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Between The Walls
A podcast by the Architecture + Design Library
Step Between the Walls and into the world of design, creativity, and connection. Brought to you by the Architecture + Design Library, this podcast explores the stories, ideas, and collaborations shaping New Zealand’s built environment — and beyond.
Join us as we talk to architects, interior designers, builders, makers, and industry leaders about their processes, challenges, and the spaces that inspire them. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply design-curious, Between the Walls offers honest conversations, fresh insights, and a look behind the scenes of the creative industries.
Welcome to your new favourite place to listen, learn, and be inspired.
Between The Walls
Market Insight & Mindful Leadership with Anneke Kawau
In 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 episode
- The Wānaka market right now
- Why prices are lifting, why listings are tight, and what’s driving renewed auction activity.
- Confidence returning to buyers
- How shifts in the OCR and clearer financial conditions are creating calm, grounded momentum.
- Who’s buying — and why
- What buyers really value
- Low-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 sale
- The essentials: street appeal, tidy landscaping, first impressions, and depersonalising so buyers see themselves in the space.
- Which homes are gaining the most traction
- Heat in the lower market, movement in the $2–3M bracket, and why long-listed homes are finally shifting.
- Features that hold long-term value
Anneke’s advice for homeowners and sellers
- Get the basics right
- Street appeal, tidy gardens, and a clean, welcoming entrance set the tone immediately.
- Depersonalise your spaces
- Give 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 Wānaka
Website: rwwanaka.co.nz
Connect with AD Library
Website: adlibrary.nz
AD 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.