Businesses going global

Looking to move to New Zealand and have some questions? Let Kea help you out with our latest returner webinar. 

Our speakers will cover a range of topics including;

• Tips on finding a home to rent or buy – what the current market is like, should you rent before you buy or make a purchase from overseas? 
• How to navigate the world of shipping – what should you bring home, and how should you get it here, plus what are the benefits of packing your own stuff vs asking the experts?
• Hear personal experiences from a recent Kiwi returner who will talk about settling in, the importance of community, and the advice they wish someone had given them.

Listen here.

Meet our panellists:

• Brendan Goodwin – Goodwins Real Estate
  Goodwins is a full-service real-estate agency across both property management and sales. Brendan has experience in commercial property law in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Goodwins specialises in helping offshore Kiwi return home. 

• Kerry James – Crown Relocations
  Kerry works closely with clients to ensure they receive the best possible advice and guidelines around their international and domestic relocations and maintains a global network of service partners from accommodation providers to immigration specialists.
  
• Sam Dixon – Returned Kiwi
  Leaving New Zealand for a ‘short OE’ aged 26, Sam ended up spending 26 years offshore, with roles in London, Europe and Hong Kong and can speak to the challenges and rewards of returning to New Zealand after an extended period abroad.

Kea also has some handy resources available online. You can take a look at our full coming home resource list here, but a few key ones to highlight are below: 

• Kea welcome home resources
• Kea talent platform
• Kea community events
• Read more about Sam’s story of returning home and his thoughts on bringing a global perspective home to Aotearoa.

Kea can also continue to support you once you have returned to New Zealand. Please register to join Kea to be kept up to date with latest news and events for the Kea community.

If you are living overseas and have a home in New Zealand, what are the different ways you can engage the rental market?

There are various ways to utilise your rental when living overseas, here are some key options and considerations:

Engage a property management company: Engaging a property management company like Goodwins will take care of everything from finding and screening potential tenants, collecting rent, property maintenance and dealing with any tenant issues. 

Long-term leasing: Renting your property on a long-term lease (typically 12 months or more) provides stable income and reduces the frequency of tenant turnover.

Short-term leasing: There is the option to use services like Airbnb or Booking.com to rent out your property for short stays which can offer higher rental income potential, flexibility to use the property yourself, and have professional property management options available. However, be mindful of potential increased wear and tear, frequent tenant turnover and the need for local management support.

Relocation specialists: You can use relocation services to deliver tenants, catering to expats and professionals relocating to New Zealand. This tends to attract reliable tenants who may require long-term leases and are often backed by corporate guarantees. Relocation services may charge a fee, but it can result in high-quality tenants. However, you will still need to engage a company to manage the tenancy.

What are the pros and cons of renting and selling your home in New Zealand when you live overseas?

It’s important to consider your long-term plans, financial goals, and ability to manage property-related responsibilities when making your decision. Consulting with a real estate professional can also provide valuable insights tailored to your specific situation. Here’s are some key factors to help you make an informed decision:

Pros of renting: Renting your home provides a steady stream of rental income, which can help to cover mortgage payments, maintenance cost and can potentially generate profit. It also allows you to benefit from potential increases in property over time. Renting your property offers flexibility in that you can retain ownership of your home, giving you the option to return to it later in the future, or sell it if market conditions improve.

Cons of renting: Managing a rental property from overseas can be challenging and time-consuming. It often requires hiring a property management company which incurs additional costs. It can also mean you are dealing with potential tenant issues, vacancies and property maintenance which can be tricky to manage from afar and costly.

Pros of selling your property: Selling your home provides a lump sum of cash that you can use for other investments, paying off debt, or funding other expenses. Once the property is sold you no longer have to worry about property management, tenant issues, or maintenance costs. If you sell in a strong property market, selling your home can yield a significant profit. 

Cons of selling your property: Selling a home you have an emotional connection to can be difficult, especially if you plan to return to New Zealand in the future. It also involves costs as real estate agent commissions, legal fees, and potential capital gains tax which can reduce your net profit. If the property market is in a downward cycle, you may not receive the desired price for your property.

What are your top tips for managing a rental from afar when living overseas?

Here are top five tips that for managing a rental property while living overseas:

Hire a reliable property management company: Choose a company that offers comprehensive services like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and legal compliance. Ensure they have good local knowledge of the area you are in, a solid reputation and reliable communication.

Utilise technology: Use online platforms to track rent payments, maintenance requests, and tenant communication. You can also conduct property inspections through video calls and virtual tours. It’s wise to install smart locks, security cameras, and other devices to monitor the property remotely.

Set clear expectations with tenants: Ensure your lease agreements are comprehensive, outlining all terms, responsibilities and expectations, and establish clear lines of communication for tenants to reach you or your property manager.

Build a reliable local network: Have a list of trusted contractors and service providers for maintenance and emergency repairs, and maintain relationships with local real estate lawyers and accountants to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

5. Stay informed on rental laws and market conditions: Keep updated on rental laws, tenant rights, and any changes in regulations. It’s also best practice to monitor the local real estate market to make informed decisions about rent pricing and property improvements.

What additional support do you offer for Kiwi owners living abroad?

At Goodwins, we have landlord clients living all over the globe and have helped them to sell their investment properties. Goodwins provide comprehensive property management services tailored to meet the unique needs of overseas homeowners through full-service management including tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and legal compliance, ensuring your property is in expert hands. 

For more information and advice on how to handle your NZ property, contact Goodwins.

What is your role in the Paralympics?

I am the Chef De Mission for the Paralympics Team to Paris this year, which is a very special opportunity. This is my fifth Paralympics but the first time as the Chef De Mission – all the other times I’ve been the team leader with the athletics team. It’s a very special moment and I feel privileged and honoured to be undertaking this role.

How many teams and athletes are competing ?

We anticipate we will have a team of around 30 athletes over around ten sports. Already from those who have been named, there is a diverse amount of sports that we haven’t had for quite some time.

What are your main goals and priorities for the team?

I’m totally and utterly performance and athlete focused. So, as far as I am concerned it’s about providing a safe environment where the athletes can just get on and do what they need to do to perform their best. I also want to ensure a good culture around the team that allows them to blossom and focus on the task at hand.

How do you feel the Paralympics connects Kiwis all around the globe?

The New Zealand Paralympic Team strives to challenge the perceptions around disability through showcasing high performance Para athletes and basically proving that anything is possible. Para sport has come a long way in the last 20 years. It is truly high performance now through the investment of the government and corporate, and through integration and high performance coaching. The standard has increased so much, to the extent that we actually do have some Paralympians who are competing as well as able bodied athletes now.

It’s an avenue of bringing people together, our slogan of the Paralympic Team is ‘one team, one spirit’ and has been created to remind New Zealanders of our pride and desire to succeed on the world stage. And as one spirit, we’re taking on the world. We’ve proven to do that in the past and we certainly hope to do that again in Paris.

What do you believe sets Kiwi Para athletes apart on the international stage?

I think being from the bottom of the world and having the number eight wire approach and a ‘can do’ attitude is what makes us significant in New Zealand across every environment. We’re used to training in the rain and cold weather, we’re used to training by ourselves, competing by ourselves, and just making do, I think when these athletes then get onto the world stage there’s an attitude that they can do anything, because they are used to doing this on a daily basis. They are very innovative and resilient – they just get on with it. 

Looking beyond Paris, what legacy do you hope the New Zealand Paralympic Team will leave, both in terms of Para athletic achievement and broader societal impact?

From a societal point of view, it’s that exposure that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Showcasing that nothing comes easy, it’s a lot of hard work, but if you put your mind to it, you can achieve your goals and dreams.

I also think it’s about making Kiwis feel proud. We’re extremely honoured to wear the silver fern. So through our performance, making those Kiwis sitting at home watching and supporting feel proud and having a tear in their eye when things go well, and almost feeling like they are the ones running the race or swimming in the pool with these athletes.

The legacy is also about continuing to grow these role models, so they become household names like the Richie McCaws and Lisa Carringtons – that these Para athletes are just as much household names and they’re recognised and supported as much as their able-bodied counterparts.

How can our Kiwi community get involved?

Through watching the broadcast on TVNZ, social media and sending good luck messages, and supporting our partners that actually help us to get here. I think the biggest thing is at Games time and receiving those messages of ‘best of luck’ or ‘well done’. You don’t know how much that means to athletes when they are on the other side of the world and they’re missing their home and loved ones. They are trying to do their best and knowing that the country is backing them means a heck of a lot. So, I challenge everyone out there to send a message via social media or through our website and voice how proud they are of our Para athletes. 
Learn more about the 2024 New Zealand Paralympic Team and how you can support them here: https://paralympics.org.nz/.

When Sam Dixon left New Zealand for London, he initially intended to be away for no more than two years, but ended up staying and working in the British financial capital for more than 15. Armed with a BComm, Sam initially worked as an investment banker at  JPMorgan in London where he realised his Kiwi roots and work ethos were highly valued. 

“Both JPMorgan and subsequently HSBC really liked hiring New Zealanders because they valued our ability to just roll our sleeves up and get stuff done. I was promoted to run large teams at both firms as they were filled with people from all over Europe and Asia with various  opinions on religion and politics. As a Kiwi all I cared about was getting business done and planning my next long weekend away to support the All Blacks.”

In 2003 Sam married Jo-Anne, a fellow Kiwi he met in an Irish bar in Leicester Square and the couple went on to have two sons, both born in London. Their international journey continued when Sam joined HSBC and was asked to move to Hong Kong to lead their Hedge Fund team across Asia. 

“When I was first offered the role I promised Jo-Anne we would spend two years in Hong Kong, but we ended up staying for eleven. HSBC, at that time, was the largest bank in Hong Kong and it was exciting visiting all the major cities in Asia to assist foreign firms go into and out of China. Jo-Anne gave up her career as a brand consultant when we left London and went on to launch what became Asia’s best-selling Panama hat brand. Hong Kong is a wonderful place to have young children and there’s a great expat community, so we really enjoyed our time there.”

The family always planned to return to New Zealand, and when it came time for their eldest son to start secondary school, they decided to enrol him as a boarder at Sam’s alma mater in Auckland.  

By the time their second son, Charlie, was ready to start High school the pandemic had hit and Jo-Anne moved back to Auckland to be with the boys, leaving Sam in Hong Kong and then Sydney to finish up his role with HSBC. 

“I did nine weeks of quarantine in 2022 as I went back and forth between Auckland, Sydney and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government stipulated  three weeks’ quarantine in the tiny Hong Kong hotel rooms. A friend tried to drop me off a spin cycle and rowing machine so I could stay active but neither would fit in the tiny Hong Kong hotel room.”

Finally, in early 2023, Sam concluded his tenure with HSBC and returned to New Zealand to reunite permanently with his family.

“I was super excited coming back to New Zealand after more than 20 years offshore, but integrating into professional life after such a long absence was challenging. I was naturally not an easy fit for large Kiwi financial institutions as they found it difficult to offer senior roles to someone of my age with no direct New Zealand deal experience, I don’t hold any grudges however, and it is understandable that local institutions preferred younger candidates who were more attuned to the domestic landscape.”

On a personal level, Sam’s reintegration into Kiwi society was a lot more satisfying. He cherishes regular fishing/skiing trips with old school friends as well as weekend walks around Auckland with his labrador. He has also landed a great role, one which allows him to bring all his global know-how to the table. 

“I have set up a fund distribution business, connecting Kiwi and offshore investors to asset managers and investment opportunities in New Zealand. I am really enjoying the challenge of applying international investment discipline and introducing fantastic Kiwi fund managers to those offshore investors. Translating my international experience into local success has required a strategic approach. Everyone has been keen to talk over a flat white but you need to be prepared to offer differentiated solutions and to ask for what you want and not just rely on the wonderful friendly Kiwi ethos.”

For other Kiwis contemplating a return home, both Jo-Anne and Sam say their advice is to start preparing for the reintegration sooner rather than later. 

“Reach out while you’re still overseas, use networks like LinkedIn and Kea effectively, and don’t be afraid to cold call or email friends of friends.”

Sam’s experience underscores a broader narrative about the challenges and rewards of returning home after an extended period abroad. However, despite the hurdles, he remains optimistic about his return and values the chance to contribute to New Zealand’s growth and development.

“My experiences offshore have enriched my perspective, and that of my family. I’m very positive about New Zealand’s future and am keen to give back and support.  I think we are  in relatively good shape compared to other parts of the world.  My friends say I am naïve – but I’ve experienced countries with much worse social, environmental and political standards. Mind you, that doesn’t stop me complaining to Wayne Brown about road cones and yelling at the TV when I disagree about petty micro political issues!. But, overall I think people should realise how lucky we are to live here and I’m bloody excited about showcasing the local talent and introducing more investors and funds in to this great country.”

From the moment Shelley’s Texan husband Rod first took her to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula she felt a connection with the town of Tulum. 

“Rod had spent a lot of time in Mexico growing up, and when our son was almost two, we travelled as a family to the Yucatán Peninsula. It was during this visit that I fell in love with the town of Tulum. The mix of the Mayan ruins, jungle, and sandy beaches deeply resonated with me, and I was struck by the similarities between the Mayan and Māori cultures.”

Little did Shelley realise, this trip would be the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey which would lead to her launching her brand Tulum 2U, a sustainable boho chic brand which offers a range of high-end eco-friendly beach bags, totes, and clutches, unique handmade coverups, exotic body/room/linen sprays, and luxury throws/towels all of which capture the essence of Tulum. 

“Creating these designs was a journey filled with inspiration. Much like writing a song, I was inspired by musicians which helped me craft my songwriting and Tulum 2U was no different in that I was inspired and influenced and my designs were about channelling the essence of the Māori and Mayan cultures in a way that was genuine, respectful, and beautiful. It’s cool to see how the two cultures, despite being so far apart, share common threads in their stories and connection to the land. It showed me how diverse and yet similar human societies can be.”

Not only beautiful, the bags and totes which form the base of Shelley’s brand are also all made from 100% recycled material, giving new life to materials which would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.

“Right from the word go, the quality of the recycled plastic and the weaving of each product has been extremely important to me. All our plastic is sourced from hospitals and local businesses in Mexico that would otherwise end up in landfills or the ocean. The process commences with the sourcing of medical-grade plastic, which is then skillfully woven by artisans using traditional techniques cultivated and refined over generations.”

“I have experienced first-hand the impact plastic has after it winds up in the ocean. Every May the turtles migrate to Akumal on the peninsula to lay their eggs. I have witnessed the beautiful moment when the eggs hatch and the baby turtles struggle to find their way to the water’s edge. It’s heartbreaking that some of these turtles won’t make it simply because they will become entangled with plastic in the ocean. I feel very blessed to be in a position with my business to make a difference to our planet, even if it is just one stylish bag at a time!”

Building a business hasn’t always been easy and Shelley says one of the biggest challenges has been ensuring she has a healthy work life balance. 

“I was a woman heading into her fifth decade starting a business from scratch with zero experience in the manufacturing or retail worlds. I was completely out of my depth, and on top of that I had an eight year old son. It’s easy for the business to take precedence if you’re not careful. What has truly been a godsend is building a network of mentors and tapping into the minds of fellow entrepreneurs. Women especially have been incredibly generous with their time and expertise, which has been crucial to the continued growth of my business.”

Despite the challenges Shelley says she’s proud of her journey especially when she reflects on how far the business has come. Having established a foothold in the US market, she’s now looking to introduce Tulum 2U’s bags into stores in NZ and Australia and wants to continue to unite people through sustainable fashion. 

“My intention when I launched the brand was to honour where I came from and where I had landed. Surprisingly I have been approached by strangers from places like Africa, India, and Asia, admiring the designs and likening them to something they used to make when they were younger.  I always feel humbled by their enthusiasm and how they love to share their story with me.”

You can check out Tulum 2U’s full range here For a limited time Kea members can receive free shipping by using the code KEA at checkout. 

Born and raised in Auckland, Toby’s love of cooking began during childhood, where he would eagerly lick the mixing bowl or spoon after his mother had finished baking. He knew he wanted to travel, and after finishing high school, decided to turn his culinary curiosity into a career by enrolling in AUT’s culinary program. 

“I wasn’t really considering cooking as a career at first, but once I started training, I realised how much I loved it. The camaraderie of the kitchen and the constant opportunity for personal growth really made me realise this was the path for me.”

Upon graduating, Toby landed his first job at Hammerheads in Auckland, a restaurant that is no longer in operation. Under the mentorship of Chef Michael Van De Elzen, Toby began to hone his skills.

“It was a great start, and I quickly realised that I thrived in environments where I could push my limits. Some of my early jobs were intense, but they taught me a lot about myself and my career.”

Toby’s desire to see the world and refine his culinary skills led him to the UK, where he found a position at The Greenhouse in London, a Michelin star restaurant serving high end Modern French cuisine. 

“When I landed in the UK a friend suggested I open the Michelin guide and start approaching restaurants. I ended up at The Greenhouse, working there was amazing, and it was just the beginning of my European adventure.”

From London, Toby’s journey took him to the Mediterranean, working on private yachts. The financial benefits of working on yachts allowed him to continue travelling and eventually led him to Canada, where he worked in Vancouver and Banff. His career path continued to evolve, taking him to Toronto, where he joined the team at a restaurant led by renowned French chef Daniel Boulud.

“Daniel Boulud’s restaurant in Toronto was an incredible opportunity. I worked as a sous chef there, and after almost three years, I was asked to move to New York. It was a dream come true. Years earlier I had dined at Restaurant Daniel, (Chef Boulud’s flagship) as a 23 year old who had just left New Zealand, and I was amazed at the level of hospitality and the quality of food. I knew then that I wanted to work at that level one day. Here I was, some 7 years later doing just that”

Toby spent a year in New York, working with Daniel Boulud and soaking in the vibrant culinary scene. But life took a new turn when he met his partner during a trip to Chicago. After a period of long-distance, the couple relocated to Sydney, Australia, where Toby took on the role of Head Chef at one of Matt Moran’s restaurants. After getting engaged they moved to Dallas, Texas, with the intention of starting a family and pursuing Toby’s dream of opening his own restaurant, both of which came to fruition around the same time. 

“Our daughter was born 9 weeks early right around the time I was trying to open my restaurant, Quarter Acre. It was incredibly stressful—trying to manage construction delays and rising costs while dealing with a newborn in the NICU. But once we opened, it was an incredible achievement.”

Quarter Acre is a testament to Toby’s Kiwi roots, with flax baskets, sheepskins, and oyster shell chandeliers creating a distinct ambiance that pays homage to New Zealand and the vibrant Kiwi food scene. 

“New Zealand has a rich, global food culture that influences our culinary landscape, and I try to bring that same essence to Dallas. It’s new and exciting, and it’s great to see people appreciating global flavours. I have a salmon dish on the menu from Big Glory Bay in Stewart Island, and when people taste it, they often remark on how incredible it is. The quality of New Zealand products is exceptional, and our menu features New Zealand venison, lamb, and even an Australian sea bass (Barramundi) dish, which has been rebranded to appeal to local tastes.”

Alongside Kiwi flavours Toby’s culinary creations also reflect a blend of global influences. His ceviche, for example, incorporates Thai flavours like coconut milk and chilli jam. 

“I love to play with different elements from around the world. The egg salad, for instance, has Vadouvan curry powder—a French-inspired spice mix. I also incorporate Middle Eastern spices in dishes like the lamb sausage roll. It’s a mix of all the places I’ve worked and the flavours I’ve come to love.”

The wine list at Quarter Acre is another nod to Toby’s commitment to promoting New Zealand food and beverage, with more than 50% of the wine selections coming from the Southern Hemisphere, with a significant portion dedicated to New Zealand wines. 

“We want to introduce people to New Zealand wines and show them that they’re not just good—they’re exceptional.”

In addition to Quarter Acre, Toby is keen to continue expanding his culinary influence and envisions future ventures that embrace the relaxed, vibrant dining culture of places like Sydney or Auckland. 

“I want my next restaurant to have that laid-back, pub-like feel where people can come in, have a great meal, and just relax. It’s about creating spaces where people feel at home and enjoy themselves.”

Toby’s advice for newcomers to the culinary world is practical and grounded in his own experiences.

“Have confidence in what you want to do and put in the time to get it. Opening a restaurant is a huge risk, but if you believe in your concept and work hard, it can pay off. I’ve learnt that while being humble is important, you need to tell your own story. People want to know the person behind the restaurant.”

Quarter Acre, named after the iconic Kiwi dream of owning a piece of land, embodies Toby’s aspiration to bring a slice of New Zealand to Dallas. 

“It’s fascinating how, as Kiwis, we bond more when we’re overseas. Here in Dallas, if another New Zealander walks into the restaurant, it’s like an instant connection. I want to extend that welcome and build a network of New Zealanders doing great things here. It’s about sharing that dream and creating something special here.”