Winner of Trade Me Property's "People's Choicest Suburb" revealed

The Bay of Plenty gem nabs a robust 42% of the total votes

Winner of Trade Me Property's "People's Choicest Suburb" revealed

In a spirited public vote, Pāpāmoa has been declared New Zealand’s choicest suburb, outshining competitors Morrinsville and Southshore in Trade Me Property’s annual “People’s Choicest” awards.

The Bay of Plenty gem, encompassing Pāpāmoa, Golden Sands, Wairakei, and Te Tumu, and home to over 21,000 people, garnered a robust 42% of the total votes, reflecting its popularity as a prime beachside community.

Community and Lifestyle at Pāpāmoa

Pāpāmoa, with a population of approximately 38,000, is celebrated for its expansive sandy beaches and vibrant community atmosphere.

“Pāpāmoa is not just a place to live but a lifestyle, offering both natural beauty and modern amenities that cater to everyone from young families to retirees,” local real estate expert Ashley Spiller said.

Market trends and property demand

The suburb’s real estate market is witnessing significant interest, with property views in Pāpāmoa climbing by 16% year-over-year in January.

According to Trade Me Property, which recently noted a significant upturn in residential real estate listings, the average asking price for homes in the area reached $976,200 at the beginning of the year, underscoring its growing appeal.

Celebrating Pāpāmoa’s spirit

The community will celebrate this accolade at the Pāpāmoa Backyard Bash, hosted by Trade Me Property and the Pāpāmoa Surf Club. This event promises to be a festive gathering with live entertainment, games, and a complimentary sausage sizzle, celebrating the spirit and unity of Pāpāmoa’s residents.

Acknowledging other categories

Trade Me Property initiated the inaugural People’s Choicest Awards in January to spotlight New Zealand’s top local spots, celebrating favorites across various categories.

Highlights include the Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch for Choicest Playground and the iconic Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa for Choicest Public Loo, each reflecting the unique character and community pride found across the nation.

Local legends honoured

The Local Legend category saw a tie, honoring South Auckland’s Jenniene Flemming and Northcote’s Taka Peters, both acclaimed for their contributions to community well-being and youth engagement.

A celebration of New Zealand’s communities

Gavin Lloyd (pictured above) of Trade Me Property expressed enthusiasm about the campaign’s success.

“These awards celebrate the essence of New Zealand’s communities, recognizing the places and people that make our country truly special,” Lloyd said.

This annual celebration not only highlights the best of local New Zealand life but also reflects the values and preferences of its people, setting a benchmark for community pride and local achievement.