Trends Property Insight Series

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Shelley Ferguson, award-winning editor, media personality, and founder of SF Studio, to explore how great interior design transforms more than just spaces. From early inspiration to final installation, Shelley shares her process for achieving “liveable luxury,” a blend of beauty, durability, and function that supports real life in all its glorious messiness.

She unpacks why proportion, circulation, and cabinetry matter more than any Pinterest board, and how materials, colour, and natural light need to work with, not against, New Zealand’s unique conditions. Shelley also opens up about the emotional arc of a renovation or new build, and the pivotal role a designer plays in helping clients make the right choices in the right order.

Throughout the conversation, Shelley explains how thoughtful design decisions affect how you live, not just how things look. She shares what to expect in the design journey and how to avoid regret spending, while highlighting the often underestimated impact of built-in joinery compared to expensive styling. Shelley also reflects on the power of collaboration with trades and how to keep those relationships productive and positive.

To round out the episode, she offers one smart move for each of the four major homeowner journeys, helping listeners understand how great design can align with any stage of homeownership. Whether you’re updating a single room or building from scratch, Shelley’s message is clear: the most luxurious spaces are the ones that feel calm, functional, and uniquely yours.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

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You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Steve Huntingford of Accredited Roofing to shine a light on one of the most overlooked areas of a home: the roof.

With decades of experience in roofing solutions across New Zealand, Steve explains why your roof isn’t just protection overhead, it’s a vital component of property value, long-term durability, and real estate appeal. Steve unpacks the realities of roof maintenance and how simple checks can prevent expensive disasters. From cracked flashings to clogged valleys, he outlines what homeowners, buyers, and sellers need to look for and what they often miss.

Whether it's repainting instead of replacing, or choosing New Zealand-made products tested for our unique climate, Steve’s advice is honest, actionable, and rooted in local expertise. He also dives into the misconceptions around roofing costs, the importance of using licensed professionals, and the surprising ways a roof’s appearance (and function) can impact a property’s first impression. With technology like drones and high-resolution imaging, Accredited Roofing is making it easier than ever to assess, plan, and protect your roof before the damage is done.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to sell, buy, renovate, or simply future-proof their home from the top down. Steve’s message is clear: don’t ignore what’s above you. Because with the right plan and the right people, your roof can do more than shelter you; it can strengthen the value of your entire property.

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You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

Learn how to transform your business into a valuable asset with strategic advice from Kunal Topiwala of SME Financial — from owner dependency and documentation to scalable systems and structured goals, discover what it takes to reduce stress, increase value, and build a business that works for you.

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kunal Topiwala, a Certified Value Builder Advisor at SME Financial, to unpack how small business owners,  particularly in trades, construction, and property services, can transform their businesses from day-to-day jobs into scalable, valuable assets.

Kunal shares practical strategies drawn from the Value Builder System, a proven framework used globally to help business owners reduce stress, improve performance, and increase long-term value. He explains why so many owner-led businesses become unintentionally dependent on their founder, and how to shift from being essential to being optional, without losing control. From documenting processes and setting structured goals to breaking emotional ties that limit growth, Kunal’s advice is grounded in real experience and focused on giving owners more freedom and choice.

You’ll learn how value isn’t just about profit, but about systems, people, and planning. Whether you want to sell, scale, or simply stress less, this conversation will help you think differently about what your business is truly worth and how to build something that works for you, not the other way around.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

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You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we are joined by Shane Waaka, who is the kind of handyman every seller wants in their corner: practical, creative, and laser-focused on adding real value without blowing the budget. In this episode, Shane shares how he helps homeowners make cost-effective improvements that enhance street appeal and increase buyer interest, especially when time and budget are tight.

Drawing on years of experience across everything from fencing to kitchen overhauls, Shane explains why the outside of your home is just as important as the inside, and how smart tweaks, like repainting cabinets or re-siliconing your bathroom, can make all the difference. He discusses the power of planning, how to work efficiently without formal drawings, and what to look for when buying or preparing a house for sale.

Whether you're gearing up for market, stuck with an outdated kitchen, or just need to breathe life into a tired fence, Shane's approach proves you don’t need a huge budget to make a huge impact. It's not about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things, the right way.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

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You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Bryan Ellis, neuromuscular and rehabilitative therapist, to explore what it really means to build resilience, both in the body and the mind.

With decades of experience helping people recover from injuries, reframe habits, and develop strength over time, Bryan brings a powerful perspective to the idea that your body is the most important property you'll ever own. Bryan unpacks the parallels between physical recovery and life’s bigger journeys, including buying, selling, renovating, or building a home.

He explains why consistency matters more than intensity, how language shapes behaviour, and why reframing failure as learning can change everything. From the role of dopamine and sleep to the simple power of breathwork and movement, Bryan’s approach is about creating sustainable habits that help you endure stress, navigate uncertainty, and thrive under pressure.

Through honest reflection and practical wisdom, this episode offers a new lens on wellbeing, resilience, and long-term transformation. Whether you're climbing a metaphorical hill or just trying to get through the day, Bryan’s message is clear: don’t do nothing. Do something again, and again, and your body, mind, and life will thank you for it.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

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You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kristy Jones, Senior Associate at Denham Bramwell Lawyers, to demystify the legal foundations of buying, selling, and refinancing property in New Zealand. With a clear passion for making law more approachable, Kristy brings insight and empathy to every part of the property journey, from first-home buyers and family transfers to complex sales, off-the-plan contracts, and multi-party purchases.

Kristy shares how her own path to property law was unexpected, but ultimately shaped by a drive to support people through big, life-changing decisions. She explains what a Sale and Purchase Agreement really is, how conditions and clauses protect both buyers and sellers, and why coming to your lawyer early can save stress, money, and heartbreak down the line.

We explore why buying at auction demands full due diligence up front, how refinancing can trigger hidden costs like break fees or insurance delays, and what to consider when buying property with friends or extended family. Kristy also highlights common mistakes, like relying on outdated building plans, skipping legal review of contracts, or underestimating the timeframes involved in KiwiSaver access and finance approvals.

With clarity and warmth, Kristy demonstrates that good legal advice isn’t about jargon; it’s about creating confidence. Whether you’re navigating your first home, a refinancing puzzle, or a tricky sale-and-purchase chain, this conversation will help you ask the right questions and build the right team to support you.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast

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You can also watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Rick Meros of Professionals CPRE to unpack the human side of selling homes and the value of having a real relationship with your agent. With years of experience in real estate and strategic growth, Rick brings a refreshing perspective on what sellers truly need during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

Rick shares how Professionals Real Estate approaches the sales process with empathy, clarity, and practical know-how, supporting vendors with education, realistic pricing strategies, and smart, localised marketing. He explains the importance of understanding your “why” before you list, how to prepare emotionally for selling, and why connection, not commission, is the real foundation of trust in a successful agent-client relationship.

Throughout the conversation, Rick also explores the evolution of real estate in New Zealand, the increased complexity that sellers face today, and why experience, accountability, and strategic planning are more important than ever. He reflects on the mindset shifts homeowners undergo when deciding to move, and how Professionals Real Estate empowers both agents and clients to achieve better outcomes through aligned values and clear expectations.

This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about selling, feeling overwhelmed by the process, or wanting to find the right agent to guide them through the journey. Rick’s message is simple and grounded: selling your home is not just a transaction, it’s a relationship, and the right support can make all the difference.

You can also watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

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You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dan Moir, Sales Director at James Dunlop Textiles, to explore how fabric, texture, and thoughtful design can transform a home from a space that looks good into one that feels truly liveable. With over a century of heritage and innovation behind the brand, Dan brings both deep family roots and forward-thinking industry knowledge to a conversation that ranges from aesthetics to performance and everything in between.

Dan shares how James Dunlop’s three brands—Mokum, James Dunlop Textiles, and the innovation-led Sepal—are leading the way with purposeful design, championing not just beauty but durability, sustainability, and well-being. He explains how their global perspective, anchored in local insights, enables them to develop products that cater to the unique lifestyle and environmental needs of New Zealanders, including high UV resistance, stain resistance, antimicrobial properties, and acoustic performance.

We delve into the evolving role of textiles in the home, from curtains that provide insulation and sound absorption, to innovative wallpaper that offers easy, long-lasting alternatives to paint, to upholstery that withstands pets, kids, and daily life. Dan also provides valuable advice for homeowners navigating the overwhelming world of fabric selection, highlighting how professional guidance can help bring Pinterest dreams to life without compromising functionality.

With warmth and clarity, Dan unpacks the relationship between texture and wellness, the emotional impact of layered materials, and how good design can elevate both comfort and resale value. Whether you're renovating, building, styling, or simply curious, this conversation offers a wealth of insights into how textiles can quietly but powerfully shape the way we live.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

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You can also watch this episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Shenali Lewke-Bandara, a specialist in trusts, estates, and relationship property law at Denham Bramwell Lawyers, to unpack the often-overlooked legal structures that can protect your assets, relationships, and peace of mind. With warmth and clarity, Shenali guides us through the key life stages where legal advice becomes crucial, from entering a relationship to owning property, starting a family, inheriting wealth, or planning for the unexpected.

Shenali shares why New Zealanders have more trusts per capita than anywhere else, and what that actually means for property ownership, intergenerational wealth, and blended family dynamics. She explains the differences between Wills, trusts, and Contracting Out Agreements (often referred to as prenups), and highlights how poorly managed trusts, unclear Wills, or lack of enduring powers of attorney can leave families vulnerable at the worst possible time.

We explore how personal circumstances, such as repartnering, children from previous relationships, or family businesses, add complexity to estate planning, and why it’s vital to have honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations early, before legal assumptions or life’s curveballs take over. Shenali also emphasises the importance of coordinated advice, working alongside accountants and financial planners to ensure aligned, holistic decisions.

Whether you’re entering a new relationship, protecting inherited property, or helping your parents get their affairs in order, this episode will give you the language and confidence to take control of your legal well-being. Shenali’s message is simple but powerful: you don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to start the conversation.

You can also watch this episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

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You can also watch this episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dave Wilson, National Operations Manager at Mastercraft, to explore what it really takes to design and deliver a kitchen that works, not just looks good.

With a network of over 80 licensees across New Zealand, Mastercraft is a household name when it comes to kitchens. However, behind the scenes, Dave’s role extends far beyond cabinetry. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. Dave shares how kitchen planning has evolved and why the kitchen is now one of the most complex areas to renovate in the home.

Drawing on decades of industry experience, he emphasises the importance of honest consultation, effective sequencing, and the often-overlooked significance of trade coordination. And he doesn’t just talk theory, he recently renovated his own kitchen and shares what he’d do differently next time. Throughout the episode, Dave offers insight into:

• Why today’s kitchens are more demanding to build than ever, and what makes them go wrong.
• How Mastercraft helps homeowners make informed choices around layout, materials, and trade management.
• The shift away from outdated kitchen planning formulas and toward zone-based design.
• The hidden costs of poor communication between tradies and how to avoid them.
• What homeowners need to know about the risks of silica and how the industry is responding.
• How to plan a kitchen that reflects the way you actually live, not just what looks good on Pinterest.

We also touch on Mastercraft’s broader expertise in electrical, plumbing, and project management, and how they bring it all together to help New Zealanders renovate with confidence. This is a must-listen for anyone planning a kitchen upgrade or build — whether you’re dreaming big or working within tight constraints. Dave’s message is clear: the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it needs a solid backbone to function properly. And with the right planning and the right people, it can be done right the first time.

You can also watch this episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

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