct her vision.
Architectural designer John Little was delighted by this novel approach.
“I style my designs on the enduring principles of good scale and proportions – and simple form.”
Based on that, and nodding to good New Zealand vernacular, the result is a three-bedroom ranch-style dwelling with verandah corners and garden pathway to the separate garage and studio accommodation. This intimate unit also bears Te Māra’s name in booking circles, and is deservedly ranked with A-reserve popularity. Black dominates the exterior board and batten and corrugated roofing to show how a simple building form and modest materials can successfully execute unpretentious expense.
Built by Mark Leppard with refined detail, the home’s north orientation follows the sun. Colonial timber joinery matches the underlying approach of a simple country cottage. In truth, there’s nothing simple in the way every detail is meticulously crafted. The house simply belies its age, thanks to its timeless affinity and connection with the scenery and outdoor flow.
The family relationship focuses on a farmhouse kitchen that celebrates infinite craftsmanship and French influences. High studs throughout enhance space. Dining and fireside gathering all revolves around togetherness and that familiar sense of home – one that invites entertaining for large occasions. As living slips into the cosier intimacy of the library snug, this home embodies its appreciation for privacy, while remaining connected and true.
Interior designer Terry Walsh says what separates this home is its use of materials.
“The painted timber joinery visually illustrates what an investment into signature elements can achieve. Other materials have been kept honest with their simplicity. The client and I always knew what we aspired to. It’s a no fuss look, while capturing a luxurious feel, combined with ‘less-than-perfect’ aspects.”
Wire-brushed herringbone flooring runs the length of the passage and living areas to instil that initial sense of age. European tiling in bathrooms and laundry feature patterned styling that also flatters the appeal of legacy, while heritage hardware throughout accentuates the significance of detail.
Beamed ceilings and battened walls unite the symmetry, while various angles and stud heights accentuate each room’s mood. But the gabled height of the lounge, with its concrete fireplace and antler chandelier, draws immediate attention.
Bespoke finish is epitomised by the owners’ ability to source individual pieces – for the home itself and personal collectables gathered over the years. Built-in units have no place in the likes of the bathrooms or laundry. Stand-alone pieces instil the intrigue of antique heritage with the knowledge that nothing else exists in the delivery of these rooms.
It was important to set the foundation for the furnishings that were to come. Whether it’s the flooring from Auckland’s Artedomus, delicious hues of Porter’s Paints personalising each room, or the final dressings with lighting, drapes and imported antique items from Auckland’s Vitrine store; the extent of detail and placement of beloved items honour every layer of design expertise.
In his first visit, Cam Winter from Oliver Road Luxury Real Estate says Te Māra is one of the finest country homes in the Bay of Plenty.
“This truly world-class, seemingly-effortless execution of magazine-worthy interior and timeless architectural design is a pleasure within which to spend a single moment, let alone a lifetime. It’s also available for inspection by qualified buyers and those interested should visit our website for more information. “
A class of its own
The luxury and lifestyle experts bridging the gap on the coast. Oliver Road Estate Agents is adding to its already impressive repertoire.
The luxury and lifestyle experts bridging the gap on the coast
Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor / photos supplied
Oliver Road Estate Agents is adding to its already impressive repertoire.
The luxury and lifestyle specialist company has launched a re-fresh, adding a “coastal” focus to its town and country offerings.
The company has proven itself to be hugely successful in the absolute upper end of the Tauranga market. Now there are plans to “fill the gap for a specialist luxury approach” over the bridge. The highly impressive number 98 Muricata Avenue, for example, is on its books.
Oliver Road is headed by two passionate professionals – Cameron Winter and Jason Eves – who say their company is poised to deliver results to Mt Maunganui clients and curate experiences for buyers that transcends what the market is used to.
“We work with a limited number of clients and their unique properties to ensure we are able to consistently deliver a world-class service which includes valuation, discovery, finishing, furnishing, marketing, negotiation, and a wrap-around settlement concierge service,” Cam says.
In addition, marketing includes architect, builder and interior designer recognition. “Impressive creativity, high value, and talented effort have gone into the homes we market and this deserves acknowledgement.”
Accolades, and client testimonials, whole-heartedly endorse this three-year-old company’s approach. The company were awarded Best Luxury Real Estate Agency in New Zealand last year at the Asia Pacific Property Awards, and also nabbed Best Real Estate Agent in New Zealand, going on to win Best Real Estate Agent in Asia-Pacific. But it didn’t stop there. They also beat out the competition in Best Real Estate Agency Marketing New Zealand and scored runner up in Best Real Estate Agency Single Office.
To top it all off, RateMyAgent and Google both gave the company a 5.0 star rating.
As Jason says, doing things well is the only way to do things.
Muricata magic
More than a home, this retreat represents the spell-binding epitome of innovative design, craftsmanship and pure allure.
The departing residents of 98 Muricata Ave tell their house it’s been a privilege knowing it. Leaving isn’t easy, but this couple say they have “more chapters in life to ride”.
This address, which they’ve called home since August 2019, is like a tranquil retreat right in the middle of the hurly burly of Mount Maunganui. “It’s been an absolute privilege living there and, in keeping with that privilege, we have kept it absolutely immaculate,” they say.
While originally built for a celebrity chef, those now selling have been its first residents.
They are joined by many when it comes to singing its praises.
The home’s builders, JC Builders, describe it as “a work of art”.
Its architectural designer, Jason McDonald of JMAC, says it presents a marriage of “meticulous innovative design, masterful craftsmanship, and an absolute refusal to compromise on quality”.
And the interior design team from Gezellig Interiors speak of its bespoke features. Think imported Turkish wall tiles, aged brass fittings, porcelain benches, and hand-blown glass light fittings.
Beyond the alluring, sophisticated exterior of modern cedar and dark accents, cleverly contrasting natural mediums enhance the home's warm and light aesthetic. As do walls of both polished concrete and cedar feature, and oak cabinetry and custom-made organic fixtures.
All social spaces, including, as one would expect, an incredible cooking zone, are situated on the ground floor, and movement is open and flows from street entry out to a large protected outdoor room at the rear of the property. A natural, light-infused stairwell, with open tread stairs, leads to the upper level’s retreat-like sleep spaces.
While the home is only one accessway from the beach, there’s water closer at hand, courtesy of a swimming pool.
You name it, this property has it.
All seasons’ sanctuary
This country estate masterfully combines nature and nurture – from the spectacular views through to its timber and glass pods, to the bountiful orchard and garden, it encompasses a sanctum of serenity.
Board and batten Lawson Cypress embraces this Mana Ridge beauty of a home, contributing significantly to its country estate ambience.
Architectural designer Adam Taylor says its architecture delivers an approachable rustic feel that is at the same time modern. Its makeup is a celebration of timber, an infusion of natural light, and a neutral palette. Its current owners (the house is listed with Oliver Road Estate Agents) say these things in combination equal “peaceful sanctuary”.
The home comprises three pods. One is dedicated to garaging with a guest suite above, another houses the main living area with its high-pitched and barn-like aesthetic, and the remaining is a bedroom zone. A glass-walled linkway, connecting the latter two, offers spectacular views (it’s easy to get distracted by the city’s night lights when journeying between pods).
Sited up high, this 1.4 hectare property - which includes an orchard and potager vege gardens - also enjoys expansive green views, and Mauao in the distance.
The house opens up on all sides, with the walkways and courtyards between the pods creating pockets of intimacy. There’s a place outdoors for every time of the day and every season.
Adam tells how, in a nod to its rural neighbourhood, the design references a cluster of farm buildings joined together to make one whole. (There’s always the opportunity to add a further pod.)
Three years ago, homeowners and Adam were joined on this house project by an impressive team of creatives - namely Jacqui Mitchell of Twill Interiors, Michelle McDonnell of Michelle McDonnell Landscape Design, and the Lighthouse Group building team. The result is a stunner that oozes country and contemporary charm combined.
23 Te Auhi Way, Mana Ridge
Columnist Craig Orr reaches new heights with the Mt Everest Challenge
Our Bayleys columnist is hitting new heights at work and play, and has ideas for how you can too.
Our Bayleys columnist is hitting new heights at work and play, and has ideas for how you can too.
Well, I did it! I officially conquered the More FM Mt Everest Challenge, and I’m stoked to be able to say that I raised more than $1000 for St John. Climbing the Mount 38 times in 50 days was so tough that I gave myself two weeks off walking up any kind of hill afterwards.
We’re so lucky to have Mauao Mt Maunganui to exercise on. I love the way it sits proudly at the end of the peninsula and has such an amazing presence to it. My seven-year-old daughter was one of my best supporters. She has a real competitive streak and would join me walking up the Mount a couple of times each week, often picking a fellow climber halfway up and trying to beat them to the summit. I made it my mission to beat my best time of 13 minutes from the base to the top. I ended up 11 seconds off it! But I definitely felt my fitness improve.
I recruited some of my colleagues to join me for the odd climb and managed to get a few other mates up off the couch. Overall, it was super fun and a fulfilling experience – particularly the mental challenge and camaraderie. I’d highly recommend anyone considering tackling it next year to go for it.
Speaking of the couch, my wife Natasha and I have recently finished some exciting home renovations at our place at the Mount. We’ve just had a pool dropped in, and added a cabana and done up the deck. It completely opens up our property and stretches out to our neighbour’s. We feel really lucky to be part of such a cool neighbourhood.
Tash and I lived here before we had our daughters, and we’ve always loved it. Investing in our first house in Bethlehem was a big step. It was a big home with plenty of space inside, but two years ago we found a 1960s-style home at the Mount and couldn’t resist getting back to beach life.
Our kids don’t seem to mind having less space – they’re happy being by the beach, the mountain and their friends. It’s super convenient and offers a really relaxed lifestyle. I’ve enjoyed getting involved in my daughters’ school, establishing local friendships, giving back and feeling like we’re part of the community.
At Bayleys, I’ve just had the biggest month ever. I’m 10 years into marketing properties for sale and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’m a bit of a late bloomer in terms of my career trajectory, as I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I was about 35. Real estate was always of interest, but it wasn’t until I took the leap that I realised how much of a passion it was. I just love helping make people’s dreams become reality.
We’ve been in a really buoyant market recently, but it feels like it’s beginning to cool slightly. With a short supply of options for potential vendors to purchase and a tight market, replacing housing stock can be challenging. That’s why winter’s the perfect time for people considering selling to take that step, because there’s less competition.
I’ve been sharing some videos about open homes and the market on my Instagram page, so have a look for the inside scoop. I do free market appraisals, so if you’re curious as to what your place is worth, give me a shout and I’ll be happy to help.
All roads lead to real estate: the diverse pasts of local Bayleys salespeople
What does it take to make it in real estate? For these professionals, innate skill, learned experience, special gifts, and backgrounds that are anything but ordinary all have something to do with it.
WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR
What does it take to make it in real estate? For these professionals, innate skill, learned experience, special gifts, and backgrounds that are anything but ordinary all have something to do with it.
Carmen Dickison
Tauranga Bayleys salesperson Carmen Dickison is a brave woman with a gold medal to prove it. Not only is she a recipient of the New Zealand Police Gold Merit Award for Bravery, she was also the first female police officer to formally achieve a bravery award. According to the citation, constable Dickison had only been in the police for six months, when, “without regard for her own safety, she apprehended an armed violent offender who was terrorising a family in their own home.” Carmen’s gold was later joined by a medal for services to the police, in recognition of time spent doing a sterling job as a police presenter on the TV show Crimewatch.
Now based in Tauranga, Carmen spent her 16 years in the police force in Wellington, also working in Youth Aid and as a detective. “Youth Aid was most rewarding,” she says. “I felt like I made a difference and helped turn lives around, whether it was helping youth find a passion or linking them with mentors.” While doing all that, Carmen was also studying part-time, gaining a marketing and communications qualification that she later used in her roles as marketing manager for an art gallery and then an architecture firm – eventually leading to her current position as a residential salesperson at Bayley’s Tauranga.
Michael Parker
Hamilton Fresh out of law school, Michael Parker headed not to chambers or a courtroom, but to the ski fields. “When I graduated, I decided to follow my absolute passion of ski instructing full-time,” he says. It was a job he’d worked at part-time during his university holidays, including on North American slopes during New Zealand summers. Michael started his full-time career at Tūroa in 1996, working as a race coach and general ski instructor, then moving up the ranks to become fully certified under the New Zealand ski instructor system. Further progression led him to ski school management positions in New Zealand and the US. He spent 16 consecutive southern and northern hemisphere winters in the job before deciding it was time to enjoy a summer and stay put in one country. “It was a fantastic industry to be in and I met some interesting people,” he says. Those people included Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld and Dick Marriott of the prestigious hotel chain, no less. “It’s a part of my life I’ll never regret –I even met my wife through skiing,” says Michael, who made the move to real estate after returning to Hamilton to give his dad “a hand” in the property development industry for more than 10 years.
Aaron Paterson
Hamilton Teaching and rugby paid Aaron Paterson’s bills before he joined the Bayleys team. After spending a gap year working at a private boys’ school in London, he decided to return to the school armed with a teacher’s qualification. And he did, six years later – qualified as a geography and physical education teacher with two years experience under his belt. During Aaron’s second stint abroad, he met his wife Shani Paterson in Spain – a long way from her Dunedin hometown – and had his time as a teacher interrupted by two years spent living in Japan and playing rugby for the Hokkaido Barbarians. Ultimately, he and Shani growing family was a catalyst for their subsequent move to the Waikato, where Aaron initially returned to work at Cambridge High School. Then, in 2005, a friend encouraged him to become part of the Bayleys family – and he’s never looked back. Today, rugby remains part of Aaron’s life. He referees for his local senior premier competition; does TV match official work for the NPC, Super Rugby and international test matches; and thanks to his children, coaches junior rugby too. “I’m passionate about giving back to the game that’s given me so much,” he says.
Angela Finnigan
Hamilton Before she worked for Bayleys in Hamilton, Angela Finnigan was a high-level equestrian, a role that saw her eventing at England’s famous Badminton, as well as identifying local equine talent and accompanying the promising horses to their new homes in the US, UK, Italy, Ireland and even Tahiti. Although, she says, “That part wasn’t as glamorous as it sounds. I’d be with the horses in cargo planes. On one trip, for example, I was on the same cargo flight as 40 horses. I sat on the floor amongst the hay. It was pretty rough!” In the ’80s, Angela lived in England, where she produced young horses for sale as eventers. She also owned the equine stunner Face the Music, which Mark Todd rode to success at the Burghley Horse Trials in the ’90s. When Angela returned home to New Zealand, it was to Cambridge, where she continued producing young horses, ready for export. Today, her home base is surrounded by racetracks, but her equestrian days are over. “I’m a bit of an all or nothing person, and these days my all is real estate,” she says.
Rachelle Jackson
Hamilton An invitation to Rachelle Jackson’s for a meal is a covetable prospect. She is from a large “food-focused” family and has been a foodie for as long as she can remember. Rachelle headed straight into the food scene as a school leaver. Armed with a polytechnic qualification, she then spent nine years as a chef in top restaurants in Auckland and Hamilton (a “pretty magical” time as she recalls it) before fulfilling a long-time ambition to open her own café. Circa Espresso was the name of the Hamilton eatery she established at the tender age of 26 and owned for nearly four years, until deciding the hours weren’t compatible with having babies. (It’s now named Scotts Epicurean.) “I had a huge passion for cheffing and culinary culture, and I still have – you don’t get rid of that,” she says. “It’s now a hobby and part of my creative side. Being a foodie is neat – everyone loves you!” The bookshelves in Rachelle’s Hamilton home are laden with cookbooks. She makes everything she can from scratch, is a fan of Italian food and has been dipping into Asian cuisine of late. Oh, and her hero is Al Brown.
Stephen O’Byrne
Hamilton When you ask Stephen O’Byrne about his past working life, you’d better make yourself comfortable. This Raglan- dwelling Irishman has many a yarn to share, starting with his 15 years as an underwater cameraman in the dive industry. One day, he’d be photographing the sardine run in South Africa, the next, it’d be World War II wrecks in Papua New Guinea, or great whites feeding, coral spawning or turtles mating. The assignments were many and wonderfully diverse, and that’s how he found New Zealand – he was sent here to get footage of the Poor Knights Islands. Stephen’s underwater escapades have also included being a freediving instructor; the chatterbox can hold his own breath for eight minutes. On terra firma, he worked in the merchant banking industry and serious fraud office in London. He established a sports sales business in the UK and worked in e-learning and web management for leading agencies in the Netherlands. His partner in life and work at Bayleys, residential and lifestyle salesperson Michelle, also has an interesting backdrop to her property career that helps set her apart from the pack. While living in London, the Kiwi worked with the Royal Parks police’s mounted department, and was on horseback duty during the Changing of the Guard.
Matt Clutterbuck
Tauranga From shearing gangs in Northland and his time spent as a rural banking manager to a salmon farm in the Atlantic Ocean, Matt Clutterbuck has tackled an interesting job or two. And that’s not to mention the prestigious sporting accolades he scored along the way. These days, lifestyle and country sales manager Matt lives in Mt Maunganui, but he was raised on a sheep and beef farm in Northland, where work as a shearer served him well during his school and university holidays. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, but before earning that degree, he acquired a diploma, and between the two had a great gap year in his early twenties, during which he travelled to Ireland, where he played rugby and worked on a salmon farm. Matt has played NPC rugby in Northland and ITM Cup rugby for both his home province and the Bay of Plenty, and another sporting highlight was playing for the All Black Sevens side in 2014. But his prowess extends beyond rugby – he’s also a world-champion waka ama (outrigger canoe) paddler, with gold and bronze medals to prove it.
Anthony Merrington
Cambridge If Cambridge-based Anthony Merrington suggests joining him in taking out the boat, you’ll be in safe hands. You may not be in for a tame time, though – this sailor has competed at Whitbread and America’s Cup level. At one stage, he had the Olympics in his sights. Anthony, who grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches, has been sailing since he was seven and started competing with his older brother about a year later. Fast-forward a decade or so and he went on to spend 15 years racing yachts around the globe as a professional sailor. He competed in the Ocean Race (formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race) three times – in 2001-2002 with a Swedish team, in 2005-2006 on an American boat, and in 2008-2009 with an Irish team. More action came courtesy of the 2007 America’s Cup campaign in Valencia, where he was part of the Swedish team that made it to the semi-finals. He also fronted up for almost every major international offshore yacht race up until 2009, when he ended his sailing career. Living landlocked in Cambridge is no problem for this Bayleys star. For the past 15 years, he’s competed on the water with teams out of Sydney. He’s tackled five Sydney to Hobart yacht races, winning four times.
Moving on up around the Bay with EVES
Success at auction might mean a move to a new town, downsizing, or more family time. We meet people who’ve found success in their lives after an EVES auction.
Pictured: Highmore Place property sold by EVES.
Success at auction might mean a move to a new town, downsizing, or more family time. We meet people who’ve found success in their lives after an EVES auction.
WORDS Hannah Keys PHOTOS Supplied
EVES agent Danielle Hayes
Fruitful efforts in Maungatapu
Keri Welham had transformed the backyard of her property at Te Hono Street into a fragrant, edible garden. Star jasmine, lemons, oranges, feijoas, tangelos, plums and peaches filled the air with sweet scents, and her daughter’s playhouse overlooked it all. Bittersweet tears were shed on the big day at Tauranga’s Elizabeth Cafe & Larder (next door to EVES Realty’s auction room). There was sadness at leaving the beautiful garden, but excitement as the auction meant that Keri and her family were able to move to the Mount. They’ve bought a new property, and the next project of building their dream home is well underway.
Time together
Danielle and colleague Sarah Garnett were also recently behind the success of two families reaching their goals through the auction of this house on Te Hono Street. Lee Vaughn teaches at Pillians Point Primary and had been commuting daily, but the sale of their home meant that his family could move across town in time for their son to start school. Happily, they have alleviated stress and gained more family time. And the auction story is pretty special too; Anna Clarke raced down from work in Auckland and slipped in next to husband Simeon, who at that very moment had placed what turned out to be the winning bid on Lee and Steph’s home after a lengthy auction. The two couples got to sit down together afterwards to share in the mutual win!
EVES agent Dirk Merwe
Freedom to choose in Papamoa
This home in Papamoa’s Arabian Drive was highly sought after on the market and the auction was hotly contested. The vendors had outgrown the home and bought another property, and the great price they got at auction allowed them the freedom to choose what they wanted to do next. The vendors and eventual buyers formed a friendship post-auction, so when unexpected circumstances interrupted the vendor’s move-out plans, the buyers were generously accommodating, allowing the vendors to move and start the next stage of their lives stress-free.
EVES agent Deanne Stewart
Team effort in Welcome Bay
It was starting to look like Jeneva Snodgrass and Cameron McGall wouldn’t be able to buy their own home. Having arrived back in the Bay from the UK, they’d immediately begun the search for their first property. A few months later, they’d all but given up when it seemed as if the market had put their dream out of reach. Gathering their wits for a last-ditch attempt, they called on help from their family to boost their budget, a mortgage broker friend to secure finance, and advice from the experts when it came to actually winning their new Welcome Bay home at auction. “Once we made a bid, we bid strong, and all of a sudden we were the last ones standing,” says Cameron, Now, the couple gets to start the next stage of their life together - as first homeowners.
EVES agent Kyra Ormsby
Best gift ever in Pyes Pa
As the hammer came down, Kate Newson collapsed into tears – she couldn’t believe she’d done it. With her husband Ryan waiting on the phone at work and Kate unable to get the words out herself, Kyra had to tell him he was the new owner of a home in Pyes Pa’s Audax Lane. After missing out on a handful of Papamoa properties, the couple had looked to The Lakes to find their dream home. Everything fell into place for them that day, and as 2020 drew to a close, they got the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for.
EVES agent Kim Crawford
Labour of love in Brookfield
Kelly Fisher and her family were ready to downsize. They had renovated their home in Brookfield for close to a decade while raising their children there. But family shapes are ever-changing, and with the eldest off to university, they bought a section in nearby Bethlehem with plans for a new build. That meant it was time to auction their family home - and letting go can be tough. “Renovating has been such a labour of love and when you’ve put everything into it, you just hope someone will love it as much as we have,” says Kelly. “It’s overwhelming, but it marks the beginning of a whole new journey for us.”
Diane and Ashleigh Davidson of EVES talk teamwork
This dynamic duo talks teamwork, telling the truth, taking their time and where they focus their attention.
WORDS Nicky Adams PHOTOS Salina Galvan
Diane Davidson loves her daughter Ashleigh. “But,” she says, “the thing is, I also really like her as a person.”
Together, Diane and Ashleigh are Davidson & Co, real estate agents who operate under the EVES banner. Although husband and wife partnerships are common in real estate, it’s rarer to see mother-daughter duos, but its clear this pair have such an easy rapport that helps them work so well together. Explaining the reasons that she thinks the dynamic is so successful, Diane continues, “Importantly, we’re very much on the same page as far as values and goals go. There’s an automatic trust.”
Having started her career in Auckland before moving to Tauranga 20 years ago, Diane has been in real estate for 25 years. Ashleigh is newer to the role. After completing a degree in communications, she moved into marketing and PR. Working for a couple of high-profile international companies, she loved what she was doing, but says “it never felt quite right. With real estate, though, I can use my marketing and communications skills, and every day is different.”
Despite having grown up immersed in real estate (Ashleigh’s dad Alan is also an agent of 30 years and now works part-time as part of the small, tight team), Ashleigh needed to complete her papers before she could become an agent herself, then prove her passion came with ability. In doing so, it quickly became apparent that she’d found her calling.
Dynamic duo
Diane and Ashleigh complement each other perfectly in many more ways than one. Diane has a strong moral compass and belief in old-school real estate values – for her it’s about telling the truth and helping people to achieve their goals, whether that’s finding a property within their price range or getting the best price possible for their home.
Ashleigh shares her sentiments and brings to the table a skill set that’s in keeping with buying and selling in the technological age; her videos and online marketing campaigns speak for themselves. Diane says she admires Ashleigh’s abilities. She laughs when she recalls that long before her daughter became an agent, she insisted that Diane needed to start using social media as a selling forum. “When Ash was still living overseas, she told me I needed to be putting something on Facebook, so I posted about a pair of shoes. ‘No,’ she said, ‘I meant something relevant to real estate!’”
Diane might leave the more complex tech to Ashleigh, yet her expertise in her field is beyond impressive. She’s naturally warm and engaging, but when it comes to work, she gets down to business. Diane has strategies that – evidenced by her excellent reputation and number of repeat clients – work exceptionally well, and Ashleigh, who has the same affinity with people, is similarly focused when it comes to the job at hand.
Extensive experience
As agents, these women do a lot of prospecting, and with that comes plenty of stock. Diane’s extensive experience has taught her that no matter what the market, auctions are almost always the best way to achieve the desired result; however, she doesn’t take credit for the incredible sales prices they’ve reached, instead pointing to the skill of the auctioneer, which she believes is absolutely crucial. The phenomenal auctioneer, Grant Child, they work with is one of the reasons she and Ashleigh love being part of the EVES family.
Another bonus aspect of being under EVES’ wing is its free comprehensive marketing plan – although this is an area where Davidson & Co offer exceptional value, through Ashleigh’s marketing talents, as she’s able to tailor plans to suit specific demographics. The social media whizz is also a proponent of print, which she believes remains an invaluable medium. In fact, she says that just the other day, “a lovely lady brought along a cut-out of a property. Print is definitely not dead. We know we have more people at an open home when it’s in print.”
With Diane and Ashleigh, there’s strategy at every stage, but no pressure. “We’d rather not get the listing than put anyone under pressure,” says Diane. “We under-promise, then do everything we can to overdeliver.”
For Davidson & Co, the keyword is ‘integrity’. It’s not about their egos or position on the awards chart, which is ironic given Diane is a multi-award-winner. For Diane and Ashleigh, it’s about what’s best for the client. “I’ve always said, ‘If it ever becomes about me, tell me and I’ll get out,’” says Diane. “That still holds true today.”
The powerhouse partnership revolutionising real estate in Rotorua
For nearly five years, two Rotorua real estate salespeople have been hitting top-selling prices in street after street. In fact, Jodi Ratahi and Kerif Smerdon of EVES Realty have been so successful, they achieved recognition in the top five percent of EVES estate salespeople for 2019/20.
WORDS Katy Glenie PHOTOS Salina Galvan
For nearly five years, two Rotorua real estate salespeople have been hitting top-selling prices in street after street. In fact, Jodi Ratahi and Kerif Smerdon of EVES Realty have been so successful, they achieved recognition in the top five percent of EVES estate salespeople for 2019/20.
The pair became a partnership after working together on a joint listing and enjoying each other’s style and ethos. “We both come from very supportive families that have enabled us to be focused and driven,” says Jodi. “The addition to the team was bringing on board our lovely PA Heather MaGuire in the first year of our partnership. We so appreciate her loyalty, encouragement and dedication – we love her dearly.”
Both Jodi and Kerif started working at a young age, with people from all walks of life. They learnt the importance of customer service and attention to detail, which they’ve found ultimately generates repeat business. Keeping true to these fundamental values is what drives them today.
The powerful duo have been selling homes together for almost five years, which is unusual for real-estate partnerships. “We each bring different strengths to the team,” says Kerif. “Working in this way makes a huge difference. We’re also one of the only Māori business partnerships in the industry in our city, and we’re very proud of that. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – everybody has something to offer, and by working together we can all flourish.”
Rotorua historically undervalued
Jodi and Kerif believe the Rotorua market has been historically undervalued, and this has fuelled their focus on achieving high sale prices for their clients. “Our pricing evaluations are incredibly accurate,” says Jodi. “Based on previous transactions, we can demonstrate to our vendors that around 95 percent of our properties sell within or well above our appraisal range.”
Believing that their success comes from their trust in each other and their genuine concern for their clients, Jodi says, “Our best possible outcome is when a buyer walks in paying what they want, and a vendor walks out getting what they want. We treat our clients how we’d want to be treated.”
Smooth process
Their experience with property transactions gives these women the expertise to guide clients through transactions, helping smooth out the sale process despite changing bank and legislative requirements. They’re also members of the Federation of Māori Authorities, and support a number of local schools and kura kaupapa in the area because as Kerif says, “Ehara taku toai te toa takitahi. Engari, he toa takitini. Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.”
After a careful selection process to find the best salespeople to sell their property, Maxine and Roger Houkamau are two vendors who decided that Jodi and Kerif stood out from the rest. “Jodi, Kerif and their support team are experienced, professional and personable – we loved their friendly, honest and consultative approach,” says Maxine. “They took the time to truly understand our needs, carefully advised us on property presentation ideas to maximise the sale and provided excellent insights about the market, including upcoming developments. They then sold our property above asking price in just a few weeks after listing.”
Rapid growth in market
Real estate sales in Rotorua have been strong throughout 2020. The market has experienced rapid growth, with median prices rising 9 percent in June 2020 compared with a year earlier* and by over 40 percent in the last three years**. “Things have really stepped up a notch since the national lockdown,” says Kerif. “We were already seeing more activity in the market at the start of the year – now with the current financial climate, activity has increased, wand buyers on all spectrums are contacting us for their real estate needs.”
Jodi and Kerif are strong advocates for Rotorua. “Our city is beautiful, with lots of activities to attract people, such as world-class trout fishing, superb mountain biking and walking tracks, our incredible redwood forest and thermal wonderland, and there are lots of free events for families,” says Jodi. “It’s a place that really looks after people, and we love it!”
*Infometrics Rotorua District Quarterly Economic Monitor June 2020
**One Roof Property Report Dec 2019
Column: Craig Orr shares his secrets to property success
Craig Orr shares his secrets to property success and explains why there is nowhere like the Bay to call home.
Growing up, my family had a bach at the Mount on Oceanview Road, so we’d escape Hamilton and spend our summers here by the beach. But it wasn’t until I met my wife Natasha not long after I moved back to New Zealand from Perth that I finally moved to the Bay for good. Tash was working at clothing store Augustine, and one day I went in there with my sister and son Duke (now 11), who was two at the time. It was instant fireworks. Now Tash and I are raising our daughters, Estelle (7) and Ivy (3), while Duke, a budding surfer, lives in Jan Juc in Victoria. Safe to say I’m itching to see him when the trans-Tasman bubble gets going!
Being in real estate with Bayleys means I have the flexibility to be there for my kids a bit more. I live for the mornings when we scooter to school and kindy. It’s that close-knit-village feel of our city that makes it such a fantastic place to work and raise a family.
I started as a lifestyle-property agent but naturally moved into residential property through referrals and as my family-minded clients moved around, selling their properties to upgrade or downsizing after their kids had moved out. I cover much of Tauranga and the outskirts, from the Mount to Waihi Beach, but you’ll often find me in Omanu, Te Puna and Tauriko. The best part is I’ve made some really good friends working in the business. I even attended the wedding of some great clients who recently got married on the Te Puna property I sold them.
People buy from agents they trust, and I can tell almost instantly how a buyer feels about a home. You can sense it – and that’s the key to being a great agent.
Just the other week, I had a woman wanting to buy a property I’d listed, but she needed to sell hers first. We got it on the market for her and sold it within a week. To help someone make the move they want to make in a stress-free, positive way is what it’s all about.
As a former landscaper, part of what I bring to the table is my hands-on experience in making a home more liveable when it comes to the backyard. In the Bay of Plenty, so many of us live outside, so I can help clients see how to create the ideal outdoor spaces.
In my twenties, I moved to Western Australia to play semi-professional rugby in the coastal suburb of Cottesloe. It was through the club I met a French stonemason and learned the ropes. That led me to setting up my own landscape construction business alongside a friend and carpenter. We grew it into a successful business, but in 2011, after 15 years, it was time for me to come home. The shift got me thinking about how long I wanted to stay on the tools, and after chatting with my good friend Stephen Shale – a Bayleys auctioneer who was then manager of Bayleys Waikato – I was motivated to follow my passion into property, where I’m proud to say I’ve been for nine years.
I also couldn’t do it all without my personal assistant, Corinne Littlejohn. You need to work as a team and she’s my backbone.
On weekdays, you can find me heading up the Mount with my phone torch at dusk. In the weekends, between open homes, I get down to the beach with the kids and out on my surfboard whenever I can. That’s the thing about living here – you can have a busy day, but the minute you head up the Mount or hit the sand, it all just washes away.
Making it home
Corporate sponsorship isn’t just money in exchange for logos. Do you know who supports your children’s hockey club? Of the surf club that keeps us safe in the waves, or the art exhibition you enjoyed with your family?
WORDS ANDY TAYLOR
Corporate sponsorship isn’t just money in exchange for logos. Do you know who supports your children’s hockey club? Of the surf club that keeps us safe in the waves, or the art exhibition you enjoyed with your family?
A recent, search for properties led me down a google rabbit hole, and I ended up on the EVES website looking at the long list of local groups they support. I was a bit taken aback. I suppose we only think a business has sponsored an event if we see their logo. But that's not the case.
Whilst they are excellent at marketing houses, the Realty Group (EVES and Bayleys Real Estate's umbrella company) don't spend much time talking about what they do in our community. I get in contact with Allison Stewart, the group's sponsorship and events manager, who gives me a bit of a history lesson. It becomes clear that investing in where we live is a fundamental to the group.
EVES and Bayleys are two of the most established and trusted names in residential and commercial property. EVES was founded here in the Bay of Plenty in 1968 by Max Eves and Brian Waldegrave. They joined forces in the eighties with Richard Cashmore, the Bayleys founder, and the two businesses started to operate as The Realty Group, whose structure still exists today.
A firm believer in giving back, Richard is the group's current chairman of the board. “Our business was founded on family values, and we are passionate about investing in our region." As good as his word, when he started Bayleys, he went about quietly helping surf clubs, sports teams, schools - just a whole lot of locals - turn great ideas and big dreams into reality. He made sure that it was integral to the DNA of the companies and something that all staff could be a part of. Some aspects of this philanthropy were public – like the highly popular Crippled Children’s Society fundraising dinner the company was involved in for around ten years – but most of it was very low key indeed, with staff from all levels of the companies getting involved in helping out.
The group's investment in our region is best illustrated by Allison. She's fostered great relationships with local community groups. “Our people are passionate about the places they live and work in, and we are really proud of their involvement in community projects, undertaken of their own volition. We want to contribute in a worthwhile way to the communities we operate in.
The help comes in many forms. “We have a pretty skilled group of people here,” Allison says, “with a broad range of contacts. Our business is about problem-solving and we like to use those skills in the community work we do too. It was a great source of pride for us that during the economic downturn, we were still able to fulfill all our commitments to those we had offered to help. We take our commitments seriously because these are our people and our communities.” So seriously in fact that for the last ten years they have made a conscious effort to focus on support for a wider range of groups. “We wanted to spread our efforts,” says Aidan Lett, group marketing manager, “and instead of concentrating on one or two larger groups, get involved with more people at a community level. “There is a genuine love of being able to help out in our two companies,” Allison says, “and we have seen that grow in recent years. It's a Kiwi thing I think, wanting to help out, pitching in and working together.” it’s also a very Kiwi thing that EVES and Bayleys have been pitching in for nearly half a century without making too much noise about it, but then, as CEO Simon Anderson says, "Ultimately our business is all about people. Whether that’s our team, our community or helping people find their dream home. We put people first."
Bayleys CEO Heath Young looks to the future
In the Bayleys family of 570, there are 120 people who've worked there for more than a decade. “Our people are our biggest strength,” says Heath Young - newly appointed CEO of Bayleys.
“We are constantly looking to refine what already works really well, to deliver better-than-expected results for everyone we work with.”
Heath Young the new CEO at Bayleys takes his group into the future with the family values they were founded on.
Words Daniel Dunkley Photos Salina Galvan
In the Bayleys family of 570, there are 120 people who've worked there for more than a decade. “Our people are our biggest strength,” says Heath Young - newly appointed CEO of Bayleys. “Selling over 100 homes a month, or 25 a week requires a massive effort, slick operations, and sharp marketing. Of the top 20 salespeople in New Zealand, Bayleys has six of them here in Tauranga. We’re 40 percent owned by the managers and salespeople, and we’re a family.”
As well as state-of-the-art systems and structure to run a group this size, Heath says everything is underpinned by the family values the group was based on when they started out.
The real estate industry is fast-paced, there's lots of information available to everyone. Bayleys is able to use their immense experience and skill to analyse that information and use it to benefit their customers.
"We are constantly looking to refine what already works really well, to deliver better-than-expected results for everyone we work with," says Heath.
Everyone used their time over lockdown differently. “While the nation was in lockdown, people still wanted to buy, which was great,” says Heath. “We were able to try new things, like hold online auctions conducted by our expert auctioneers.” As Bayleys adjusted to the new way of doing things, the company introduced 3D online viewing technology, letting buyers take a virtual stroll through a home and then take part in the auction without setting foot in the property.
“This was a huge boost for sellers, and it was great to introduce new ideas quickly and see immediate positive results. We’ve also improved the way we use data,” says Heath. “We want to build the best business possible for the customers we represent. That’s why we do it.”
Heath, who has led Bayleys since February last year, wants the real estate business to go from strength to strength in the new COVID-19 world. He believes everyone needs specialist help more than ever to navigate the new normal.
Bayleys has been a big presence here for 15 years, and sells 1,200 homes, commercial buildings, and rural properties each year across the mid-North Island. Heaps of know-how and the vast resources of the Bayleys machine have kept the firm at the cutting edge of modern real estate.
For Heath, the Bay of Plenty and his home patch of Mount Maunganui will always hold a massive appeal for buyers. “We’ve pretty much returned to normal,” Heath says. “The market is resilient, and people will continue to flock to the Bay of Plenty from New Zealand and eventually from overseas, when restrictions lift.”
Tokoroa-born Heath moved to Tauranga five years ago to become Bayleys’ chief operating officer, and has worked his way to the top of the business. He was no stranger to the Mount before joining; he spent three years here in the 1990s working for blue-chip firm KPMG.
When you believe in the lifestyle you sell, working in the high-octane real estate game doesn’t feel like hard work. Heath, whose wife Jane runs Mount Yoga, lives life to the full here, too.
“Golf has given way to jet ski fishing in recent years. Nothing beats blasting out through the harbour entrance and spending a couple of hours picking up a few snapper and completely switching off.”
Bayleys also covers Taranaki and Waikato, and Heath is confident about its future across the middle of the North Island. While COVID-19 will be a challenge for some time, he believes the local market is strong. “We’re seeing some real momentum, this is one of the best parts of the country to be in."
Family with a love for property
Monique Balvert-O’Connor finds out how Kay Ganley combines a record-smashing career in real estate with time for her family – in particular, her beloved granddaughter, Georgia.
Monique Balvert-O’Connor finds out how Kay Ganley combines a record-smashing career in real estate with time for her family – in particular, her beloved granddaughter, Georgia.
WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR / PHOTOS BRYDIE THOMPSON
It must be a great day when you realise that the best people to employ in your growing business, are your family.
FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, KAY HAS BEEN THE BAYLEYS MOUNT AND PAPAMOA OFFICE TOP SALESPERSON. She doesn’t simply rank highly on the local stage; in the last financial year she was fourth nationwide in Bayleys’ residential sales, and eleventh over all offices covering residential, country, and commercial property sales. She has been in the top five percent nationwide for a few years now. Three years ago, Kay took on a full-time PA and, this year, family members have joined the winning force.
KAY’S ELDEST DAUGHTER, JANELLE GANLEY, WHO HAS WORKED IN THE BAYLEYS OFFICE FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, JOINED HER MOTHER’S TEAM ONLY A MONTH AGO. She lists and works with vendors and buyers. Conrad Doyle – the partner of Kay’s second daughter, Chloe – also became part of the team this year, as a buyers’ agent. Chloe, meanwhile, has established a five-star property management company, and that includes house cleaning services for Kay’s clients. Son, Mitchell, though is far removed from the property world. He’s studying towards a PhD in biotechnology.
A TRIP TO SINGAPORE AND THE MALDIVES IN JUNE THIS YEAR, BUENOS AIRES THE PREVIOUS YEAR, AND HAWAII BEFORE THAT, ARE ALL PART AND PARCEL OF THE KAY GANLEY SUCCESS STORY. Bayleys takes their top nationwide high achievers on overseas trips annually, and Kay has got used to packing her bags mid year.
HER WORKING LIFE IS UNDERSTANDABLY BUSY. But as the team has grown, work-life balance has improved. Time for her grandchild, walks around Mauao, and pilates, are now on the radar. “Having a team of four means we provide the ultimate service for our clients, and I get to see my children and granddaughter so much more.”
“A CLIENT TOLD ME RECENTLY THAT I WOULD BE LEAVING A LEGACY. That compliment was hugely humbling. But one day, when I retire, they can carry on that legacy, if that’s what it is,” Kay says.
KAY BEGAN HER REAL ESTATE JOURNEY AS A 42-YEAR-OLD, following years owning men’s fashion stores.
“I OWNED MY OWN BUSINESS FROM THE AGE OF 21. When it was time for a change, I knew I wanted to remain my own boss, have flexibility, and feed my love of people. I hit on the real estate idea.” It was a good fit. She sold her first property two weeks into the job.
AFTER EIGHT YEARS WORKING WITH OTHER COMPANIES, SHE JOINED THE BAYLEYS MOUNT OFFICE IN 2006. Kay deals in high-end properties, from baches to mansions, mainly beach, waterfront, and bordering the golf course at Mt Maunganui, and Papamoa. She’s a record-holder. Her first beachfront sale was over $1 million in the late 1990s – one of the first to sell at that price, and she was responsible for the first $1 million sale bordering The Mount golf course. She also holds the luxury home market record at the office for a $6.6 million Marine Parade sale in 2015.
AS FOR HER RAZOR-SHARP, WINNING EDGE, testimonials are rich in adjectives such as warm, trustworthy, knowledgeable, empathetic, and professional.
“SOME PEOPLE PERCEIVE REAL ESTATE TO BE A SIMPLE BUSINESS, BUT IT’S NOT IF YOU DON’T HAVE DETERMINATION AND COMMITMENT. I HAVE THAT, PLUS I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DRIVEN TO BE SUCCESSFUL.”
WITH THAT DRIVE HAS COME COMPROMISE – SHE’S MISSED FAMILY GATHERINGS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. Before having a full-time PA on board, paperwork would keep her up until midnight. Then there’s the on-call component, and weekends dedicated to taking clients to houses, and staging open homes. It’s fortunate, she says, that her husband, Mike Gallagher, understands her working world – he manages a real estate office. But, with the team now in place, a more balanced life is forecast. And, as Kay says, all the highs in the job are people- related. Now she gets to enjoy the job while surrounded by family and the clients who’ve become like family over the years.
AS FOR HER PERSONAL SLICE OF REAL ESTATE? Kay and Mike live in a downtown Mount apartment and own a holiday home in Ohope. She plans to be at the latter, with her feet up, for Christmas.
A family business
We talk to Yolande King about what it’s like working with her husband Paddy, and sister-in-law Tara as a super team at EVES Real Estate. These guys really love where they live, and it shows!
We talk to Yolande King about what it’s like working with her husband Paddy, and sister-in-law Tara as a super team at EVES Real Estate. These guys really love where they live, and it shows!
WORDS JENNY RUDD PHOTOS BRYDIE THOMPSON
HOW DID YOU ALL COME TO BE WORKING TOGETHER?
Paddy and I were passing through on a holiday, trying to work out where to settle. We sat on the beach and Paddy said, “Look at this place, Yols. We have to give it a go.” Our immediate connection to The Mount was amazing. So we started separate careers, Paddy in chemistry and me in real estate. The first years were incredibly busy so Paddy joined me. Boom! It worked beautifully! Then Tara moved from Christchurch and we hammered her to join us. She gave in to stop us nagging, I think.
WHAT SKILLS DO EACH OF YOU BRING TO THE BUSINESS?
Working with Paddy and Tara is the easiest thing in the world! We wrote very specific job descriptions for each person. I think that’s a big part of our success. I’m a highly organised ‘lists’ person and keep the big picture perspective, working on our business development and keeping our team connected. Tara never misses a detail. She should wear a superhero cape. The workload on the admin side is just massive. If Paddy is heading out to an appointment, he doesn’t have to double check any paperwork that Tara has put together. Anyone who knows Paddy is familiar with his relaxed manner, and in this industry I think that goes a long way. You can trust that he’s going to look after you as a buyer or vendor. He hates getting stuck in the office, so Tara and I keep him out there doing what he loves – hanging out and connecting with people. There’s 100% trust between all of us. We’re now on the hunt for the next team member to help us look after our buyers.
Early morning coffee at Tay Street.
HOW HAS THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
Since I started in 2006, so much has changed. Continuous training is a must if you want to keep your licence and stay up to date with all the Real Estate Agents Authority legislation. It’s good to see so many more people in the business treating the job with the necessary importance and urgency. It’s not a hobby, it’s a career, and we are helping people through a huge transaction that needs all of our attention. The digital side of advertising is huge now and a job in itself. I look after that for us and it’s a constant learning curve. Keep up or get left behind!
We strongly believe that when it comes to choosing your agent these days, a team isn’t a plus, it’s a must. Nothing falls through the cracks, you’re kept 100% informed and involved. And with us, you get energy, creativity and commitment.
HOW DO YOU FIT IN FAMILY TIME WITH SUCH A BUSY JOB?
It’s something we guard preciously. During the week, we have breakfast and dinner together as a family and don’t book anything that will interfere with that. So we start and end the day with the kids. Of course, Sundays are super busy with open home, so we try to build that family time in elsewhere, like taking the children out surfing or going to the night markets in Papamoa or The Mount. Just reading stories in the hammock with the kids slows things down pretty quickly, too!
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING SO CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY WITH YOUR JOB?
We make connections everywhere we go, from kindy drop-offs to Paddy being out on the water waiting for the next wave. It’s part of everyday life, the nature of the business and it’s great; we feel we’re able to help and bring value. This job is about people and their homes, which involves their families. We feel really privileged to take people through this process and de-stress it as much as possible, all the way through.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE?
When working in a team you have got to stay connected. The left hand needs to know what the right hand is doing. Rules, the law, the digital space: everything’s constantly changing. We like it. Keeps us on our toes!
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR DOWNTIME?
We just love living here! We’re surrounded by lots of friends, so impromptu catch-ups are easy. We’re lucky to have so many outdoor options for families right on our doorstep, and go out on the bikes, head to a beach or park. Our mums are great gardeners. I’m far from a expert, but we’re trying to grow more and the kids just love it. Exercise is at 6 am so I can be sure it actually happens, and if it’s with a friend then that’s great! I’ve always got a book on the go, too. Then, of course, there’s finishing our renovation. When we bought our home it was a little two bedroom 1955 original, and today it’s a much-loved four bedroom family home. We’ve learnt so much and enjoyed the process immensely, but the very important finishing touches are keeping us busy. There’s always the next detail to plan and execute.
We feel a great responsibility to help keep our coast beautiful, as well. There are so many alarming environmental issues, and we want to start here at home and make a difference. We want our children to enjoy this beauty.
Ponsonby to Papamoa
Laura McClennan meets two imports, Andrea and Duncan Ritchie, who bring skill, passion, and magic to the Bay.
Laura McClennan meets two imports, Andrea and Duncan Ritchie, who bring skill, passion, and magic to the Bay.
WORDS LAURA MCCLENNAN / PHOTOS TRACIE HEASMAN
Thinking about her first sale always makes her laugh. “It was 1993,” Andrea Ritchie recalls, “and I was checking out some open homes, busman’s-holiday style, when I came across a villa that was perfect for a buyer I had just met.
I called the woman and she raced over, still in her gardening clothes, and wanted to make an offer then and there. Of course, I had no contracts on me at the time, or keys to the office, so I had to take her home with me. My house was an absolute mess, and I was
a nervous wreck – I’d only been in real estate for three weeks! She just smiled and told me to make us both a coffee, while she wrote up the offer.”
TIMES MAY HAVE CHANGED, BUT ANDREA’S KNACK FOR FINDING THE PERFECT HOUSE FOR HER CLIENTS HASN’T. “It’s all about tuning in to what people want. It’s what we do best.”
BY ‘WE’, of course, she is referring to herself and her other half, husband and real estate business partner at Bayleys Tauranga, Duncan.
THE DUO WORKED TOGETHER FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES BEFORE MAKING THE MOVE FROM PONSONBY TO PAPAMOA. They’ve only been here a couple of months but, with a long list of professional achievements under their belts, and down-to-earth dispositions, they’re already making their mark on the Bay.
“WE ALWAYS THOUGHT WE’D END UP SOMEWHERE NORTH, BUT ONE NIGHT WE MET A COUPLE WHO LIVED BESIDE THE MOUNT GOLF COURSE,” Andrea explains. “We were intrigued, so decided to come down for a few weekends in winter. Duncan always says winter is a great ‘litmus test’ to see what a place is really like – when it’s at its worst. We were pleasantly surprised. We came across Post Bank one July night and couldn’t believe it was fully booked! Luckily, they managed to squeeze us in. The meal was beautiful, and the restaurant was buzzing. That night really cemented the move for us.”
THE COUPLE BOUGHT A HOLIDAY HOME, JOINED THE LOCAL GOLF CLUB AND HAD THEIR FIRST PAPAMOA CHRISTMAS. It’s no surprise the thought of going back to Auckland had somewhat lost its appeal.
“IT TOOK US A FEW MONTHS TO CUT TIES, THEN WE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING WITH BAYLEYS TAURANGA IN SEPTEMBER,” says Duncan. “We thought we’d be in Auckland for a few more years, but The Mount seduced us. There are so many people coming to the Bay, of a similar age group, from all over New Zealand, for the lifestyle.”
“PONSONBY IS A NICE COMMUNITY BUT IT’S DIFFERENT HERE; PEOPLE ARE JUST SO HAPPY. Business is thriving, and there are beautiful homes popping up everywhere, so we’re still running a highly active real estate business. But at 6 pm we’re walking down the beach – not sitting at our desks,” says Andrea.
THEY MAY HAVE BID FAREWELL TO PONSONBY, BUT IT DIDN’T TAKE THEM LONG TO SNIFF OUT THE BEST LOCAL COFFEE SPOTS. “George Café is fantastic, and so is the newly opened Heath Street Café. We love the salads at Central Deli and, in Tauranga, we’re big fans of Alimento and Me & You.”
AFTER A LIGHT-HEARTED DEBATE ABOUT WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SCONES IN TOWN, I ask Duncan how he met Andrea. He laughs and proceeds to explain, with a thick Scottish accent, that they were first introduced when he was working at the Maritime Museum.
“I REALISED EARLY ON THAT A WOMAN IN REAL ESTATE OFTEN WORKS WEEKENDS so, thinking I’d never see her again, I quit my job and decided to try my hand with property! Initially, Andrea was selling houses in Ponsonby, and I was working for the city apartment team. When the market turned upside down during the global financial crisis (GFC), we decided to join forces.”
IT TURNS OUT HE WASN’T HALF BAD, EITHER. DUNCAN WAS CROWNED ‘ROOKIE OF THE YEAR’ in 2003 and, since then, the pair have won multiple awards, gone back to Massey University to attain further qualifications, and accumulated a whopping $400 million in sales: an achievement held by only 17 out of 1,060 Bayleys agents nationally. They were also the winning marketing team on The Block NZ. Twice!
“WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING AND UPSKILLING – you have to be when you’re dealing with such large sums of money. Years ago, you could throw up a sign and have people queueing up to buy, but the market is different now. When you’ve worked through tough markets like the GFC, you learn to adapt and innovate,” says Duncan.
“BUYING OR SELLING IS AN EMOTIONAL TIME FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED, WHETHER IT’S A FIRST HOME OR A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR PROPERTY. Duncan and I love working as a team, and we’ve found that our clients appreciate a choice of who they deal with. It’s the power of two,” adds Andrea.
THE BAY’S BEST SCONE IS STILL UP FOR DEBATE, BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN – Andrea and Duncan are very welcome imports, who bring with them a classy mindset and skills that put them in hot demand.
Home is where her heart is
From living at the Mount campground to becoming one of Tauranga’s top businesswomen, Sharon Hall of Bayleys Real Estate talks about her remarkable journey and her passion for the Mount.
From living at the Mount campground to becoming one of Tauranga’s top businesswomen, Sharon Hall of Bayleys Real Estate talks about her remarkable journey and her passion for the Mount.
WORDS DANIEL DUNKLEY / PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN
Sharon Hall lives and breathes Marine Parade. Pick a house and she can tell you about its history. Ask about a business and she knows the owner. Enquire about the landscape and she can give you the details.
“Decades ago when these Norfolk trees were tiny, the headmaster of the local primary school used to tie presents to them at Christmas,” she says, looking across to the Mount’s main beach from her home. “It’s such a special place to be at this time of year – in fact, all year round.”
Sharon calls Marine Parade home, and is also a leading property specialist in the area. Dotted with pristine properties and beach baches, the Mount to Papamoa is her preserve.
Every sun-soaked spot in this picturesque postcode means something to her. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the area, Sharon is a formidable businesswoman. A former nurse, she has invested in property throughout her life, learning from her parents, who scraped together all they had to invest in real estate when she was growing up in Matamata.
“My mother and father started with £10 and a motorbike,” she says. “My parents worked really hard. It was very ballsy of my mother to buy real estate, especially as a woman. Back then, women couldn’t even get a mortgage; the man had to do it. My father was more risk-averse.”
While working long hours as a nurse, Sharon took her mother’s advice and bought a block of four flats in Tauranga. In 1980, she forged a career as a real estate agent before changing direction into other businesses while she had small children. At that point, her life was turned upside down.
In the early 2000s, Sharon lost nearly everything following a divorce. She ended up without a home, living in a horse truck at the Mt Maunganui campground with her two daughters. She had just $40.
“I had nothing. I ended up in the horse truck with the girls, and owed $70,000 to a lawyer,” she says, pointing down the road to the campsite. “We went from living in a beachfront home to living like that. It was actually a relief, because I couldn’t lose anything else.”
Back at square one, times were tough. But the experience gave her empathy and a strong resolve to provide for her children.
“I eventually sold the horse truck and went back into real estate in 2005. I was one of Bayleys’ top agents for five years. And I went on from there.”
Since 2005, Sharon has earned her place at Bayleys and worked her way back to the top, buying an apartment in the Mount, before moving to a basic house on Marine Parade. Now, her traditional white bach is, she says, the perfect spot to watch people having genuine heartfelt fun for absolutely no cost.
After overcoming adversity in her life, Marine Parade will always hold a special significance. She believes it is a privilege to live here. “The Mount is quite spiritual – it’s my tūrangawaewae,” she says. “It’s the ultimate playground. It’s such a fantastic investment. I believe in the product.”
At Bayleys, Sharon has played a huge part in some of the biggest real estate deals in Mt Maunganui. The waterfront has become one of the most sought-after locations in the country,and she has seen it develop and grow in stature.
She says north-facing, beachfront property is one of the Mount’s key attributes, making it increasingly valuable: “It’s paradise,” she says. “It’s a limited product. It’s like the ultimate diamond; there’s no more of this land left.”
While playing a role in Marine Parade’s development, Sharon has also helped to preserve pieces of its past. In 2015, she bought the Mount’s iconic pink bach at the top of Marine Parade, saving it from a fate unknown. The bach was craned over to her section where it still sits today. “I couldn’t have it going anywhere else,” she adds.
After building her life and livelihood in Mt Maunganui, Sharon is excited about the area’s future. As holiday homes give way to residential properties on the beachfront, new restaurants, bars and businesses attract a new generation of visitors.
Yet the Mount’s natural beauty will always remain the main attraction, she says. “It’s synonymous with holidays and having fun. People don’t come here to spend money. They come to enjoy the surroundings. I’m always amazed by how many people pack their bags to come here.”
Marine Parade has played a special role in Sharon’s life so far. After the roller coaster journey to her own slice of paradise, it’s clear she wouldn’t swap the location for anywhere else in the world. “It’s like being on holiday 24/7,” she says. “To me, it’s just heaven on earth.”