About Us

Kiwis in Property (KIP) is a professional networking group promoting business and career opportunities for New Zealanders connected with the commercial property sector in the UK, Europe and globally.

KIP began in 2014 when three kiwis met in a Spitalfields pub and decided to start a club where they could talk about big buildings, jandals and chilly bins in the same sentence. Today our mailing list reaches over 1300 property kiwis in London, back home in NZ and across the world.

Our membership includes property investors, developers, corporate occupiers, agents, lawyers, architects and many other professions associated with the commercial property sector. We actively connect our members so they can do business together and we help new arrivals to find work in the property sector and settle into London life. On the social side we also enjoy the odd NZ craft beer and occasionally dressing up in silly outfits!

Group membership and events are open to all NZ passport holders with connections to commercial property. Wherever you are in the world you can sign up to our mailing list for free. If you are UK based we encourage you to also subscribe as a KIP member for only £49 per annum. Membership entitles you to free entry to the majority of our London networking events and discounted rates for social events. KIP members are also eligible to list themselves in our “Find a Kiwi” directory – promote your expertise and get noticed!

You can view highlight videos of our breakfast speaker events here. Become a paid KIP member to access our full video library of speaker talks.

Latest Newsletter

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Kiwis in Property Newsletter May 2023

Hello Property Kiwis 

Another jam packed KIP newsletter this month. In April we enjoyed a great breakfast talk from Jan Zijderveld former senior executive at Unilever and Avon Cosmetics. A big thanks to Clifford Chance Lawyers for hosting and to Jan for a really inspirational and energy packed morning. A full recording of Jan's talk is available in our online video library and is well worth a listen.

Lots going over the next couple of months, leading out with our inaugural ANZAC property drinks on 18th May combining with our Aussie property cousins at the Cheshire Cheese Pub near Temple. So far we have had over 50 property Kiwis and Aussies sign up and event capacity is limited so if you want to come be quick!

On 1st June we have our ever popular Tour of the Houses of Parliament. Again this is a limited numbers event which we expect to fill quickly. Finally we have another fascinating breakfast speaker in Katie Sadlier, the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation on 15th June. Free entry to members for that one but again get your name down now.

Don't forget that paid KIP membership (£49 per annum) gets you into most of our speaker and social events for free or at significant discount so pays for itself very quickly! (just login, go to your dashboard and upgrade your subscription to become a paid KIP member)

The tide of new Kiwi arrivals shows no sign of slowing as the UK weather improves and I am having a couple of zoom calls a week with young Kiwis about to depart NZ for their big OE. Later in this newsletter we have included some information on how KIP can help new arrivals find work and generally have a better UK experience. Do forward this email on to anyone heading to the UK who does not know about KIP.

This month's member profile is from Wayne Smith, Real Estate Partner at Law firm K&L Gates. Wayne came to the UK for a look around in 1984 and never left! He is a big fan of the London restaurant scene and would love to sit next to actor and winemaker Sam Neill on his next trip home.

Enjoy

Bryce

[email protected]


Newsletter contents this month

  • Recent Events
  • Upcoming events
  • New Members
  • Kiwi Jobseekers
  • Member Profile - Wayne Smith - K&L Gates Lawyers


Recent Events
 



20th April 2023 - Breakfast with Jan Zijderveld



In April we heard an energetic and inspirational talk from Jan Zijderveld who came to NZ as a 15 year old Dutch school boy in Kerikeri and rose to the top of Unilever the global consumer goods company. Jan shared some great lessons on achieving career and business success including constantly expanding your "surface of opportunity" and "learn, earn and return" through the different life cycles of your career.

You can see more pictures from the event here https://www.flickr.com/gp/[email protected]/Af3m9K85H1
and the full talk recording is now available to paid KIP members via our online video library Speaker Videos (kiwisinproperty.com)

A big thanks to Angela Kearns and the team at Clifford Chance Lawyers for hosting the breakfast.
 



Upcoming Events



18th May 2023 - ANZAC Property Networking Drinks
The Cheshire Cheese Pub near Temple Tube



Welcome new arrivals and catch up for a pint with some familiar faces at The Cheshire Cheese near Temple Tube. For the first time we will be combining with our Aussie property cousins for a true ANZAC experience!

We have exclusive use of an downstairs function room at the pub. Entry is free but venue capacity is limited so register your place ASAP. Welcome drink and pizzas kindly sponsored by Investment & Brokerage, UK | SIRE Capital Partners (sirecp.co.uk)

Register your place here 
18th May 2023 - Kiwis in Property ANZAC Networking Drinks at The Cheshire Cheese - LIMITED NUMBERS - BOOK NOW



1st June 2023 - Tour of the Houses of Parliament 




An insider's view of these iconic buildings including some fascinating insights into the workings of UK government. Andrew Rosindell is MP for Romford and co-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Australia and New Zealand which is charged with furthering UK Government relationships with NZ and Australia. Andrew's Parliament tours are both educational and entertaining and we will follow with drinks at a venue nearby.

Register your place here:
https://www.kiwisinproperty.com/event/kiwis-in-property-tour-of-parliament-2023
Please note that attendee numbers are likely to be limited and ticket sales will close when we are full.
 

15th June 2023 - Breakfast with Kate Sadlier, CEO of Commonwealth Games Federation



Katie Sadlier is the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Chief Executive Officer, taking up the position in November 2021.She joined the CGF from World Rugby, where she was General Manager of Women’s Rugby and responsible for spearheading the global development of the women's game. A Commonwealth Games medallist and an Olympian, Katie has a wealth of experience as both an athlete and sports administrator. 

Register your place here:
https://www.kiwisinproperty.com/event/kiwis-in-property-breakfast-with-katie-sadlier
 


See our website for a full list of forthcoming webinars and events in 2023:
https://www.kiwisinproperty.com/


New KIP Members this month



A warm welcome to the following new KIP members who joined our community this month.
  • Vedika Jhunjhnuwala - Sudima Hotels - Investor/Developer - Auckland (Hometown)
  • Grace Williams - Fenchurch Law - Legal/Insurance - Auckland
  • Logan Ransley - Landlord Studio - PropTech - Auckland
  • Tim McDonnell - Thompson, Smith & Puxon - Legal - Tauranga
  • Lucy Fauth - Dentons Kensington Swan - Legal - Wellington
  • Daniel Leddy - Arch Insurance - Insurance - Auckland
  • Natalie Milan - Fisher & Paykel UK - Supplier - Adelaide
  • Josh Chemis - Kainga Ora - Government/Public Sector - Rotorua
  • Matt Noland - Clearance Capital - Investor - Auckland
  • Karl Geal-Otter - Clearance Capital - Investor - Auckland / Hokitika
  • Taine Forman - Buro Four - Project Management - Napier
  • Chris Beh - Aurecon - Engineer - Auckland
  • Sam Martin - Bower Cotton Solicitors LLP - Legal - Taumarunui
  • Fiona Kilian - Mirastar Real Estate Investment - Investor/Developer - Christchurch
  • Vy Nguyen - ANZ - Banking/Finance - Christchurch
  • Edze Bierema - ANZ - Banking/Finance - Rakaia
  • Brigid Taylor - Bell Cornwell LLP - Consultant - Wellington (Porirua)
  • James Hill - James Group Real Estate Limited - Property Manager - Auckland
  • Alice Couchman - Radcliffes - Construction - Auckland (North Shore)
  • David Jones - Stellar Projects - Consultant - Wellington
     

 



Are you planning to head to the UK to work this year?



Join Kiwis in Property and we can help you get the best UK working experience!

Our annual membership fee of just £49 includes the following benefits for new arrivals:

  • Free profile on our website jobseekers directory
  • Republished in our monthly newsletter read by over 1000 UK  based property Kiwis
  • Shout outs on social media including LinkedIn
  • Ability to make direct contact with London based Kiwis via our members directory
  • Personal introductions to Kiwis already working in relevant sectors
  • Free or discounted entry to KIP networking and social events (membership generally pays for itself after 2-3 events).
Signing up is easy just login to www.kiwisinproperty.com , go to your dashboard and upgrade your subscription. You can then add your profile to the jobseekers directory and/or the general members directory. If you need help or have any questions send us a message to [email protected] and we can set up a zoom chat before you arrive.



Kiwi Jobseekers

Our jobseekers page is actively in use. Kiwis In Property

Please support any new arrivals whenever you can. We all remember what it was like being new to London and how helpful it was to grab a coffee with another kiwi who could give us a steer in the right direction. You can contact Kiwis seeking work by visiting our Jobseekers page or connecting through Linkedin.
 

If you have recently arrived in London (or NZ) and are looking for work in the property or insurance sectors get in touch with [email protected] and we can connect you with our extensive London Kiwi network.


The following newly arrived Kiwis are currently seeking roles:



John Murphy - seeking agency leading/transactional role (arrives London early April 2023)
(99+) John Murphy | LinkedIn
[email protected]


Michael Delbridge - seeking valuation role (arrives London mid 2023)
(99+) Michael Delbridge | LinkedIn
[email protected]
 



ARE YOU HIRING?


If you have job vacancy in the UK, NZ or anywhere else that  you would like to advertise to our 1000 plus Kiwi property professional readership please get in touch  [email protected]
 

Currency Exchange

KIP have  partnered with Halo Financial to allow our members to access discounted exchange rates for Kiwi dollars – access via this link Buy Currency with Confidence - Halo Financial  or contact Geraldine Collett on +44 (0)20 7350 5470 or [email protected] and let her know KIP sent you to access the best deal and avoid fees.
 

UK to NZ Pension Transfers 


Now that you're back home, you may be wondering what to do with your hard-earned UK pension pot. Despite what many Google ads and search results suggest, there is more than one choice available to you!
 
In this video, GBPensions' director Tony Chamberlain explains the various options in plain, everyday English to help you make a genuinely informed decision about how to proceed (or not). Click on the screen shot below to play the video.



Member Profile
60 Seconds with…Wayne Smith




NZ hometown   Gore
Company   K&L Gates LLP
Role    Partner, Practice Area Leader, Real Estate

What is your connection with the property sector?    
I am one of three Practice Area Leaders for our global real estate group, which numbers 130 lawyers spread across 48 offices globally. We have the widest reach of pretty much any international law firm.

How long have you been in the UK?     
Since 1984

What piece of advice would you give a fellow Kiwi new to London?   
Find the current Kiwi ghettos in London and engage with Kiwis and Aussies who are already here. And join Kiwis in Property!  It has become a fabulous networking opportunity.

What is your number one London recommendation? 
That’s a hard one!  London has evolved so much in the time I have been living in the UK but a significant change is the quality of restaurants; London is a superb foodie town these days and many of the world’s top chefs work here.  And get along to Twickenham or any of the London football clubs, they are all a great day out.

What makes you proud to be a Kiwi? 
I love to observe and follow how Kiwis compete and punch above their weight (In terms of population, not talent) on the world stage, whether academically or in business, or in sport. Current inaugural World Test Cricket Champions, America’s Cup Holders, Women’s Rugby World Cup Champions and so on. What we achieve, consistently, from such a small country is pretty impressive.

How can other KIP members help you?  
I’m always happy to meet and chat with Kiwis in London.

How can you help other KIP members? 
Again, I’m always happy to meet and chat with Kiwis who are new to London to talk about my experiences in the UK and to help where I can.

Kiwi fun facts
  • Favourite NZ Sporting Personality?  
    • Bruce McLaren. Of those living, Scott Dixon.
  • Favourite NZ beach?      
    • Kaka Point
  • NZ food you miss most? 
    • Foveaux Strait Oysters
  • Who would you most like to sit beside on your next trip back to NZ and why?  
    • Sam Neill.  Sam was also a boy from the South (well, from the age of 7, having emigrated from Omagh), his family lived in Macandrew Bay in Dunedin and, from there, via a fortuitous meeting with the (young) film director Roger Donaldson, and the movie Sleeping Dogs, Sam has conquered the world in his craft hasn’t he ?  Whilst remaining true to his roots and staying anchored on his farm and vineyard in Central Otago.  I would love to have an hour or two over a bottle of Two Paddocks Pinot with Sam.


Social Media

Don't forget that you can follow KIP on Facebook or Instagram and/or join our LinkedIn Group, by clicking on the icons below.
 

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