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NZ Skip navigation Search Create Avatar image The Secret Garden Investment: Why Professional Landscaping Adds More Than Beauty with Janet Clarke

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Janet Clarke, Chairperson of Registered Master Landscapers and Director of Auckland landscaping company Second Nature, to explore why great landscaping is about much more than planting, paving or presentation. Janet’s own journey into the industry began as a client. After having her garden designed and built, she later used Second Nature as the case study for a postgraduate marketing paper, before becoming more involved in the business through strategic planning, systems and administration. That pathway, combined with her earlier experience in construction project management, gives Janet a unique view of landscaping from both the client and business side. The conversation explores the role of Registered Master Landscapers, why accreditation matters, and how homeowners can make more informed decisions when choosing who to trust with their outdoor spaces. Janet explains why professional landscaping includes not only design and planting, but also construction knowledge, contracts, health and safety, insurance, communication, maintenance, and long-term care. We also look at the value of good landscape design for homeowners preparing to sell, renovating to stay, or simply wanting to make better use of their outdoor environment. From first impressions at the front door to the importance of maintenance, staging, seasonal timing, sustainability and green spaces, Janet shares practical advice on how thoughtful landscaping can support lifestyle, wellbeing and property value. Whether you are planning a full garden transformation, preparing your home for market, or looking for a trusted professional to help bring structure and confidence to your project, this episode offers a clear guide to why the right landscaping advice can be one of the most valuable investments you make in your property.

by Louise

Mastering the Craft of Functional Kitchen Design with Dave Wilson

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.

by Louise

Framed for the Future: Joinery That Works, Looks, and Lasts Better with Haydon Rogers

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Haydon Rogers, Category Manager at Altus Window Systems, to explore the often-overlooked role that windows and doors play in the comfort, performance, and visual identity of your home. From ranch sliders to high-performance glazing, Haydon walks us through the key decisions homeowners face when renovating or building, including how to balance aesthetics, ventilation, thermal efficiency, security, and cost. He explains why joinery isn't just a finishing detail, but a crucial part of your building envelope that affects everything from heating bills to natural light, acoustic control, and resale appeal. We take a closer look at how joinery systems have evolved in New Zealand, from traditional aluminium frames to modern thermally broken and high-spec options designed for energy-conscious living. Haydon breaks down the differences between standard and high-performance glass, the practical value of low-E coatings and argon gas fills, and what to consider when choosing between sliding, bi-folding, and hinged door systems, especially in coastal or exposed locations. Whether you’re planning a large new build or simply upgrading tired joinery in an existing home, this episode will help you ask smarter questions, spot long-term value, and better understand how the right windows and doors can elevate both form and function. With clarity and insight, Haydon makes this technical topic accessible and shows why future-proofed design starts at the frame.

by Louise