HomeRun x Realestate.co.nz

Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue — it’s becoming a major issue for property, insurance and infrastructure.

In this episode of Home Run, we explore what a changing climate could mean for New Zealand homeowners, investors, developers and communities.

From rising flood risk and coastal inundation to insurance pricing, property values and the future of urban development, we look at the challenges New Zealand could face over the next 20 years.The conversation also explores the global energy system, why the world remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, the rapid growth of renewables, and the difficult transition ahead.

With around 15% of New Zealand’s housing stock estimated to be exposed to a 1-in-100-year floodplain, climate risk is becoming an increasingly important part of property due diligence.

In this episode:

• Why climate change is making extreme weather more volatile

• The growing importance of flood and hazard maps

• What climate risk could mean for property insurance

• Why some homes could face higher premiums — or difficulty obtaining cover

• How site-specific flood assessments can refine council mapping

• Managed retreat and property-level adaptation

• The future of NZ infrastructure and urban design

• Why climate change could increase inequality between communities

• What New Zealand property owners should be thinking about now

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction: Climate Change & NZ Property

01:05 – Has the World Already Passed 1.5°C?

03:10 – The Global Energy Problem

05:25 – Why We Are “Energy Blind”

07:40 – Are Renewables Really Replacing Fossil Fuels?

10:05 – What Climate Change Means for New Zealand

12:30 – Floods, Droughts & Extreme Weather

15:00 – The Growing Risk to NZ Property

17:15 – How Many NZ Homes Are Exposed to Flood Risk?

19:40 – Climate Change & Insurance Premiums

22:00 – Could Some Homes Become Uninsurable?

24:15 – Understanding Council Flood Maps

26:30 – When Property Owners Should Get a Flood Assessment

28:45 – Managed Retreat: What Happens to High-Risk Homes?

31:10 – Protecting Property From Climate Risk

33:20 – What Will NZ Property Look Like in 20 Years?

35:45 – Climate Change & Growing Inequality

38:10 – Designing Better, More Resilient Cities

40:20 – What Property Owners Need to Think About Now

42:00 – Final Thoughts

Is climate risk the next major factor shaping where and how New Zealanders live?

Watch the full episode and join the conversation.

Stay connected with Homerun Podcast 👇Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomerunpodcastnzSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ik9md6okR9DaNIPwS7gJdApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homerun-x-realestate-co-nz/id1815415116Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homerunpodcastnzTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homerunnzLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/homerunnz/

What does it take to change an entire industry?

In this episode of Home Run, David sits down with Leonie Freeman, CEO of Property Council New Zealand, to mark 30 years of realestate.co.nz and explore the remarkable story behind New Zealand’s property industry transformation.

Leonie takes us back to 1996, when online property listings were still viewed with plenty of skepticism, and shares how realnz.co.nz became the foundation for what would eventually become realestate.co.nz.

But this conversation goes far beyond the origins of online property search.Leonie opens up about some of New Zealand’s biggest housing and property challenges—including RMA reform, development levies, seismic standards, urban density, Build-to-Rent, infrastructure, climate risk and managed retreat.

She also shares her views on creating greater efficiency across the development system, unlocking land and infrastructure, and building a more diverse property industry that creates opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

From pioneering online real estate listings to advocating for major change across New Zealand's property sector, Leonie’s career offers a fascinating look at where the industry has come from—and where it could go next.

In this episode:

00:00 – Introduction & 30 years of realestate.co.nz

00:36 – The origin of realnz.co.nz

02:02 – Meeting Peter Cook and the turning point

03:08 – How the name realnz.co.nz was created

04:08 – From property magazines to online search

07:00 – Breaking barriers as a young woman in property

09:10 – Can “Collective Impact” solve NZ’s housing challenges?

10:28 – Housing targets, affordability & homeownership

13:58 – RMA reform and the challenges of implementation

16:40 – Making development systems more efficient

18:54 – Proportionate liability & insurance protection

19:48 – Seismic standards, NBS & managing risk

24:32 – Diversity and the future of the property industry

25:46 – The rise of Build-to-Rent in New Zealand

26:45 – Unlocking land, infrastructure & developer levies

28:40 – Streamlining building product approvals

31:15 – Density, transport & the City Rail Link

34:44 – Climate change, flooding & infrastructure risk

38:25 – Managed retreat, land maps & home insurance

41:20 – The entrepreneurial journey into property management

43:15 – Business lessons: Purpose, authenticity & knowing your “why”

45:58 – Caroline Freeman and breaking new ground

48:20 – Advice for the next generation of property leaders

Home Run is brought to you by realestate.co.nz — exploring the people, ideas and stories shaping New Zealand property.

Subscribe for more conversations with the people behind the property industry.

Stay connected with Homerun Podcast 👇Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomerunpodcastnzSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ik9md6okR9DaNIPwS7gJdApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homerun-x-realestate-co-nz/id1815415116Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homerunpodcastnzTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homerunnzLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/homerunnz/

Property flipping, real estate investing, auctions, agent commissions and the future of real estate in New Zealand. Matt Jones has spent more than 20 years in the industry, from school teacher and property flipper to founder of Independent Agent and a leader in the independent real estate movement.

So what does it really take to make money in property?

And is property flipping actually as easy as it looks?

In this episode of HomeRun, Matt Jones opens up about his years buying, renovating and selling property, the risks that come with a high-volume flipping strategy, and the lessons he learned along the way.

He also explains why he challenged the traditional real estate agency model and built Independent Agent around autonomy, personal branding and giving agents greater control over their businesses.

⏱️ Chapters

0:00 – Introduction: Matt Jones' journey

1:45 – From school teacher to real estate

5:20 – How Matt got into property flipping

10:15 – Finding undervalued properties

15:30 – The reality and risks of property flipping

21:10 – What happens when the market turns

26:40 – Building a real estate business from scratch

32:15 – Why Matt challenged the traditional agency model

37:50 – The future of independent real estate

43:20 – Are auctions really the best way to find value?

48:10 – What agents get wrong about price

53:00 – Building your personal brand as an agent

57:30 – Why creativity matters outside real estate

1:01:20 – Matt's biggest lessons from 20+ years in property

1:05:00 – What would Matt do differently today?

1:08:00 – Final thoughts

In this episode

• The reality of property flipping in New Zealand

• How to identify undervalued property opportunities

• The risks of relying on a high-volume flipping strategy

• Why private sales can uncover opportunities

• What makes a successful real estate agent

• Why traditional agency models are being challenged

• Agent commissions and business ownership

• Whether auctions really create better price discovery

• Why agents should focus on their clients—not just the highest price

• The future of independent real estate in New Zealand

• Why creativity, hobbies and life outside property matter

• The lessons Matt wishes he knew earlier in his career

Matt's journey from teaching to property, entrepreneurship and building an independent agency is a fascinating look at what happens when you stop following the traditional path.

This is HomeRun — conversations with the people challenging the way New Zealand thinks about property, business, wealth and the future.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more conversations with New Zealand's leading voices.

Stay connected with Homerun Podcast 👇Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomerunpodcastnzSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ik9md6okR9DaNIPwS7gJdApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homerun-x-realestate-co-nz/id1815415116Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homerunpodcastnzTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homerunnzLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/homerunnz/

What is really happening in New Zealand's property market?

Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, joins HomeRun to discuss house prices, buying and selling property, AI in real estate, leadership, and what the future holds for Kiwi homeowners, investors, and real estate professionals.

As realestate.co.nz celebrates 30 years, Sarah shares how one of New Zealand's most trusted property brands has evolved, what today's market data is telling us, and why marketing, presentation, and technology are more important than ever.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The current state of the New Zealand property market

• What buyers and sellers should know right now

• Why marketing and presentation matter more than ever

• How AI is transforming property search

• The leadership behind one of New Zealand's most trusted property brands

• Building a high-performing company culture

• Why home ownership remains important for New Zealanders

• Where the future of real estate is heading

Chapters

0:00 – Introduction

0:45 – Sarah Wood's journey to CEO

3:20 – 30 years of realestate.co.nz

8:15 – The current NZ property market

14:40 – Advice for buyers and sellers

21:10 – Why marketing matters

27:30 – AI and the future of property search

34:50 – Building a high-performance culture

42:15 – Leadership lessons

49:30 – The future of New Zealand property

53:40 – Final thoughtsWhether you're buying your first home, investing in property, selling your house, or working in real estate, this episode is packed with practical advice and industry insights.

👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to HomeRun for more interviews with New Zealand's leading voices in property, business, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Stay connected with Homerun Podcast 👇

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Homerunpodcastnz

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ik9md6okR9DaNIPwS7gJd

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homerun-x-realestate-co-nz/id1815415116

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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homerunnz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/homerunnz/

Not everyone starts with deep pockets. Tama Singh proves that determination, education, and the right strategy can completely change your financial future.

In this episode of the HomeRun Podcast, we sit down with property investor, entrepreneur, and mentor Tama Singh to unpack the mindset, strategies, and lessons that helped him build an impressive property portfolio after starting with just $4,000.

Since 2021, Tama has been involved in purchasing more than 65 investment properties, helping hundreds of Kiwis begin their own property investment journey.

We discuss:

How Tama got started in property investing

Finding profitable investment deals

Property flipping vs buy-and-hold investing

Common mistakes first-time investors make

Building wealth in today's New Zealand market

The mindset required for long-term success

Whether it's still possible to build wealth through property in 2026

Whether you're buying your first home, looking at your first investment property, or already building a portfolio, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.

🎙️ Guest: Tama Singh – Property Investor, Mentor & Founder of InvestorPro Leaders

Episode Timeline

00:10 – Introduction to guest Tama Singh, a property investor, flipper, and coach.

00:35 – Tama highlights his background and crossing 400 property transactions in five years.

01:21 – Discussing shifting interests toward global events, COVID-19 impacts, and politics.

02:08 – Reflecting on growing up in a small town near Opotiki and his family's immigrant journey from Fiji.

02:56 – Individualism vs. collectivism: How family units leverage pooled resources to build property wealth.

04:40 – Generational spending habits, money values, and the impact of online convenience culture.

06:13 – A discussion on cultural dynamics, family leadership, and traditional dynamics within community wealth building.

08:48 – Cultural patterns in finance, real estate expectations, and social media influences.

11:19 – Unpacking the property cycle, avoiding negative equity, and buying below market value.

13:50 – Analyzing the shifting 2026 market, food and fuel inflation, and tightening bank serviceability.

16:04 – The core strategy: Why Tama advocates for regional property transactions under $500k.

16:53 – Regional investments vs. Auckland: Managing holding costs and protecting downside risk.

18:04 – Deconstructing capital gains: Forced appreciation through renovations vs. the element of time.

19:56 – Flying to regions, managing out-of-town trades, and calculating real return on investment (ROI).

21:56 – Tama’s property origins: Buying his first family home in Auckland at 19 and leveraging into regional investments.

24:36 – The explosion of AI content online and the challenges of organic social media engagement.

27:43 – Recapping a Christchurch property networking event and economic perspectives on the political landscape.

31:08 – Smart purchasing criteria: What to look for in a first home, location mapping, and utilizing negotiation math.

34:00 – Auction tips and vendor psychology

36:46 – The Real Estate Agents Act (REA)

39:45 – Evaluating the Wellington property market

41:52 – Property dynamics in an election year

46:39 – Capitalizing on a buyers' market

49:16 – Maximizing early property access terms

51:15 – Auction downsides for buyers

54:12 – The real purpose of property appraisals

57:42 – How Tama transition into the property flipping game 01:01:08 – Critiquing the social media "flex" mentality

01:02:50 – The ultimate goal of property wealth

01:05:03 – Closing remarks

Stay connected with Homerun Podcast 👇Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomerunpodcastnzSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ik9md6okR9DaNIPwS7gJdApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homerun-x-realestate-co-nz/id1815415116Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homerunpodcastnzTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homerunnzLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/homerunnz/

In this episode of the Home Run podcast, we sit down with Qiulae Wong, leader of The Opportunities Party (TOP), to discuss their bold vision for New Zealand’s economic and political future. From a massive "tax reset" to long-term infrastructure planning, Wong explains why she believes the current political cycle is broken and how TOP intends to fix it.

Whether you are a property owner concerned about new taxes or an aspiring buyer looking for a more affordable market, this conversation offers a fresh, centrist perspective on New Zealand’s most pressing issues.

Timestamps:

00:09 - Welcome and Introduction to Qiulae Wong, leader of The Opportunities Party (TOP).1

01:26 - The problem with short-term politics and "flip-flopping" between governments.2

04:33 - Proposal to extend the governing cycle to a four-year term.3

05:51 - Mandating a long-term, cross-party infrastructure pipeline.4

07:20 - Why New Zealand needs a centrist party in Parliament to bridge the divide.5

11:10 - Recent polling milestones and the shift in TOP's campaign strategy.6

13:48 - TOP’s leverage: Negotiating a 25-year energy strategy.7

14:42 - Cleaning up lobbying: Stand-down periods and a transparent register.8

20:57 - The Energy Crisis: Why NZ pays fossil fuel prices for renewable energy.9

23:42 - The "Capacity Investment Scheme" to guarantee renewable energy prices.10

26:28 - The Property Tax Reset: 1.75% annual land tax on urban property.11

35:46 - Implementation plan: Easing the land tax in over 10 years.12

38:42 - The "Citizens Income": Providing $370 per week to all adults.13

41:14 - Solving the "Poverty Trap" and secondary tax rate issues.14

46:08 - Strengthening the Commerce Commission to tackle construction and supermarket monopolies.15

52:44 - Why TOP supports Single Transferable Vote (STV) and lowering the 5% threshold.16

57:33 - Defining sustainability as economic and social longevity.

Is there truly an unfair tax advantage when it comes to investing in property in New Zealand?In this episode of Home Run, the realestate.co.nz podcast, we sit down with Matthew Harris, Managing Director of Lighthouse (https://lighthousefinancial.co.nz/), to debunk widespread myths surrounding property investment, capital gains, and New Zealand's tax system.Matthew shares his insights from over 20 years in the industry, breaking down the true power of leverage, the critical difference between good debt and bad debt, and why financial literacy combined with action is the ultimate formula for financial success. We also take a deep dive into the unique Kiwi psyche around wealth, "tall poppy syndrome," and how we can better educate the next generation about money.Connect with Lighthouse: https://lighthousefinancial.co.nz/If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more deep dives into real estate, the economy, and financial strategy!TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction: Meet Matthew Harris from Lighthouse0:49 - Does property have an unfair tax advantage in NZ?1:33 - Property vs. Shares: Building a diversified balance sheet3:49 - The power of leverage and navigating deposit requirements5:56 - Lighthouse’s success formula: Financial literacy + Action7:45 - Good debt vs. Bad debt (and the Porsche debate)9:52 - Can anyone take action? Maximizing KiwiSaver and starting small12:09 - Why our education system fails at teaching financial literacy13:40 - Market fluctuations, social media, and the "pump & dump" news cycle14:30 - Property growth metrics vs. Bitcoin & scarce assets16:50 - Is the global financial system broken?18:16 - What happens when you over-tax the wealthy?20:10 - The perception problem: Are Kiwis actually under-taxed?21:32 - Financial literacy in the home: How to teach kids about money27:20 - Shaping work ethic: Paper runs, picking fruit, and child labor values29:30 - How ring-fencing and interest deductibility rules penalized property investors34:20 - The inflation hedge: Why billionaires use debt to win37:14 - Is real estate an unproductive asset? Property vs. Startups41:41 - Addressing New Zealand's core productivity issues45:18 - How to educate yourself in the age of AI and ChatGPT48:09 - The Kiwi money psyche & overcoming Tall Poppy Syndrome53:26 - Wrap up: Taking charge of your financial futureEnjoyed this episode? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into the realities of the real estate market! 🔔Stay connected with Homerun Podcast 👇Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomerunpodcastnzSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ik9md6okR9DaNIPwS7gJdApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homerun-x-realestate-co-nz/id1815415116Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homerunpodcastnzTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homerunnzLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/homerunnz/

Welcome to Episode 8 of the HomeRun Podcast! 🏠

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Hern, Partner at Wynn Williams and a top specialist in real estate and professional indemnity disputes. Law is evolving rapidly, and the "general practitioner" model is dying out. When a real estate transaction fails, you don't just need a lawyer—you need a deep specialist who knows how to navigate the wreckage.

Richard pulls back the curtain on the dark side of legal tech, explaining how "vexatious" litigants are now using AI to hallucinate sophisticated-looking, entirely fake legal arguments.

We also dive deep into the strict, unforgiving world of professional ethics. Think a verbal disclosure will protect you in court? Think again. Richard breaks down exactly why withholding property issues can cost real estate agents and lawyers their licenses—or worse, land them with fraud allegations.

Whether you’re an agent, a buyer, or a property professional, this episode is a masterclass in protecting yourself, your reputation, and your wallet.

📌 What We Cover:

The Specialization Shift: Why the "GP" model of law is dead and why deep specialization matters when deals go south.

The AI Threat: How AI is being weaponized by frivolous litigants to generate "hallucinated" case law, and why human emotional intelligence (EQ) is irreplaceable.

The Golden Rule of Disclosure: Why everything must be in writing and the catastrophic legal consequences of trying to hide property defects from lenders or buyers.

How to Handle Disputes: Steps to resolve conflicts internally, how to deal with the Real Estate Authority (REA), and how to act as a "peacemaker" without accidentally admitting liability.

🔗 Connect with Our Guest:

Learn more about Richard Hern at Wynn Williams: https://wynnwilliams.co.nz/people/richard-hern/

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

02:15 - The Death of the General Practitioner Lawyer

07:45 - AI in Law: Useful Tool or Weapon for Fake Litigants?

14:30 - Beware AI "Hallucinations" in Court

21:10 - The Hidden Dangers of Verbal Disclosures

29:35 - Hide a Defect, Lose Your License: Ethics & Fraud

38:00 - How to Navigate a Real Estate Dispute Like a Professional

45:20 - Final Takeaways with Richard Hern

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into the realities of the real estate market! 🔔

#HomeRunPodcast #RealEstateLaw #PropTech #AIInLaw #PropertyDisputes #WynnWilliams #RealEstateEthics

Think your Council CV or a 3-month-old agent appraisal tells you what a house is actually worth? Think again. In this episode of HomeRun, we sit down with Alex Martelli, the expert property buying force behind Martelli Buyers Agency, to expose the massive flaws in how property is bought, sold, and valued in 2026.

👇 If you’re sick of blind auctions, fake appraisals, and deals collapsing over pure ego, watch this. 👇

The 2026 property market is highly fragmented—it’s a transitional space where generalizing it as a "buyers'" or "sellers'" market is a critical mistake. While some pockets are slow, high-demand family home zones (like the North Shore and the Eastern suburbs) remain fiercely competitive. In this deep-dive, Alex Martelli pulls back the curtain on the real estate industry's biggest pitfalls. We unpack why automated pricing algorithms are completely blind to property realities (like lack of sunlight or hidden maintenance issues), why "multi-offers" are an ethical nightmare for both sides, and how sellers sabotage their own campaigns by playing hard to get with their agents. Whether you are trying to break into the $700k–$1.1M first-home buyer bracket or looking to trade up into a premium school zone, Alex reveals the unfiltered truth about finding a property's "True Price."

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 - Intro 02:10 - Appraisals vs. Reality: Alex Martelli Defines "True Price"

05:45 - The Algorithmic Lie: Why You Must Disregard Council CVs

09:30 - Navigating the 2026 Transitional Market (North Shore vs. The Pockets)

13:15 - The First-Home Buyer Surge in the $700k–$1.1M Range

16:40 - The Myth of Seasonality: Do Buyers Actually Hibernate?

19:50 - Why Multi-Offers are the "Worst Methodology" in Real Estate

24:15 - Don't Let $10,000 Kill Your Deal: The Cost of Entrenched Ego

28:30 - Vendor Mistakes: Why Saying "I Don't Need to Sell" Destroys Agent Motivation

"An algorithm doesn't know if a house gets no sun or has a mold problem. Stop letting a computer screen dictate your property's value." — Alex Martelli

"Deals don't fail over facts; they fail over foolish pride. Don't lose your dream home over a stubborn $10,000 standoff." — Alex Martelli

Need an expert on your side of the negotiating table? Connect with Alex Martelli and the team: 🔗 https://www.martellibuyers.co.nz/Enjoyed this episode of HomeRun?

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💬 DROP A COMMENT: Have you ever lost a property to a "blind" multi-offer process? Let’s talk about it below!

Think you need a brilliant exit strategy to win in real estate? Think again. In this episode of HomeRun, we sit down with Megan Jaffe and Thomas Farmer—the powerhouse leaders behind Ray White Remuera, the #1 top-performing Ray White office globally.

👇 Get ready to challenge everything you know about real estate leadership, accountability, and surviving a flat market. 👇

Megan and Thomas aren't playing by the traditional corporate playbook. Instead of planning an exit, they’ve mastered "succession for expansion"—bringing in the next generation of leaders (like Thomas himself) to scale at a global level.

In this deep-dive conversation, they reveal why traditional "cookie-cutter" accountability destroys real estate teams, how they protect their people to drive sustainable growth, and the exact mindset shift required to thrive when asking prices are flat and stock is high.

If you are a team leader, an ambitious agent, or someone looking to scale your business without burning out, this episode is your blueprint.

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 - Intro

02:15 - Why Having an Exit Strategy is a Trap (Succession vs. Exit)

06:40 - The Servant Leader: Treating Your Salespeople Like Your Primary Customers

11:10 - Ditching "Cookie-Cutter" Accountability for Permission-Based Growth

15:35 - Inside the Data: Navigating a "Normal" Market with Elevated Stock

20:12 - Help vs. Support: The Distinctions That Save Stalled Careers

24:50 - Why Front-Footing Your Mistakes Saves Millions

“Our job as leaders is to protect our people and navigate them safely home.”

“Success in this market isn’t about waiting for conditions to change; it’s about consistently doing the work.”

Connect with Megan, Thomas, and the elite team at Ray White Remuera: 🔗 https://rwremuera.co.nz/team/

Enjoyed this episode of HomeRun?

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💬 DROP A COMMENT: What’s your take? Should leaders treat agents as customers, or is traditional accountability better? Let’s debate below!