Matt grew up in Christchurch, spent his 20s and 30s dj'ing, aka DJ OB1, across NZ, Asia and the UK.
Matt O'Bien has lived in Auckland since 2000, and has two lovely kids, an Italian Greyhound, and a gorgeous girlfriend named Deb. He's been passionate about and selling property for 10 years in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and surrounding suburbs.
How did you become a real estate agent?
I'd done very well in sales for MediaWorks radio for 10 years, real estate felt like a natural progression and thought it would suit me, and it has!
What's inspired you recently?
My family inspires me, creating a cool life for them. And the buzz from helping people with their property. Making a good sale a great one.
Who is your partner? What do they do?
The incredibly smart and talented Deborah Caldwell from the Storm clothing label. She's crazy clever.
Do you have any children?
My daughter Bella is 22, lives in Melbourne, and my son Bobby is 14.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, Nookie, a wee Italian Greyhound, see pic.
How do you keep fit?
I wouldn't call me that. Love tennis and The Trip at Les MIlls.
Your best friend would say you…
Are a genuine man, enjoys his life and has lots of fun with his friends and family.
Your mother would say you…
Are a great son and father, very proud of you, but you have kept me on my toes for years.
You’ve got a day off – how do you spend it?
A day off? What’s that? Hanging with friends and family, making the most of a day off in real estate.
Virtues?
Honest, caring, hardworking, fun.
Vices?
Midnight munchies.
Who's your ultimate rock icon?
Paul McCartney, seeing him in Aussie in November with Bobby my 14-year-old.
Secret passion?
Reality TV, but don't tell anyone.
What's your secret talent?
I can do a mean caterpillar.
Where do you spend your holidays?
I don't take much time off across the year, so I usually take my family overseas in summer, USA to Asia, all over really. Love travelling.
What's your perfect Sunday?
Friends, family, sun, fun.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
My earliest aspiration was cheffing. Pleased I didn't, those kitchens seem a bit stressy.
Favourite Ponsonby cafe?
Dizengof.
Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?
Prego.
Your best kept Ponsonby secret?
The seafood sour soup at Mekong Vietnamese, Ponsonby Food Hall.
Your desert island distractions: song, movie and/or TV show/book?
My mate, Jimmy Gardner's Spotify playlists.
The house is on fire and your family is safe – what do you save?
I'm passionate about my art, I'd be trying to save some of that.
I'd be lost without my…
Well, to be honest, my iphone, I guess.
One thing you have learned about life is…
Don't sweat the small stuff and treat others as you wish to be treated.
www.facebook.com/matt.obrien.988
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay #CommunityBuilding #artcollector #stormfashionNZ #dizengof #pregoponsonby #spotify #desertislanddiscs #realestateagency #mattobrienbarfootandThompson
Published: November 2023