Blair Haddow is a real estate agent working out of Bayley’s in the greater Ponsonby area.
He is very elegant in his wardrobe selection and his fashion style could grace the pages of men’s Vogue magazine.
How did you get into selling real estate?
I renovated and sold Ponsonby's first million dollar villa in 2003 at 16 Sheehan Street. This led into numerous villa renovations and the relationship I formed with my real estate agent planted the seed for me to think seriously about this as a career.
What area do you live in and what's the best thing about it?
I live in St Mary’s Bay, about 100 metres from the junction of Jervois and Ponsonby Roads. I absolutely adore the heritage feel of the area and proximity to everything that I love about Ponsonby.
What do you like the most about Ponsonby?
I love the village atmosphere and the access to so many wonderful restaurants, cafes and stores.
How have you survived the pandemic and how has it changed your life?
As many people will relate to, it was a reset on what is most important in life, and that is the relationships with family, friends, and community.
What was your childhood like?
Happy, loving and abundant.
Can you complete the sentence: I will die happy if...?
I continue to live my life as the best version of myself.
Who do you think is the most annoying celebrity today?
Anyone that calls themselves a celebrity. We have it all wrong! The real stars of the show are nurses, doctors, teachers, emergency responders etc.
Which TV series would you never miss and why?
Don't watch mainstream TV.
Where would your dream holiday internationally be?
Anywhere that an Emirates A380 takes me.
What’s on your bucket list?
A safari with one of my dearest friends and well-known wildlife photographers, and the Antarctic on the French Icebreaker Ponant.
What is the most Kiwi thing about you?
My passport.
Do you like an aisle or window seat on a plane?
Window.
What job would you do other than your own and why?
Property renovations, as I love them.
How would you like to be remembered by your friends and family?
As a great loyal friend.
What do you love most about your age?
Life gets better as you get older, more maturity and access to whatever you desire.
Tell us something that you really disapprove of.
Arrogance!
What motivates you?
My very early morning training sessions with my amazing friend and PT Oscar.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
Yes, in my previous career as international flight crew for Air New Zealand. In one of our overseas hotels there had been a murder so we never stayed on that specific floor in the hotel. Many crew reported seeing a ghost, which I can attest to.
Give your teenaged self some advice.
Be the best version of yourself everyday.
How do you chill out?
In my beautiful home listening to music, lights down and candles on.
Which item of clothing can't you live without?
My watch.
What is your favorite time of the day?
5am. My alarm is set for 4.30am weekdays as I’m up and ready to train with my amazing PT Oscar at Les Mills Britomart. It’s the best way to start a day doing something solely for myself and gives me great energy setting me up for the day ahead.
Tell us something very few people know about you.
I speak Japanese.
Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?
HUG!
Do you travel light or heavy?
Extremely heavy. (David Hartnell, MNZM)
PUBLISHED 5 MAY 2023