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What drew you to Paerata Rise when looking for your first home?
We were looking for an affordable home that didn’t feel or look like a cookie-cutter build. What really drew us to Paerata Rise was the opportunity to customise and make our home feel truly our own. You can see the thought that has gone into designing the wider community. It was very surreal moving into our house in August 2022.
Where were you living before, and what made you decide to buy here?
Like most young professionals, we were flatting with three others in Onehunga. Over Covid, we realised we had outgrown the shared living dynamic, especially when it came to things like sharing the kitchen. Central Auckland felt increasingly cramped and out of reach for us financially. Paerata Rise gave us the chance to build our first home while still holding onto that rural feel. It felt like a very natural next step for us.
What has the experience of owning your first home been like so far?
It’s been equal parts scary and exciting! Sometimes it still feels like we are playing pretend, and then we look around and realise we actually built this, and it’s ours. It’s a real pinch-yourself moment. We’ve already had so many firsts and special memories here, and it’s exciting to know this home will continue to grow with us over the years.
What are some of your favourite things about the neighbourhood?
The people here are genuinely friendly, and we have met lots of neighbours just by heading down to Central Bark with our dog, Spencer. There are so many walking tracks and accessible footpaths that it’s easy to explore different routes every day. We also really enjoy the views, especially in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set.
Do you feel a sense of community here, and have you made local connections?
Absolutely! Ryan gets recognised when he’s out running through the neighbourhood, and everyone knows Spencer by name when we’re out walking or at Central Bark. It really feels like we’re part of something here. I’ve also been a member of the Paerata Rise Residents Society for the past two years, which has helped us connect even more with the community and be involved in its growth and long-term plan.
Are there parks or walkways nearby that you enjoy visiting, especially with your pets?
There’s no shortage of green space here, but one of my favourite things is walking through the current and recently opened stages. It is pretty awesome seeing the area grow and fill in with new homes. Spencer especially loves our walks past the cows on the far side of Stage 10 (from a distance, of course). Even with all the development, it’s still peaceful and surrounded by a rural landscape.
How pet-friendly is the area? Any standout features like off-leash areas or vet services nearby?
It’s a very pet-friendly neighbourhood. We always see people out walking their dogs, and there’s a real sense that pets are part of the community here. Central Bark is a great off-leash dog park, and Spencer loves it there. We also enjoy heading to Rise ‘n Shine Café, which is dog friendly.
What do you love most about your home – layout, outdoor space, sunlight, or something else?
We get all-day sun and have a beautiful outlook onto the planted walking tracks. We built with Navigation Homes and were able to customise a home that’s both practical and stylish and tailored to our needs. I especially love the painted brick paired with stained pine cladding. Every house here feels a little different, which makes the street view so much more interesting. We had a lot of fun walking around and getting ideas for our own build, and I would love to build again.
Do you find Paerata Rise convenient for commuting, shopping, and daily errands?
We both commute up the motorway to Mount Wellington and Ellerslie for work, so it’s a bonus being just seven minutes from the motorway on-ramp. While we’ve had to adjust our routines a bit to work around the traffic, it’s manageable. For shopping, Pukekohe has everything we need. It’s close and has a good mix of supermarkets and retail.
Would you recommend Paerata Rise to other first home buyers — and if so, why?
Absolutely. It’s a chance to build something that feels uniquely yours, in a neighbourhood that’s been thoughtfully designed with community in mind. There is plenty of green space, it’s pet-friendly, and it still holds on to that rural charm while being close enough to everything you need. It’s not just about buying a house, it’s about becoming part of a growing, connected community.
