Between The Walls

• Market Insight & Mindful Leadership with Anneke Kawau

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Penny sit down with Anneke Kawau, General Manager of Ray White Wanaka, for a grounded, insightful look at what’s really shaping the Wānaka property market right now.Anneke unpacks why Wānaka continues to operate in its own “micro climate,” how confidence is returning to auctions, and what today’s buyers are prioritising — from lifestyle and location to heating, cooling, materials, and high-performing home design.They dive into how sellers can prepare their homes for maximum impact, which features hold long-term value, and why the lower end of the market is seeing a fresh lift. Anneke also opens up about her leadership philosophy — mindful high performance, psychological safety, building a strong team culture, and how she balances business, family life, and wellbeing with intention.This conversation is packed with clarity, honesty, and practical insight for homeowners, investors, agents, and anyone curious about what’s ahead for Wānaka’s property landscape.What you’ll hear in this episodeThe Wānaka market right nowWhy prices are lifting, why listings are tight, and what’s driving renewed auction activity.Confidence returning to buyersHow shifts in the OCR and clearer financial conditions are creating calm, grounded momentum.Who’s buying — and whyWhat buyers really valueLow-maintenance living, natural light, strong heating/cooling, solar options, efficient layouts, and high-performing design.Are passive or high-performing homes in demand?Why certified passive isn’t common — but demand for healthier, better-performing homes is rising fast.Preparing your home for saleThe essentials: street appeal, tidy landscaping, first impressions, and depersonalising so buyers see themselves in the space.Which homes are gaining the most tractionHeat in the lower market, movement in the $2–3M bracket, and why long-listed homes are finally shifting.Features that hold long-term valueAnneke’s advice for homeowners and sellersGet the basics rightStreet appeal, tidy gardens, and a clean, welcoming entrance set the tone immediately.Depersonalise your spacesGive buyers room to imagine their life — not yours — in the home.Kitchens, bathrooms, heating, cooling, and good lighting offer the strongest long-term return.Choose upgrades that improve daily living and support healthier, more efficient homes.Connect with Ray White WānakaWebsite: rwwanaka.co.nzConnect with AD LibraryWebsite: adlibrary.nzAD Library makes building and design simple — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and the local talent you need to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or book an appointment to explore the sample library, co-working space, and more.

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• Turning the Forgettable into the Unforgettable with Buster + Punch

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with John Wright from Buster + Punch, a design brand that began in a small London garage surrounded by motorbikes, music, and metal — and has since grown into a global name known for elevating the everyday. From door handles and switches to lighting and furniture, Buster + Punch is all about transforming the unnoticed details of a home into bold, tactile design moments.John shares the story behind the brand’s origins, the influence of London street culture, and how a handcrafted whiskey bar for members of the Rolling Stones helped shape the company’s early reputation. They explore why solid metals matter, how knurling sparked a global design trend, and what it takes to bring attitude, craftsmanship, and function together across hardware, lighting, and electrical fittings.They also discuss sustainability, longevity, and the challenge of bringing better-quality fittings into a market used to “that’ll do” options. From smoke bronze and stainless steel trends to the future of smart home technology, this conversation is full of insight for designers, builders, renovators, and anyone who loves thoughtful details.What you’ll hear in this episode:The Buster + Punch origin story How a “frustrated architect” tinkering in an East London garage turned metal, motorbikes, and street culture into a global design brand.The products that changed everything The surprising early pieces — including the Rockstar and Popstar whiskey bars — that put Buster + Punch on the map.Why daily touch-points deserve more attention Why door handles, switches, and fittings should be high on your design priority list — and why weight, texture, and quality matter.The power of solid metals How brass, stainless steel, and signature knurling textures brought new life to hardware and influenced global trends.Designing across three categories How the brand maintains a consistent look and feel across hardware, lighting, and electrical — and why that’s harder than it sounds.Sustainability and longevity From reducing single-use plastics to creating fittings that last a lifetime, John shares how Buster + Punch is evolving with responsibility in mind.Trends shaping hardware today The rise of smoke bronze, the return of stainless steel, and how tapware trends influence hardware selections.Smart home expectations How the next generation’s need for automation is shaping the future of switches and home technology.John’s advice for homeowners and designers:Don’t overlook the small things Switches, handles, and fittings shape how a home feels — invest where your hands go most often.Explore beyond the basic options You’re not limited to whatever your electrician offers. There are better, smarter, more beautiful choices.Connect with Buster + Punch:Website: www.busterandpunch.comConnect with AD Library:AD Library: www.adlibrary.nzAD Library makes building and design simple for everyone — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and local talent to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or by appointment to explore their sample library, co-working space, and more.Open DaysTuesdays 10am - 2pmThursdays 10am - 2pmEvery second Saturday of each month 10am - 2pm

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• Design Like You Give a Damn with Shana Payne

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with Shana Payne, architect at Ignite Architects and Southern Branch Chair for the NZIA (New Zealand Institute of Architects), to explore what it means to design with the future in mind. Shana shares how her early experiences volunteering after Hurricane Katrina shaped her passion for climate-adaptive design and why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a responsibility.They unpack the ideas behind Carbon Zero, how architecture can adapt to a changing climate, and why thoughtful material choices lead to healthier homes and communities. From Homestar and GreenStar certifications to small shifts that make a big impact, Shana explains how designers, builders, and homeowners can all play a part in creating buildings that care — for people and the planet.What you’ll hear in this episode:How Hurricane Katrina inspired Shana’s journey into sustainable architecture.What Carbon Zero really means — and how to design for future temperatures.The difference between Homestar, GreenStar, and other certifications.Why smaller, smarter homes create stronger family connection and lower carbon impact.The power of climate-adaptive design and designing for future generations.How healthier materials lead to healthier homes.Why collaboration and education are key to change across the industry.Memorable moments:“Design like you give a damn — you’re not just designing for today, you’re designing for future generations.”“You can build for today’s temperature, but what are you building for the future temperature?”“Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with one better material, one better choice.”“Healthy homes aren’t just about comfort — they’re about care, air, and the way we live inside them.”Shana’s advice for homeowners and designers:Start small — even one sustainable material or system makes a difference.Think beyond the build — consider the home’s long-term performance.Focus on people, health, and connection as much as energy and cost.Design for longevity — not just for now, but for generations ahead.Connect with AD Library:AD Library: www.adlibrary.nzAD Library makes building and design simple for everyone — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and local talent to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or by appointment to explore their sample library, co-working spaces, and more.Open DaysTues: 10am - 2pmThurs: 10am - 2pmEvery second Saturday of each month 10am - 2pmAre you feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make for your new build or renovation and have no idea where to start. The Architecture + Design Library is your answer. A one stop 'shop' for finding designers and trades, sourcing materials and products and gaining education on those items so you know you are making the right decisions.

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• Know Your Worth: Valuing Time, Energy, and Boundaries

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, Janey sits down with Penny and Verity — founders of the Architecture and Design Library — for a real conversation every creative will relate to: how much is your time really worth?They unpack the emotional and financial cost of overgiving, the challenge of setting boundaries, and the power that comes when creatives truly start to value their expertise. From awkward invoicing calls to the “waste-of-time tax,” this episode shines a light on why it’s so important to respect your own energy and time — and how doing so can lift the whole industry.What you’ll hear in this episode:Why so many creatives struggle to charge for their time — and how to shift that mindset.The emotional and financial impact of blurred boundaries.How to communicate value confidently and set expectations early.The difference between generosity and undervaluing your work.Real stories from inside the design studio — including client conversations and lessons learned.How experience, community, and confidence help build stronger boundaries.Bonus listener Q&A: kitchen must-haves, favourite AD Library products, and design details that make all the difference.Memorable moments: “Your time, your expertise, and your energy are valuable — when you charge for them, you elevate the whole industry.”“If you don’t value your own time, why would a client?”“It’s not just about money — it’s about protecting your focus, creativity, and emotional wellbeing.”Advice for creatives: Be confident in what you bring to the table. Set clear boundaries early and communicate them often. Remember — your experience and energy are worth investing in.Connect with AD Library: www.adlibrary.nzAD Library makes building and design simple for everyone — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and local talent to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or by appointment to explore their sample library, co-working spaces, and more.OPEN DAYSTues 10am - 2pmThurs 10am - 2pmEvery second Saturday of each month 10am - 2pmAre you feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make for your new build or renovation and have no idea where to start. The Architecture + Design Library is your answer. A one stop 'shop' for finding designers and trades, sourcing materials and products and gaining education on those items so you know you are making the right decisions.

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• Designing Workplaces That Support People with Jo Russell

  Send us a textIn this episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Penny sit down with Jo Russell, a specialist in commercial interior design, to explore how workplaces can be designed to support wellbeing, collaboration, and culture. Jo shares her insights on creating commercial spaces that go beyond aesthetics, considering how people interact, connect, and thrive in the environments they work in.They discuss the unique challenges of commercial projects compared to residential design, including balancing budgets, meeting briefs, and designing for diverse teams. Jo also reflects on her personal journey in commercial design, major projects she’s worked on — from airports to dorms — and the trends shaping workplaces post-COVID.What you’ll hear in this episode:Jo’s journey into commercial interior design and how she found her niche.The difference between residential and commercial design — and why commercial spaces offer unique creative freedom.How design impacts employee wellbeing, collaboration, and social connection.Trends in post-COVID workplaces: blending residential warmth with professional functionality.Key elements every workplace needs: communal spaces, kitchens, quiet zones, and thoughtful amenities.The importance of understanding a team’s interactions, workflow, and culture before designing a space.Behind-the-scenes of large-scale projects, including airports and dormitories.Jo’s tips for aspiring interior designers entering the commercial sector.Memorable moments:“A good communal space isn’t just about relaxing — it encourages deeper connections and staff morale.”“Commercial design isn’t just colors and furniture — it’s understanding how people work together.”“Open-plan offices aren’t one-size-fits-all; focus spaces and quiet areas are essential.”“The small details, from natural light to thoughtful amenities, make a big difference to wellbeing.”Jo’s advice for designers and businesses:Prioritize understanding the team and workflow before selecting finishes or furniture.Think about employee wellbeing, engagement, and connection when designing spaces.Don’t underestimate the impact of thoughtful details and amenities.Connect with Jo Russell & AD Library:AD Library: www.adlibrary.nzAD Library makes building and design simple for everyone — whether you’re a professional or working on your first project. With over 80 brands under one roof, they connect you with materials, expert advice, and local talent to bring your ideas to life. Visit during Open Days or by appointment to explore their sample library, co-working spaces, and more.

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