Trends Property Insight Series

• How the Economy Affects Your Property Journey with Nick Tuffley - August 2025

  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 costsWhy migration trends affect property values and rental supplyThe real-world impact of OCR changes on home loan interest ratesHow to stay calm in a volatile property or economic climateKey indicators homeowners should watch to make smarter long-term decisionsNick 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Bringing Function, Flow, and Feeling to Your Kitchen with Mark Bruce

  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 conversationHow 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• From Showroom to Shower - How to Get Your Bathroom Done Right with Jennifer Price

  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 qualityJennifer 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.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Making a Mark on the World with Your New Home with Jarrod Angove

  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 packagesHow Landmark Homes offers fixed-price contracts and detailed specifications upfrontWhy early engagement with the right team reduces surprises and improves outcomesHow Landmark’s in-house designer, project managers, and partnerships create a seamless, highly personalised experienceThe role of show homes and case studies in helping clients visualise their dreamFrom 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• How the Right Furniture Makes a House a Home with Kim van Duiven

  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 traditionThe importance of quality manufacturing, working with both New Zealand and international suppliers to offer durable and beautiful designsWhy modern homes demand multi-functional and modular furniture to make the most of smaller spacesHow the Asko showroom is designed to inspire and simulate real living, giving customers the confidence to envision how pieces will feel in their own homesListeners will also gain expert tips on designing specific spaces:Living rooms: How to balance scale, avoid clutter, and create layered, human-centred spacesDining areas: Choosing comfortable chairs for long nights of conversation, and selecting the right table size and rug proportionsOutdoor living: Making the most of small decks or patios with smart furniture choices, especially for New Zealand’s changing climate and compact urban homesKim 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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