First National Blog

Back to business – how to make 2026 your most rewarding year yet

Back to business – how to make 2026 your most rewarding year yet

Vayle Hammond   17/02/2026 8:08am

After a whirlwind of festive catch-ups, indulgent meals, late nights, well-earned downtime, and the mad dash back to school, it’s finally time to get back to business and stuck into the year ahead. And let’s face it, February can feel like an absolute reality check – there’s work, life admin, daily routines and of course that lofty list of goals you left in your beach bag. But as the to-do lists grow, the inbox fills, and the everyday grind creeps back in, the new year spark can fade – fast. The key to keeping the momentum going? Let’s find out
 

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10 hacks to survive moving house during the silly season!

10 hacks to survive moving house during the silly season!

Vayle Hammond   8/12/2025 6:06am

Moving house in December? You’re not the only one – summer is New Zealand’s peak moving season, with many of us dreaming of spending Christmas in our new homes. If you're tackling a pre-Christmas move, it pays to be organised early, prepared with some essentials and keep it merry. Here, we unpack 10 clever moving house tips to help you through this monumental task with your festive cheer intact!

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 Your guide to buying the perfect holiday home

Your guide to buying the perfect holiday home

Vayle Hammond   10/11/2025 10:10am

There’s a timeless appeal to owning a holiday home – whether it comes with sun-kissed skin by the coast or a glass of red by the fire in the countryside. Beyond the lifestyle perks, properties in sought-after holiday home hotspots can also make a wise investment. Here, we explore the key benefits and considerations, alongside practical tips to help you balance strategy with emotion when finding the perfect holiday home.
 

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The retreat – creating spaces to recharge

The retreat – creating spaces to recharge

Vayle Hammond   13/10/2025 10:10am

Mental Health Week 2025 reminds us that our workplaces and our communities shape wellbeing, but mental health is also shaped by the place we spend most of our time – our homes. The space we live in can influence our mood, stress levels, and the quality of our sleep. All of which have a significant effect on our mental health. Here, we explore simple tips – from decluttering to creating digital-free zones – to create a home that better supports our mental health.

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Your guide to DIY reno projects to sell this spring!

Your guide to DIY reno projects to sell this spring!

Vayle Hammond   9/09/2025 9:09am

Between the home reno shows, the dedicated Instagram accounts, and the abundance of TikTok hacks, home reno fever is real – and for good reason. Whether you're staying put in your home or prepping to sell, small and affordable DIY updates can increase your home's value, ramp up its appeal, and boost comfort too. With spring incoming, it’s the perfect time to get stuck in with 11 of our favourite ideas to elevate your home – both inside and out. Ready to roll up your sleeves?
 

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Your guide to a more organised home

Your guide to a more organised home

Vayle Hammond   13/08/2025 10:10am

With spring just around the corner, a fresh energy fills the air, promoting fresh starts, clutter-free spaces, and a bit of a seasonal reset within your home. From simple home improvements that embrace mindful design, creating smart storage zones or implementing tidy-as-you-go practices, this guide will help you refresh your space – whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply to enjoy a more organised, inviting home more this spring.
 

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Your Guide for a Smarter Start to the Financial Year

Your Guide for a Smarter Start to the Financial Year

Vayle Hammond   30/07/2025 8:08am

If, like most people, you are already in need of a fresh start and haven’t quite reached some of the goals you set out to achieve when the clock struck 12 on New Year’s, then you’re in luck, because you’ve got a chance for a redo - the new financial year is upon us, and it’s a great opportunity to reset! Whether it’s goals that’ve slipped by the wayside or fresh thinking, take this time to reevaluate the all-important balance of how your financial goals fit in with your life goals. Here are 11 tips to help you start strong this financial year.
 

 

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Top tips for sellers this winter

Top tips for sellers this winter

Vayle Hammond   3/06/2025 7:07am

While many sellers plan to wait until the warmer months to list their home, there are plenty of compelling reasons to list your home in winter. Buying a home isn’t a seasonal decision, after all! Here, we dive into 10 real estate tips – from cosy staging to strategic pricing – that will help you turn the coldest days into hot offers.
 

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Swap, share, and connect with like-minded book lovers

Swap, share, and connect with like-minded book lovers

Vayle Hammond   5/05/2025 8:08am

The book nook is overflowing, but you just can’t resist picking up a copy of that juicy new page-turner. A book swap or exchange might just be the answer you’re looking for! Here’s everything you need to know about this fun, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and healthy habit that will help you discover new reads and connect with fellow book lovers in your local area.

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