Is Innovation a Luxury or a Necessity to Keep Developments Moving?
On this episode of The Building Pulse Podcast, host Tim Haycock sits down with seasoned developer John Kenel to explore one of the biggest questions in the housing market today:
Is innovation still possible—or even necessary—to keep developments moving in New Zealand?
With over 1,000 homes built and 20+ years navigating the trenches of property development, John shares what’s changed, what’s broken, and why navigating red tape has become a developer’s biggest risk.
In Part 1, they cover:
How New Zealand’s consenting process has evolved—and not always for the better
The disconnect between local councils and central government
The cultural shift in how Kiwis see landlords and developers
Why innovation might not be optional anymore
Whether you’re in development, investing, or just trying to make sense of the housing crisis—this episode brings the perspective of someone who’s seen the full cycle, and still believes New Zealand can build its way forward.
👉 Stay tuned for Part 2—where John dives deeper into solutions, strategies, and what it’ll take to fix the system.
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The Volatility Game, Granny Flats, and a Council System Gone Rogue
This week I cover everything from Trump’s tariff chaos to the Reserve Bank’s drip-feed rate cuts—and why both are killing confidence.
I break down what’s really happening in the NZ housing market, with the latest stats from REINZ, and share my take on the government's granny flat policy. Sounds good on paper… but is it another regulation trap?
Plus, I give a behind-the-scenes update on my Moore Street project, explain why I’ve stopped developing in Hamilton, and preview my live appearance on Radio New Zealand tomorrow at 9am.
If you care about housing, development, or just want the straight talk—this episode’s for you.
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The Truth About NZ Inflation, House Prices & Wealth in 2025
In this video, John Kenel breaks down the current state of the New Zealand property market and economy. With inflation still running hot and rents rising, he explains why staying invested in appreciating assets like real estate is more important than ever. Learn what’s changed since 2021, how affordability has quietly improved, and why “getting rich slowly” still works—if you know what to do.
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3D Printing Houses in New Zealand and Housing Market Update
In this episode of The Property Development Club Podcast, hosts John Kenel and Andrew Crosby sit down with Johnny Gordon of Iconic Construction to explore the groundbreaking world of 3D printing in construction. Together, they dive into how this innovative approach is transforming the housing market in New Zealand and beyond.
From the efficiency and cost savings of 3D printed homes to the challenges of adapting to evolving market trends and regulatory environments, this episode sheds light on the future of sustainable and innovative building practices.
Key discussion points include:
The state of the current housing market and mortgage rates.
How 3D printing accelerates construction while reducing waste.
The role of unique designs and architectural collaboration in 3D printed concrete homes.
The importance of sustainability in modern construction practices.
Challenges in bringing 3D printing mainstream in New Zealand.
If you’re interested in property development, market insights, and cutting-edge construction technologies, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
3D printing, construction, housing market, property development, innovative building, Iconic Construction, Johnny Gordon, market trends, mortgage rates, sustainable building
If you'd like to learn how to become a property developer, or learn how to be a better, more profitable developer then check out my course https://thepropertydevelopmentclub.com/
Thanks for listening.
John Kenel
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Inside the Build-to-Rent Boom! Simplicity's Shane Brealey on Reshaping New Zealand’s Rental Market
In this compelling episode of the Property Development Club, hosts John Kenel and Andrew Crosby sit down with Shane Brealey, Managing Director of Simplicity Living, one of New Zealand's leading Build-to-Rent developers. With decades of experience and a clear vision for the future, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge on New Zealand’s property challenges, the Build-to-Rent (BTR) movement, and the impact of government policies on development.
Shane shares insider insights on how Simplicity Living is reshaping the rental market with quality, long-term rental solutions and dives deep into the potential of BTR to address housing shortages. From market predictions to the urgent need for smarter building practices, this episode is packed with practical advice and bold reflections on the future of New Zealand housing.
Whether you're an investor, a developer, or just curious about property trends, this episode offers a unique perspective on how BTR could transform New Zealand's housing market. Join us and discover the opportunities and challenges facing today's property sector!
About Talking Property Development with John Kenel
Welcome to ”Talking Property Development with John Kenel” – the go-to podcast for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of property development, investment, and long-term wealth building. Hosted by seasoned property developer John Kenel, with over 20 years in property development and 27 years in property investment, this podcast offers expert insights and practical advice on navigating the New Zealand property market. From the fundamentals of investing in real estate to understanding market cycles and development strategies, John shares his extensive experience to help listeners build sustainable income through property. Whether you’re a first-time investor, a seasoned developer, or someone interested in how property can create financial freedom, Talking Property Development is packed with actionable tips and stories to guide your journey. Join us to learn how to grow your wealth slowly but surely, one property at a time.
New Zealand