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Property Market – Rare advantage for property seekers as stock hits 10-year December high – Real Estate NZ

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

  • Stock at its highest December levels since 2014 with more than 30,000 properties for sale on realestate.co.nz 
  • Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Central North Island buck seasonal slowdown with double-digit growth in new listings
  • National average asking price holds steady at $860,274 but Wellington takes a tumble into the $700,000 price bracket.

Those dreaming of a new home over the Christmas period had plenty to choose from. The end of 2025 saw December stock levels surpass 30,000 for the first time in any December in a decade and capped off a full year of consistently high supply, with more than 30,000 properties on the market every month of 2025.

Latest data from realestate.co.nz shows the number of properties for sale on the site in December was at a 10-year high, with stock levels up 3.1% year-on-year to 30,390. A total of 11 regions recorded year-on-year growth, with Northland (up 11.4%) and Auckland (up 11.0%) leading the way.

Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says vendors usually hold off selling during the silly season, but this year, nine of 19 regions bucked the trend with a rise in new listings compared to last year.

“The lift in stock to a 10-year December high suggests that while sellers are feeling confident heading into 2026, buyers are being more considered and benefiting from greater choice,” says Williams.

Bay of Plenty bucks the seasonal slowdown with 22% increase in new listings  

The property market, typically quiet in December, saw a 2.8% year-on-year increase in new listings with 4,900 properties hitting the market. Bay of Plenty led the way with 385 new listings in the region up 22.2% compared to December 2024. Wellington (224 listings) and Central North Island (114 new listings) also recorded double-digit year-on-year growth in new listings, up 18.5% and 12.9% respectively.

“Typically, December is a time when vendors hit pause, so seeing this level of activity tells us many people were motivated to sell and felt confident enough to list – even before their Christmas shopping was finished,” notes Williams.

It was a tale of two Decembers, however, in which Marlborough (77), Nelson & Bays (118), and Gisborne (21) all recorded double-digit declines in new listings, down 25.2%, 24.8% and 19.2% respectively, compared to December 2024.

Meanwhile, Waikato recorded a December all-time low with just 355 new listings, a stark contrast from its position in November 2025, when the region reported over 1,000 listings in a month.

Wellington’s average asking price takes a tumble into the $700,000 bracket

Nationally, the average asking price remained steady with a 1.7% year-on-year increase to $860,274. Just three regions recorded double digit year-on-year growth:

Bay of Plenty’s average asking price increased 13.3% to $931,602
Central Otago/Lakes District’s average asking price increased 13.1% to $1,556,852
Otago’s average asking price increased 11.7% to $614,849

Gisborne, a standout region for 2025, experienced the most significant decline in average asking price, falling 29.1% from December 2024 to $532,314, only the third time the region has recorded an average asking price in the $500,000 bracket this year.

The capital also saw a fall in average asking price, down 9.1% year-on-year to $797,463. This dip saw Wellington’s average asking price fall below $800,000 for the first time since May 2024.

Williams says this drop presents a rare opening for buyers in the capital.

“While average asking prices have held in the $800,000s for much of the year, this softening suggests sellers are meeting the market. For buyers who’ve been waiting on the sidelines, this could be the window they’ve been looking for, especially with more stock on offer.”

Does December set us up for a year of activity in the property market?

“More than 30,000 homes on the market in December is a rarity,” says Williams. “With national prices holding steady and stock at multi-year highs in the final month of the year we could see renewed activity in early 2026, especially if confidence builds over summer.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996.  

Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. In 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.  

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights?

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.
Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices.
Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.  

 Glossary of terms:  

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.  

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.  

Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.  

Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.  

Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.  

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NZ government called on to uphold international law by condemning the US attack on Venezuela – Matt Robson

Source: Hon Matthew Robson, Barrister MA (Hons) LLB (Hons)

Former NZ Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control calls on NZ government to uphold international law by condemning the US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President.

Parliament should be recalled to vote on condemnation of this act of war with sanctions to be placed on the US 05 January 2026 Auckland New Zealand – “New Zealand is a minnow in terms of economic or military strength in the world. But it earned worldwide respect for its morality in defying the US and upholding the UN Charter and international law when it condemned the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

“In doing so it was defending the international rule of law not the rule of might ”, said former Associate Foreign Minister in the Helen Clark government, the Hon Matt Robson.

“Now, following on the craven decision of New Zealand to win Washington’s blessings by not opposing the US and Israeli genocide in Gaza and the West Bank and not voting for a Palestinian State , the New Zealand government by noy condemning the US invasion of Venezuela and seizing its President, is complicit in the ripping up of the UN Charter by the Trump administration ” continued the former Minister.

“The NZ government has stripped New Zealand’s credibility to any claim to adherence to international law and the UN Charter by its cowardice in not demanding the release of President Maduro and his wife and an end to the US aggression and the crippling sanctions and illegal seizure of Venezuelan oil.“

“The US ambassador needs to be summonsed and the illegality of the US aggression to be conveyed to the US administration in the strongest terms”.

“It is now over to opposition parties in New Zealand and any coalition MPs with a shred of decency to demand an urgent sitting of Parliament with 4 items on the agenda to vote on:

  1. The call for a special sitting of the UN General Assembly to discuss sanctions on the US for its aggression against Venezuela. 
  2. For NZ to unequivocally condemn the US aggression.
  3. To call for the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife.
  4. For sanctions to be placed on the US by New Zealand until it ends its aggression.
“The Hon Winston Peters as NZ Foreign Minister should place New Zealand on the side of the vast majority of countries supporting international law and condemn the United States for its illegal actions that have ripped up the UN Charter”, concluded the Hon Matt Robson.
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Politics and Health – Minister must confront Govt.’s own role in weakening health IT security – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA says Health Minister Simeon Brown's review into the ManageMyHealth cyber security breach announced today must confront the Government's own actions in downsizing the very IT workforce responsible for protecting patient data in our public health system.
The breach, which has compromised the private health information of up to 126,000 New Zealanders, is a chilling reminder of what happens when you fail to invest in secure, modern IT systems.
“The Minister talks about 'big wake up calls' and 'highest standards' — but where was his concern when his Government was downsizing the Digital Services team at Health NZ?” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The Minister needs to be open to admitting the Government got this all wrong. There is no shame in that. The stakes are too high.
“The risks are not confined to ManageMyHeatlh – hackers are getting more sophisticated every day and it was only in 2021 that a ransomware attack exposed patient data at Waikato DHB.
“Any review must consider the Government’s own actions in cutting IT staff and failing to invest in digital services to protect patient information managed by Health NZ.
“We know that clinicians are having persistent problems accessing patient portals, and service desks are slow to respond because they are under-resourced. Health NZ has been forced to bring in contractors from Datacom to plug the gaps. All this is evidence of Health NZ’s IT systems under strain and at risk of cyber security attacks.”
The PSA is the union for health IT workers.
“The Minister needs to talk to frontline IT workers in Health NZ who see every day the problems with outdated systems, insufficient resources, and the impossible task of maintaining security when Health NZ has let experts go and is struggling to find replacements.
“The PSA will co-operate fully with Health NZ for the review and as a starting point urges it to reconsider the comprehensive submission it provided, setting out the risks to its proposal to slash the digital services workforce in 2024.
“To date the Government has been more intent on saving money than saving lives as evidenced in the PSA’s analysis released today showing nearly 3000 health workers have been let go over the last two years (see analysis below).
“New Zealanders deserve a health system where their private information is protected. That requires proper investment in IT security and the experts who deliver it — not endless cost-cutting that leaves our systems vulnerable.”
Background
Previous PSA statements on Health NZ IT cuts:
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Weather News – Sunshine, dry weather and rising temperatures – MetService

Source: MetService 

Covering period of Monday 5th – Friday 9th January

  • Summer sunshine 
  • Higher than average forecast temperatures 
  • Minimal risk of significant weather until Friday 

Typical summertime skies are forecast for many (until at least Friday) as high pressure stretched across the country is shielding us from significant weather. For this upcoming week expect a great deal of sunshine and dry weather, albeit the odd afternoon shower here and there. Winds will be light as well with sea breezes around the coast.  

That being said, a few fronts will occasionally move north-eastwards across the South Island, associated with rain at times for the southern and western coasts, but nothing is looking impactful at this stage.  

MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows says, “For those who have had some very wet days in the northeast, such as Gisborne, the warmer and drier conditions forecast for this week will come as a bit of relief for recovery efforts, as well as for those wanting to spend some time at the beach.”

Warmer than average temperatures expected for Thursday and Friday for some eastern regions as a westerly flow establishes across the country, more information in the table attached.  

“It’s going to get hot for Blenheim on Friday with a forecast maximum temperature of 32°C, that’s 7.5°C above average,” advises Burrows.  

MetService issues Heat Alerts to warn people in New Zealand of unusually hot weather. Extreme heat during summer can be draining and have an impact on people’s daily lives – especially their health and wellbeing. If a heat alert is triggered it is recommended to take precautions such as keeping hydrated, seeking shade, checking in with vulnerable people/children and looking after your pets and livestock.

You can keep up to date with the latest forecast at metservice.com.
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Govt Cuts and Health – New data shows Govt axed thousands of critical health roles in middle of crisis – PSA

Source: PSA

PSA calls on political parties to pledge to reverse the cuts at election
Fresh analysis by the PSA reveals that nearly three thousand critical roles across the public health system were axed as a result of the many restructures forced on Health NZ Te Whatu Ora by the Government.
The analysis revealed for the first time today shows that the Government’s funding cuts forced Health NZ to run more than 30 restructures over the past two years. This resulted in around 2,100 full time equivalent roles being cut. In addition, some 640 health workers took voluntary redundancy.
The analysis has been undertaken by the PSA on the basis of the final decisions of change management processes that the PSA has been consulted on by Health NZ. It may underestimate the total full time equivalent roles lost to the public health system.
“These numbers are a damning indictment of the Government’s promise to New Zealanders that it would deliver better health outcomes for patients – this was irresponsible, only serving to deepen the health crisis,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The cuts must be reversed and we urge political parties this election to make that pledge.
“At a time of rising health needs from an ageing and growing population, when every day we see evidence of a public health system under strain, the Government just ignored the evidence, choosing to save money over saving lives.
“Behind these numbers are real human stories – the toll on families devastated by job losses, of lives turned upside down, of people forced to find work in other countries like Australia which better values health workers.
“At the same time, we know from evidence the PSA secured through the Official Information Act that Health NZ is failing to recruit people fast enough to fill vacancies – from medical imaging technologists to IT experts, all adding to a system under severe prressure.
“The people who lost their jobs were all critical to a well-functioning public health system – they provide the oil that drives the whole system.”
The job cuts and failure to fill vacancies fast enough have hit health workers across the system including:
– In-patient and community mental health workers facing increasing pressures, including from the phased withdrawal of police support
– IT experts updating old legacy systems and keeping critical service desks operating 24/7 that clinicians rely on. Contractors are now plugging some gaps.
– Audit experts and fraud investigators ensuring health funds are used appropriately
– Māori and Pacific health experts working with community groups on health promotion strategies
– The National Public Health Service with cuts to roles specialising in emergency management, pandemic preparedness and immunisation programmes
– Various health administration roles that book patients and send results to them
The impacts of these cuts have been laid out in the PSA’s survey of health workers in 2025.
“Health workers sent a strong message to the Government during the mega strike on 23 October that public health needs more investment to ensure patients get the care they need.
“In this election year voters will have a clear choice – make no mistake, the PSA will be campaigning hard to restore health to the health system.”
Previous statements
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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NZ foreign policy group calls for unflinching NZ govt condemnation of US aggression in Venezuela

Source: Te Kuaka

The Trump-led unilateral aggression by the US against Venezuela overnight (NZ time), including bombing of infrastructure and capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, must be unflinchingly condemned by the NZ government, says NZ foreign policy group Te Kuaka.

President Trump has openly spoken about securing Venezuela’s oil supplies through US companies.

“This is a brazen moment that unmasks US imperial aggression,” says Dylan Asafo, spokesperson for Te Kuaka. “The US has interfered militarily in Latin America before, but in recent years it has rarely done this so nakedly and with such open disregard for state sovereignty.”

The recent US National Security Strategy referred to a revival of the ‘Monroe Doctrine’, a nineteenth century doctrine about US control of the Americas as a hemisphere.

“This is not the time for mealy-mouthed fence-sitting,” adds Asafo. “If NZ does anything short of unflinchingly condemning this action, it’s another reminder that strategically aligning with the US – as this Government has done – draws us further into war-mongering and causing international instability.”

A number of countries have called for an urgent convening of the United Nations Security Council following this US act of aggression, and an emergency meeting of that Council will now be held on Monday.

“We support countries coming together to stand against this act of aggression,” says Dylan Asafo of Te Kuaka. “This is a critical moment where NZ must demonstrate that our independent foreign policy has not slipped away.”
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Nurses pay tribute to Dame Poutasi

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The passing of Dame Karen Poutasi has seen Aotearoa lose one of its foremost health leaders and a woman of high integrity, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says.
“Dame Karen was an extraordinary woman who led from the front. She was principled, devoted and deeply committed to the health and welfare of people and communities,” Ms Nuku says.
“Her decades-long devotion in trying to reduce the significant health inequalities gap that exists among different groups of New Zealanders, especially Māori and Pacific peoples, will always be acknowledged.
“It was her selflessness and deep care for others, no matter who they were, that made her such an amazing leader and person.
“During Dame Poutasi’s brief tenure as Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand chair from 2023 to 2024 at a difficult time, we found her to be very engaging and willing to listen to the nursing profession to make delivery of health services better,” Ms Nuku says.
Her mahi during the implementation of New Zealand’s early response to HIV/Aids and the governance of the Covid-19 vaccination programme will never be forgotten, Ms Nuku says.
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Health privacy breach exposes risk of Govt cutting IT experts in public health – PSA

Source: PSA

The cyber security breach at privately run Manage My Health is a chilling reminder of how the Government blundered in cutting the jobs of many IT experts safeguarding the public health system.
The sensitive personal information of more than 120,000 patients using Manage My Health may have been exposed in the latest ransomware attack on New Zealand’s health system.
“This privacy breach is a wakeup call for the entire health sector in New Zealand,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We have seen it before in the public health system with the Waikato Hospital ransomware attack in 2021 and yet this government failed to heed that lesson in forcing Health NZ to cut the jobs of experts running digital services.
“The risks are too high to play fast and loose with data systems – it’s a ticking time bomb.
“Like Manage My Health, our hospitals are using outdated systems but have lost experts who understand their complexities and weaknesses.
“Last year the PSA asked the Privacy Commissioner to investigate the impact of cuts to Health NZ’s digital services workforce but he refused.
“We call on him to reconsider this given the Manage My Health data breach.
“Patient information is highly sensitive and private, and New Zealanders should expect it's safely stored and not at risk from cyber security attacks.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Consumer NZ shares four simple ways to save in 2026

 Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ’s research has found the number of people concerned about the cost of living has doubled in 4 years.  

With some small adjustments to your spending habits, though, you could save thousands in 2026.  

Here are four simple and practical tips to help you keep more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket.

1. Save up to $1,680 by changing your car insurance
Switching your car insurance provider could save you as much as $1,680 a year.  

Our car insurance survey found the difference between the highest and lowest premiums for a family was $140 a month – or $1,680 a year.

“Car insurance premiums can vary wildly depending on the provider, it is worth taking some time to shop around,” says Jon Duffy, Consumer’s chief executive.

Consumer says other steps you can take to bring down your premiums include increasing your excess or paying an annual lump sum if you can afford to.

2. Save up to $600 by tweaking your power usage
Small changes in how you use power can lead to big savings.  

By adjusting the way you use your heat pump, switching off appliances at the wall and cutting down shower times, you can save hundreds each year.
 
“Get the most out of your heat pump by setting it between 19°C and 21°C, and regularly removing the filters for a gentle clean with a vacuum. Your room will be warm enough, and you will save about $90 over the year,” says Duffy.  
 
“Switching to cold water for washing your laundry could save you $50 a year, and reducing your shower length from 15 minutes to 5 minutes could save you up to $260 a person each year.

“Switching off appliances at the wall when they’re not in use can save up to $200 a year, too.”  

These small steps make a big difference to your bill.

3. Save $240 by dropping a streaming service
If you’re paying for multiple streaming services, it might be time to review your subscriptions.  

If you’re paying $20 a month for a service you don’t use much, unsubscribing could save you $240 a year.

“Streaming services are generally pretty easy to start and stop,” says Duffy.  
 
“Why not make a list of everything you want to watch on a particular service and rotate through different services a month at a time.”

4. Save up to $350 by changing your power company
In 2025, power prices soared. Switching to a cheaper plan could save you hundreds each year.  
 
Consumer’s free Powerswitch service helps you compare power plans and find the cheapest deal for your needs.
 
“Almost 95% of Powerswitch users find they can save money, with average savings of $350 a year.

“It’s a quick and easy way to ensure you’re not overpaying for electricity.”

Small savings tweaks can add up  
With a few simple changes, you could save thousands of dollars over the course of the year.

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Fire and Emergency NZ Statement – NZPFU members will strike today – be extra careful

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people and businesses in cities and towns to remain extra careful when members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) undertake a one-hour strike today.
“NZPFU members will walk off the job again between 12-1pm today,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says.
“We advise people, especially those in cities and towns served by paid firefighters, to be extra careful with fire safety today.
“We will continue to answer 111 calls during the one-hour strike and respond to fires in affected areas, but our responses will be delayed. Our dispatch system will direct volunteers from their own stations to help as they regularly do when there are multiple emergencies at one time, but it will take them longer.
“Businesses should take care with any work practices that could result in fire, and make sure their tenants understand their evacuation schemes and procedures,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We are advising everyone that, should there be a fire, they should evacuate early and, once out, stay out, and call 111.
“People should also check their smoke alarms and their escape plans.
“Community safety is of the utmost importance to us,” Megan Stiffler says.
“And, as we have done during the previous one-hour strikes, Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and, as a result, may not respond to less serious incidents in cities and towns during the one-hour strike.
“For example, private fire alarms where there is no evidence of fire, small rubbish fires, assisting traffic management, and animal rescues. This will ensure our resources are focused where they are needed most,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We have notified Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance that, for the one-hour strike, our volunteer crews won’t be able to respond to medical calls outside their patch.
“I want to reassure people that this strike action will not affect most of the country,” Megan Stiffler says.
“The vast majority of communities are served by our more than 11,800 volunteers in nearly 600 stations across New Zealand, who will respond as usual.
Bargaining
The Employment Relations Authority has referred Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU to facilitation to help make progress in ongoing negotiations for the NZPFU collective employment agreement.
Facilitation is ongoing.
“Attending independent facilitation with the Authority is the next logical step in coming to an agreement and we will participate in good faith with the NZPFU.
“We hope the facilitation process introduces some realism into discussions. The NZPFU’s most recent settlement proposal was more than three times higher than our last offer, which we believe was fair, sustainable, and reasonable, and in line with other settlements across the public service.
“The settlement offer we made prior to facilitation was a 6.2 percent increase over three years.
“This would have taken the average senior firefighter remuneration from a range of approximately $80,700-$87,400 to $85,800-$92,900 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances which currently adds an average of $38,800 to annual remuneration. We believe this represents a fair and sustainable increase for our people.
“We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent – more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers.”
Notes
  • Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have been in bargaining talks for a collective employment agreement for paid firefighters since 16 July 2024.
  • Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer made prior to facilitation was a 6.2 percent increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements.
  • Fire and Emergency considers the offer is sustainable, balances cost of living pressures being faced by individuals alongside fiscal pressures faced by Fire and Emergency and is consistent with the Government Workforce Policy Statement.
  • The previous 2022 collective employment agreement settlement provided a cumulative wage increase of up to 24 percent over a three-year period for paid firefighters.
  • Fire and Emergency has also been investing in replacing our fleet. We’ve taken delivery of 317 new trucks since 2017 and have another 78 on order. We are currently spending over $20 million per year on replacement trucks. There is also a significant programme of station upgrades underway, as well as investment in training.
  • For the 2025/26 financial year, Fire and Emergency’s operating budget is $857.9 million. Of that operating budget, 59 percent will be spent directly on the frontline, while another 32 percent is spent on frontline enablers. This means that over 90 percent of Fire and Emergency’s budget is spent on the frontline and the people directly supporting the frontline.