We’re excited to announce the finalists for our annual awards, the Renovation of the Year award and the RentSkills awards! This year’s winners will be unveiled at our annual conference this weekend in Christchurch, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to showcase the incredible talent and dedication within our community.
At NZPIF, we are passionate about raising skills and standards in our industry. Our members embody the spirit of ‘landlords who care,’ and this year’s finalists exemplify the hard work and commitment that go into providing quality accommodation and exceptional service to tenants.
These awards aren’t just about recognition; they’re about inspiring others in our community to take on new projects and enhance their existing portfolios. Let’s meet the outstanding finalists!
NZPIF Renovation of the Year Finalists
The Renovation of the Year award celebrates those who have transformed rental properties through innovative renovations that benefit both owners and tenants. Here are our finalists:
- Andrew Marron, Taranaki
Andrew bought an old 1960’s property on a large section in Rotorua, fully renovated it and added two more houses, as part of a ‘buy and hold’ portfolio. This is a great example of a property investor increasing the number and quality of housing stock while creating a sound, long-term investment. - Isis Winter, Otago
Based in Queenstown, Isis bought two townhouses being used for short-term lets and upgraded them to increase their attractiveness to holidaymakers, thus increasing occupancy rates, rental return and equity in the business. A great example of an investor adding value to their business and the local community. - Robert & Michelle Larkins, Waikato
Robert and Michelle live in Waikato, but undertook a successful renovation in Invercargill, with the entire project done remotely. They bought a large old property near Southland Hospital and fully renovated it into two four-bedroom homes, perfect for attracting tenants, particularly hospital employees with families.
NZPIF RentSkills Awards Finalists
The RentSkills awards honour property investors who excel in tenant relationships and community engagement. Meet the finalists who are making a difference:
- Lydia Au, Canterbury
Lydia and her husband have been investing in property since 2012 and have three Christchurch rentals. Lydia’s strategy is to attract long-term tenants who can call the house their home, by providing warm dry and functional housing. This strategy has been successful: her tenants have stayed five years on average. - Rosalind Love & Tim Calder, Canterbury
Tim has been passionate about property investment since his late teenage years, and he bought his first investment property in 2002, while at his first year of university. He has since grown a successful property portfolio focussing on student accommodation which delivers a highly supporting flatting experience. He and Rosalind now operate a student property fund with a portfolio of 12 student flats in Christchurch and Dunedin. - Steve Pawson, Canterbury
Steve started his property investment journey in 1991, and now has a significant portfolio of over 50 tenancies. Steve puts his success down to consistently going above and beyond to ensure his property portfolio is well maintained and provides a safe and healthy environment for his tenants. - Harry Pearson, Nelson
Harry started investing in 2010 and has built up a portfolio of over six properties. He fosters a positive and relationship with his tenants and wants them to make his properties their home. As a result, his tenants generally stay long term. One of his passions is sustainability, and he has invested in raised garden beds, fruit trees and solar panels, giving his tenants the opportunity to live better and save money. - Jackie Thomas-Teague, Wellington
Jackie owns ten investment properties with her husband. Her focus in recent years has been on upgrading her portfolio to exceed Healthy Homes Standards and achieve HomeFit Plus Certification through the Green Building Council. She says the improvements have made a huge difference in the lives, comfort, health and financial well-being of her tenants, and her properties are always sought after when they come up for rent. - Chris & Warwick Dugdale, Wellington
Chris & Warwick have been investing in property since the 1980s, and have bought, rented, renovated and sold many properties over the years. Their property investment supports the Dugdale Charitable Trust which supports many Kiwi charitable organisations and the building of a new primary school in Uganda. They strive to treat tenants as they would want to be treated themselves, and to create a sense of community in the properties that they own. They address maintenance issues promptly, keep the lawns and gardens well-manicured and share fruit and vegetables from their kitchen garden with their tenants.
Thank you to our members!
A huge thank you to all our members who submitted applications this year. We’re thrilled to report a record number of entries, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication within our community. Together, we are raising the bar in our industry and creating quality living spaces for tenants across New Zealand.
Let’s celebrate the spirit of our community and the amazing achievements of our finalists! Good luck to everyone!