Against the stunning backdrop of Picton, our annual Summit conference delivered far more than just corporate training. With 80+ attendees—including Summit real estate licensees, Summit property management team, and our management team—gathered together for professional development, it was our chance to collectively sharpen the skills that make the difference when markets shift, when that "sure thing" needs more time, or when we need to pivot our approach entirely.

This year's summit focused on the theme "How to Sell More to Residential Investors," featuring three exceptional speakers who brought both expertise and inspiration to our annual training intensive:

David Palfreyman - Auckland
Real estate coach and trainer who transforms agents from zero to hero with content-rich interactive sessions.

Dr. Alia Bojilova - Auckland
Performance psychologist and former NZ Army officer delivering masterclasses in resilience and high-pressure negotiation.

Ed McKnight - Auckland
Property economist and co-host of The Property Academy Podcast, turning complex market data into practical investment advice.

Beyond the exceptional learning and professional development, our annual summit created unforgettable moments of team bonding and memorable entertainment. As the military saying reminds us: "You don't rise to the occasion—you sink to the level of your training." Our Summit conference ensured that level reached new heights for everyone involved.

Regular heat pump maintenance can reduce energy costs by up to 15%, extend equipment lifespan, and prevent common issues like mould and dampness. For property managers, well-maintained heat pumps also mean fewer emergency repair calls and happier tenants.

Cleaning the filter in your heat pump is super important to help your machine run more efficiently. You should ideally clean your heat pump filters once a month, or more frequently if they're particularly dirty.

Remove the internal filters on your heat pump and vacuum them, then place them back. Ensure the external unit is always free from any leaves as they can cause the unit to stop working efficiently.

Set your heat pump temperature to 18 degrees or above to help fight damp and mould, but below 21 degrees to save on power. The higher the temperature, the more energy the heat pump will use.

A lot of people believe that keeping a heat pump running 24/7 is an efficient, cost-effective way to heat their home. But in fact, that idea is actually a myth and you will use more energy. It's much better to just run your heat pump when you're at home. Doing that will also save you money on your electricity bill.

There's nothing like getting home, or waking up to a nice, warm home in winter. If your heat pump has a timer, you can set it to turn on just before you get home or before you wake up in the morning. Doing this also means you'll be less tempted to crank the heat pump at a high temperature when you get home or wake up to a cold house.

When it comes to the heat pump, landlords are responsible for maintaining it, tenants, you're responsible for keeping it clean. If there are any problems with the heat pump make sure you tell your landlord as soon as possible before organising any maintenance.

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Summit is literally behind the team—our logo is featured on the back of the FPC and NPC shorts throughout the season. Just like on the field, in property, it's all about position, support, and achieving great results. With six offices and the largest team in the region, Summit is here to support you every step of the way.

Go the Mako!