The John Kenel Show
Straight talk on property, money, and getting ahead in New Zealand.
John Kenel has spent over 20 years developing property and 27 years investing in it. More than 1,000 homes built. On this show he breaks down the property market, development, and money the way it actually works, not the way the system wants you to see it.
No jargon. No fluff. No spin. Just real talk for tradies, investors, business owners, and everyday Kiwis who want more freedom and more control over their lives.
If you've ever felt like the rules are stacked against ordinary people trying to get ahead, this is for you.
New episodes regularly. Education only, not financial advice.
Episodes

Jul 20, 2025
Jul 20, 2025
15 min
Global politics aren’t just headlines—they’re shaping the cost of living, the price of oil, and even what your house is worth.
In this episode, I connect the dots between wars in Europe, US debt and politics, and why oil could hit $150 a barrel.
You’ll learn how these global forces flow through to New Zealand—driving building costs, inflation, rents, and ultimately the value of your property.
I’ll also share thoughts on gold, shares, and where opportunities might lie in an uncertain world.
This is not financial advice—everyone’s situation is different, so please speak to a professional financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

Jul 12, 2025
Jul 12, 2025
1 hr 3 min
NZ Property 2025: Rising Costs, Stalled Growth…
But the Smart Move is Starting Now while headlines focus on falling prices and oversupply, because the real shift is already underway.
In this video, John Kenel and Andrew Crosby expose the truth about NZ property development in 2025 — rising infrastructure costs, council dysfunction, rental pressure, and why this could be the most important buying window we’ve seen in years.
This isn’t hype — it’s pattern recognition. And those who get ahead now will be positioned for the next wave.
🏗️ What You’ll Learn:
• Why development costs are rising even as build prices ease
• The 64% spike in fibre + power connection fees — and what it signals
• Why rental stock is stacking up (and what to do if you're an investor)
• Tourism, migration, and why NZ is still “undervalued” globally
• OCR forecast impact — and why the recovery may be closer than you think
• Why now is the time to landbank, renovate, or negotiate distressed stock
• The coming risks of vilifying landlords & the future of build-to-rent
🔥 For Developers, Builders & Investors Who Actually Want to Get Ahead This isn’t for spectators. If you’re serious about building wealth in this market — now’s the time to move while everyone else is sitting still.
👉 Subscribe for real talk on:
• NZ housing cycle shifts
• OCR & rate forecast breakdowns
• On-the-ground developer insights
• Property investment strategy that works in 2025
🔔 Tap Subscribe and turn on notifications — no fluff, no sales pitch, just sharp strategy.
🛠️ NZ property is shifting under the surface. Are you watching… or waiting?
#johnkenel #assuredproperty #NZProperty2025 #RealEstateNZ #PropertyInvestmentNZ #CouncilCosts #BuildToRent #Landbanking #OCRForecast #HousingMarketNZ #PropertyStrategy #InvestSmartNZ #InfrastructureCrisis #MarketCycleNZ

May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
41 min
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.

Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
17 min
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.

Mar 24, 2025
Mar 24, 2025
12 min
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.

Nov 22, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
50 min
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

Nov 2, 2024
Nov 2, 2024
54 min
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!

Oct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
51 min
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

Oct 9, 2024
Oct 9, 2024
1 hr 12 min
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.

Oct 6, 2024
Oct 6, 2024
19 min
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!

Talking Property Development with John Kenel
Welcome to Talking Property Development with John Kenel, where property development meets expert advice! Hosted by John Kenel, a property investor and developer with over two decades of experience, this podcast is designed to provide valuable insights into property development, long-term investing, and building sustainable wealth.
Whether you're a seasoned property investor or developer and just starting out, Talking Property Development is here to guide you through the complexities of the market. John shares his personal journey, expert strategies, and market updates, offering practical tips on everything from spotting investment opportunities to understanding property cycles and maximizing returns.
This podcast is unique because it emphasises a "slow and steady" approach to wealth creation through property, helping everyday people get ahead without the hype or shortcuts. Tune in for engaging discussions, real-life examples, and actionable advice on how to secure your financial future through smart property development.
Hit play and start your journey toward building lasting wealth through property development!







