Recorded July 31st 2025.

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Nick Tuffley, Chief Economist at ASB, to unpack how the New Zealand economy impacts everyday property decisions — whether you’re buying, building, renovating, or planning for the future. Nick offers clear, down-to-earth explanations of the major forces shaping our housing market, from global trade and supply chains to inflation, migration, interest rates, and the Official Cash Rate (OCR). He explains how export industries like beef, dairy, and wine influence our broader economic landscape, and why international factors often have local consequences.

In this episode, Nick shares:

• How global inflation and supply issues flow through to your renovation or build costs
• Why migration trends affect property values and rental supply
• The real-world impact of OCR changes on home loan interest rates
• How to stay calm in a volatile property or economic climate
• Key indicators homeowners should watch to make smarter long-term decisions

Nick also discusses how everyday Kiwis can better navigate the jargon-filled economic news cycle, and what to pay attention to when timing major decisions like buying a house or starting a renovation. Whether you’re overwhelmed by headlines or just want to make more informed choices, Nick’s plain-English insights offer a fresh perspective, helping demystify the complex systems behind our economy and giving you the tools to place your property journey in a wider financial context.

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In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we speak with Mark Bruce, National Operations Manager at Kitchen Studio, a trusted kitchen design brand with over 40 years of experience and a nine-year streak as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Kitchen Brand (Readers’ Digest).

Mark brings a unique perspective to the conversation, drawing from his early years as a cabinetmaker, his background in education and design science, and his passion for reshaping how Kiwis think about their kitchens.

Mark shares a compelling philosophy: great kitchen design starts with function, not form. Whether you’re planning a renovation or building new, he urges homeowners to think beyond looks and dig into how they actually use their kitchens, from how often you open the fridge to the way you prep, cook, clean, and live day-to-day.

Across the episode, Mark offers insightful and practical advice on:

• Why workflow, ergonomics, and “honest client briefs” should lead the design conversation
• How sculleries are reshaping the modern home and why he’s now a convert.
• Common layout mistakes – including symmetrical kitchens and misunderstood U-shapes.
• Tips for planning ahead: from appliance positioning to rubbish bins and rangehoods.
• The value of showroom visits and early budget conversations to reduce overwhelm.

Mark also lifts the curtain on Kitchen Studio’s operations model, which focuses entirely on customer experience, from showroom consultation through to installation. With no in-house manufacturing to bias decisions, their designers can focus on tailoring solutions to each client’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. He explains how Kitchen Studio coordinates the full process, including sub-trades, and backs it with a 10-year transferable warranty and a deposit guarantee.

For those overwhelmed by kitchen planning, Mark’s key takeaway is simple: start with how you live, not just what you like. Whether it’s your forever home or an upgrade to sell, a well-designed kitchen should support your habits, elevate your space, and add joy to your daily routine.

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In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager at Plumbing World — New Zealand’s largest 100% locally owned plumbing merchant. With over 60 years of history and a nationwide network of 58 branches, Plumbing World is proudly built on a cooperative model, owned by the very tradespeople it serves. Jennifer unpacks what makes this model unique and how it shapes the way Plumbing World brings high-quality, regulation-compliant products to both tradies and everyday homeowners.

From taps to toilets, showers to vanities, Jennifer shares deep insights into how New Zealanders are using their bathrooms in 2025, and how design, functionality, wellness, and long-term planning are all converging in this crucial part of the home.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer offers expert guidance on:

• Navigating the renovation journey, including where to start, how early to plan, and what timelines are often underestimated.
• The growing shift toward wellness, low-maintenance materials, and natural colour palettes in bathroom design.
• Common mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid regret through better planning and professional advice.
• The differences between mains and low-pressure plumbing, and how to tell what you have.
• Choosing tapware, showers, and toilets that suit your specific space, lifestyle, and budget, without compromising quality

Jennifer also explains how Plumbing World’s exclusive brands — including LeVivi, Toto, and Metrix — are carefully handpicked and tailored for Kiwi homes, combining global design with local expertise. She shares practical tips for making smart upgrades (such as changing tapware or vanities for instant impact) and discusses the growing popularity of high-tech options like bidet toilets and cold-start tap technology.

For listeners planning a renovation, Jennifer provides valuable context around:

• Understanding space and user needs (ensuite vs family bathroom vs powder room).
• Coordinating product styles across multiple bathrooms while varying investment levels.
• The pros and cons of vessel vs inset basins.
• How to size and select a shower or bath that fits your needs (and why you should always try them in person!).
• Ventilation, maintenance, and how to keep your bathroom looking newer, longer.
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She also encourages homeowners to take full advantage of Plumbing World’s free consultation service — available in every branch and online — and to use resources like the Plumbing World Helps guide, catalogues, and product planners to help build confidence and clarity throughout the renovation process.

Whether you’re completely overhauling a bathroom or just updating a few fixtures, Jennifer’s practical, down-to-earth advice is invaluable. Her message is clear: start early, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and come into the showroom, where experienced consultants are ready to help you create a bathroom that works beautifully for your lifestyle, your budget, and your home.

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In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.

Jarrod shares the Landmark philosophy of building “alongside” the client; a people-first approach grounded in the company’s core values of integrity and relationships. He explains how Landmark’s unique structure, long-standing franchise network, and experienced in-house teams support clients from concept to handover, removing the stress and uncertainty often associated with building.

Whether you’re looking at a ready-to-build plan, a house and land package, or a fully custom architectural design, Jarrod offers clear advice on how each path works, what to expect, and how to get started. He also shares why many clients are now knocking down and rebuilding on their existing site, often in suburbs they already love, instead of moving house.

Listeners will learn about:

• The differences between standard plans, design-build, and house & land packages
• How Landmark Homes offers fixed-price contracts and detailed specifications upfront
• Why early engagement with the right team reduces surprises and improves outcomes
• How Landmark’s in-house designer, project managers, and partnerships create a seamless, highly personalised experience
• The role of show homes and case studies in helping clients visualise their dream

From selecting finishes to navigating council consents, Jarrod breaks the build process into three manageable phases: design & pricing, working drawings & consents, and construction. He highlights how important communication is throughout each phase, and how his team’s proactive project management keeps everything on track, including regular client updates, milestone walkthroughs, and hands-on support.

Jarrod also explains the importance of partnerships with trades and suppliers, Landmark’s Master Builders guarantees, and the extensive aftercare program, including a digital homeowner portal and 12-month defect warranty.

As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear why so many Landmark clients become repeat builders — and even invite Jarrod and his team to their housewarmings. From thoughtful design to final handover, Landmark Homes delivers not just a build, but a trust-based relationship that lasts well beyond the construction timeline.

Whether you’re ready to design your dream home or just exploring your options, this episode is packed with real-world advice, heartfelt stories, and practical strategies to turn your vision into a home with confidence, clarity, and care.

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In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kim, owner and director of Asko Design, one of Christchurch’s most beloved furniture stores. With a legacy that spans over 30 years and roots deeply tied to her own family story, Kim shares a personal and powerful philosophy: that furniture should not only serve a functional purpose, but also become an enduring reflection of your lifestyle, values, and personality.

At the heart of Asko Design is the mantra “Design for Life” — a phrase Kim unpacks as both “design for living” and “design for a lifetime.” This dual meaning captures the essence of Asko’s approach: thoughtfully crafted furniture that’s meant to be lived with, loved, and passed down through generations. Whether it’s the dining table you sat around as a child or the armchair you relax in every night, Kim believes great furniture becomes the setting for life’s most meaningful moments.

Throughout the episode, Kim explores how furniture choices go far beyond aesthetics. She discusses:

• The emotional power of memory-making pieces that carry stories and tradition
• The importance of quality manufacturing, working with both New Zealand and international suppliers to offer durable and beautiful designs
• Why modern homes demand multi-functional and modular furniture to make the most of smaller spaces
• How the Asko showroom is designed to inspire and simulate real living, giving customers the confidence to envision how pieces will feel in their own homes

Listeners will also gain expert tips on designing specific spaces:

• Living rooms: How to balance scale, avoid clutter, and create layered, human-centred spaces
• Dining areas: Choosing comfortable chairs for long nights of conversation, and selecting the right table size and rug proportions
• Outdoor living: Making the most of small decks or patios with smart furniture choices, especially for New Zealand’s changing climate and compact urban homes

Kim also shares valuable guidance for homeowners planning a renovation or buying a new home. She encourages starting early, taking time to live with initial pieces, and avoiding the pressure to “complete” a room too quickly. Instead, she champions a slow, layered approach that lets your style emerge authentically over time.

A passionate advocate for injecting personality and soul into the home, Kim reflects on how furniture is more than decor — it’s a way of expressing who you are, how you live, and what you value. She also touches on the evolving role of staging and design advice, and how Asko partners with home stagers and interior designers across New Zealand to help both sellers and homeowners get the most from their spaces.

We also hear about Kim’s journey from growing up in her father’s furniture business to returning as its owner after building a successful leadership career elsewhere. Now fully immersed in Asko’s future, Kim combines her business acumen with a lifelong passion for design, helping customers across the country furnish their homes with intention and joy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building, renovating, or simply looking to make their house feel more like home. Kim’s message is clear: take your time, trust your instincts, and let your furniture tell your story.

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In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Rachel, a second-generation leader of New Zealand’s pioneering appliance retailer, Kitchen Things. With over two decades in the family business, Rachel shares her unique perspective on how appliances — from ovens to fridges, dishwashers to laundry tech — are no longer just functional tools, but lifestyle-defining choices that can transform the way we live, cook, and entertain.

Rachel opens up about the origin story of Kitchen Things, founded by her father in 1986 to introduce New Zealanders to European appliance brands like Smeg, and how education has always been at the heart of their approach. That legacy continues today with Kitchen Things’ in-store cooking technology experts, demo kitchens, and guided consultations that help customers find the right appliances for their home, lifestyle, and renovation goals.

Throughout the episode, Rachel walks us through the evolving world of home appliances — from steam ovens and blast chillers to integrated fridges, air-fry functions, and connected smart features. She explains how today’s appliances are smarter, faster, and more energy-efficient than ever, and why homeowners should begin their appliance journey early in the renovation process to make the most informed choices.

Listeners will gain practical advice on:

• Choosing between freestanding vs wall ovens
• Understanding induction vs gas cooking
• Integrating ventilation systems for both performance and aesthetics
• Designing for efficiency, safety, and longevity
• Creating a minimalist kitchen that doesn’t sacrifice function

The conversation also explores innovations in the laundry, including heat pump dryers, drying cabinets, and energy-saving tech that protects your clothes and the environment. Rachel also shares how Jones Services, their service and installation arm, streamlines everything from delivery and recycling to after-sales support, including being NZ’s only company with in-house licensed gas appliance technicians.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, upgrading your laundry, or selecting appliances for a new build, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible — and help you avoid costly mistakes by making smarter, future-proof decisions.

This is a must-listen for renovators, designers, and homeowners alike. Rachel’s message is clear: with the right education and support, your appliances can do more than cook — they can enhance your lifestyle, simplify your routine, and bring joy to your everyday home experience.

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From the circus ring to record-breaking real estate sales, Derek von Sturmer’s story is anything but ordinary.

In Episode 1 of the Trends Property Podcast, we sit down with one of Auckland’s most successful agents to unpack his wild career path, the misconceptions people have about real estate agents, and what the future holds for property buyers and sellers in New Zealand.

We learn how Derek started out performing in a circus, to his career today, where he’s sold over $100 million worth of homes

Derek shares the highs, the lows, and the real talk behind the real estate industry.

We cover:

– Why people misunderstand real estate agents

– The surprising thing buyers look for when they don’t want to buy

– How commission works (and why it should change)

– Concierge-level service & the next evolution of real estate

– What’s happening in the NZ property market right now

Watch or listen to the full episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

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