Herne Bay V Kawau Island

Georgia Duder-Wood is not one for a multimillion-dollar property in an expensive neighbourhood among sultans and business titans.

‘‘I have no desire to live in Herne Bay in some flash mansion,’’ says Duder-Wood, who lives in a yurt on a parcel of land on Kawau Island.

‘‘People need silence, they need beauty, they need space.’’

Kawau Island and Herne Bay sit on opposite ends of Auckland’s latest rateable valuation figures.

Herne Bay’s 42 per cent increase in rateable value from 2014, brought the average close to $3m, while Kawau Island’s average declined by 3 per cent to $512,171.

One Herne Bay property listed for sale over $20m this year featured a private beach and clifftop pool and was formerly owned by the Sultan of Brunei.

Organic produce is available from Herne Bay’s minimart just a stroll from most of the area’s houses. By contrast, the 60 residents of Kawau Bay face a twohour boat ride to buy a week’s food, which is typically carted back home in wheelbarrows.

There are no connecting roads on the island so the ‘‘rat running" often complained about by the Herne Bay Residents Association isn’t an issue.

Duder-Wood says that despite the island’s decline in the most recent round of property valuations she has noticed more sales.

Although there are plenty of kereru, tui and blue penguins, you have to go out of your way to meet people. But there are social activities, a boat club with great coffee, a book club, and DuderWood is to set up a yoga club.

"Our neighbours are people who are prioritising life, experience and natural beauty over possessions.’’