Housing is still in short supply across New Zealand, with stock shortages likely to continue as we head deeper into 2021. While the value of existing housing stock rose by 11% in 2020, at a rate four times higher than the annual GDP, strong prices have failed to dampen demand in what is still a high-pressure environment. The combination of low interest rates and a lack of international travel have helped to drive prices higher, with strong demand ignited by low housing supply in 16 New Zealand regions.

2020 was a highly challenging year, with the global pandemic and associated economic downturn threatening every aspect of modern life. Some good things have emerged, however, including government incentives and a consistently low interest rate environment. However, despite the obvious benefits of current conditions to homeowners and property buyers, making your savings work in this brave new world can be difficult. It's never been more important to diversify and think outside the box, with financial guidance delivered by experts more important than ever before.

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions, setting lists is much easier than getting stuff done. Resolutions fail for many reasons, with people often demanding too much of themselves and being too rigid about the goals they set. According to new research, 'open' resolutions are much more likely to succeed. If we make open-ended rather than specific goals, we are much more likely to achieve positive results. Whether you want to get fitter or be more productive at work, open goals offer a range of psychological and performance benefits.

Your body clock affects every aspect of your daily life, from the moment you wake in the morning to your performance at work and quality of your sleep. Also known as your circadian rhythm, this "clock" is built into every cell in your body. While your body clock does not keep perfect linear time or follow an exact 24-hour cycle, it is very much a defining factor in how you live your life. In order to have a healthy, happy, and productive time on planet Earth, it's important to be aware of your body clock and understand the intricate links between sleep, food, physical activity, and time itself.

Creating the perfect office space is an important skill for anyone who's working from home. Whether you run a home business, work as a freelancer, or operate a remote workstation for a multi-national, managing your space helps to decrease your stress levels and improve your productivity. From making a plan and buying furniture to using your wall space and establishing work zones, let's look at how you can make the perfect office at home.

New Zealand is a land fuelled by immigration, with population growth from "outside" having a strong influence on property prices and economic figures. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a sharp stop on immigration, with a decline in international arrivals set to influence every aspect of the economic recovery. While the trans-Tasman travel bubble looks set to go ahead early next year, nations other than Australia are unlikely to see New Zealand shores for some time. In a land dependent on growth from tourism and population-led demand, this could have serious implications for the future of the nation.

COVID-19 will have a dramatic effect on the New Zealand property market, but not in the way many people expected. While prices are sky high and heated city markets remain under pressure, internal migration may be a surprise new force shaping the future movement of people and prices across the country. More Kiwis are ready to cross the Cook Strait looking for greener pastures, as South Islanders look north for new opportunities and North Islanders look south for clean air and a fresh start. There are many factors influencing this interest, including a sharp rise in remote work opportunities due to the global pandemic.  

In a modern world saturated with information, confusion, and endless goodwill, knowing what to eat can seem like a major challenge. When it comes to dietary advice, there's nothing more polarising than red meat, with some people advocating meat-centred diets and others recommending almost no consumption at all. Let's take a look at current healthcare advice on red meat consumption from around the world, and try to understand just how much is considered 'safe' when you balance the risks with the rewards.   

There's nothing like relaxing on a tropical island, swimming through pristine waters, and letting the worries of the world fade away in the cool breeze. For most of us, island holiday life is very much a communal affair, with the vast majority of small islands owned by large resorts or shared by multiple citizens. There are lots of private islands dotted around the world, however, and a number of high profile owners who don't need to share with anyone at all. From Leonardo DiCaprio to Pamela Anderson, from the Bahamas to Dubai, let's take a look at some of the most famous private islands in the world.

Household density around the world is widely dependent on where you live, with global differences highlighted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Household type also differs widely between nations and cities, from solo households to nuclear families and extended family groups. Let's take a look at household density rates in different countries, and try to understand the size and shape of the modern home with respect to population changes and city growth rates around the world.