On this episode of The Building Pulse Podcast, host Tim Haycock sits down with seasoned developer John Kenel to explore one of the biggest questions in the housing market today: Is innovation still possible—or even necessary—to keep developments moving in New Zealand?

With over 1,000 homes built and 20+ years navigating the trenches of property development, John shares what’s changed, what’s broken, and why navigating red tape has become a developer’s biggest risk.

In Part 1, they cover:

• How New Zealand’s consenting process has evolved—and not always for the better

• The disconnect between local councils and central government

• The cultural shift in how Kiwis see landlords and developers

• Why innovation might not be optional anymore

Whether you’re in development, investing, or just trying to make sense of the housing crisis—this episode brings the perspective of someone who’s seen the full cycle, and still believes New Zealand can build its way forward.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2—where John dives deeper into solutions, strategies, and what it’ll take to fix the system.

This week I cover everything from Trump’s tariff chaos to the Reserve Bank’s drip-feed rate cuts—and why both are killing confidence.

I break down what’s really happening in the NZ housing market, with the latest stats from REINZ, and share my take on the government's granny flat policy. Sounds good on paper… but is it another regulation trap?

Plus, I give a behind-the-scenes update on my Moore Street project, explain why I’ve stopped developing in Hamilton, and preview my live appearance on Radio New Zealand tomorrow at 9am.

If you care about housing, development, or just want the straight talk—this episode’s for you.

In this video, John Kenel breaks down the current state of the New Zealand property market and economy. With inflation still running hot and rents rising, he explains why staying invested in appreciating assets like real estate is more important than ever. Learn what’s changed since 2021, how affordability has quietly improved, and why “getting rich slowly” still works—if you know what to do.

In this episode of The Property Development Club Podcast, hosts John Kenel and Andrew Crosby sit down with Johnny Gordon of Iconic Construction to explore the groundbreaking world of 3D printing in construction. Together, they dive into how this innovative approach is transforming the housing market in New Zealand and beyond.

From the efficiency and cost savings of 3D printed homes to the challenges of adapting to evolving market trends and regulatory environments, this episode sheds light on the future of sustainable and innovative building practices.

Key discussion points include:

• The state of the current housing market and mortgage rates.
• How 3D printing accelerates construction while reducing waste.
• The role of unique designs and architectural collaboration in 3D printed concrete homes.
• The importance of sustainability in modern construction practices.
• Challenges in bringing 3D printing mainstream in New Zealand.

If you’re interested in property development, market insights, and cutting-edge construction technologies, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

3D printing, construction, housing market, property development, innovative building, Iconic Construction, Johnny Gordon, market trends, mortgage rates, sustainable building

If you'd like to learn how to become a property developer, or learn how to be a better, more profitable developer then check out my course https://thepropertydevelopmentclub.com/

Thanks for listening.

John Kenel

In this compelling episode of the Property Development Club, hosts John Kenel and Andrew Crosby sit down with Shane Brealey, Managing Director of Simplicity Living, one of New Zealand's leading Build-to-Rent developers. With decades of experience and a clear vision for the future, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge on New Zealand’s property challenges, the Build-to-Rent (BTR) movement, and the impact of government policies on development.

Shane shares insider insights on how Simplicity Living is reshaping the rental market with quality, long-term rental solutions and dives deep into the potential of BTR to address housing shortages. From market predictions to the urgent need for smarter building practices, this episode is packed with practical advice and bold reflections on the future of New Zealand housing.

Whether you're an investor, a developer, or just curious about property trends, this episode offers a unique perspective on how BTR could transform New Zealand's housing market. Join us and discover the opportunities and challenges facing today's property sector!

Want to avoid the most common mistakes developers make and get ahead in the NZ property game?

n this episode of Talking Property Development, John, Andrew, and Dave dive into the New Zealand property market. We focus on the critical role of surveying with insights from Dave McCracken, an experienced surveyor whose expertise can make or break a development.

Dave explains why accurate surveying is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes and setting your development up for success. From site information to boundaries and levels, proper surveying is the foundation for everything else. We also uncover how it can reveal hidden profit opportunities.

Get the inside scoop on compliance, common mistakes, and why great communication is key. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter moves in the property market.

Hit play and make your next development a winner!

Chapters

00:00 Current Property Market Overview

03:50 Challenges in Property Development

15:29 Introduction to Surveying in Development

16:13 Importance of Site Research

25:17 Navigating Resource Consent Challenges

30:07 Sustainability in Development

35:33 The Role of Surveyors in Development

46:17 Building a Development Team

www.thepropertydevelopmentclub.com

In this episode, John Kenel and Andrew Crosby host a discussion with Blair Chappell from Williams Corporation.

They focus on the intricacies of property development, particularly in the context of townhouses.

They explore the journey of Williams Corporation, the challenges of scaling a business in the construction industry, and the impact of market dynamics and government intervention on development projects.

The conversation also delves into the importance of effective team management, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the potential for innovation in building practices.

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the pressing issues surrounding housing costs, infrastructure failures, and the challenges of urban planning in New Zealand.

They delve into the impact of government policies on home ownership and the complexities of property investment. The discussion highlights the importance of quality of life, commuting issues, and the dynamics of the housing market, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to improve the current state of affairs.

In this episode, John Kenel takes a deep dive into the current challenges of the New Zealand property market, explaining why—despite economic downturns and high interest rates—now could be the perfect time to invest. Drawing on years of experience in property development, John shares his best strategies to help investors navigate this difficult landscape and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

John emphasizes the importance of smart research, from building a personal database of properties to efficiently assessing potential investments. He also highlights the often overlooked role of real estate agents in a tough market and explains how partnering with the right agents can give you a major advantage.

Additionally, John introduces The Property Development Club, a community designed for people who want to learn how to get into property development. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already completed a few developments, the club provides valuable insights, networking opportunities, and advanced strategies to help you succeed and continue improving.

Throughout the episode, John underscores the importance of having a clear mindset—setting personal goals, staying focused, and not letting external negativity hold you back. His practical advice and expert knowledge will leave you inspired to take action, even in a challenging market.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive in today’s property market—don’t miss it!