Who the fast is Aera?

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We’re flipping the first home market on its head and standing up for buyers. We cut the red tape and get Kiwis on the ladder—fast.

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We focus on getting you to that first home as fast as you can with a 10% deposit -  most Kiwis don’t even know this is possible. Aera is your one-stop partner, helping you save faster, secure a mortgage, and find the right home.

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Our world-first app builds your personalised Game Plan based on your finances. When ready, you get paired up with a coach and mortgage advisor to get you mortgage-ready—fast.

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Hit key milestones? We pay you up to $10,000 towards your deposit—straight from the new build commissions we share with you. Track them in the app and keep on winning. 

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Then, your personal First Home Finder taps into the best new developments with all of our incredible partners across New Zealand to find your perfect first home.

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A couple setting up their new home from Aera

‍founder Derek Handley
explaining Aera’s mission

About Derek Handley,
co founder Aera

Derek is a serial entrepreneur who has founded and sold multiple companies.

He created Aera VC a global venture fund reversing climate change, and co-founded international non profit The B Team alongside Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. He was campaign Chair for Duke of Sussex Prince Harry’s sustainability travel initiative Travalyst.

Derek was named one of top 100 global leaders by Real Leaders Magazine and 100 most influential people in technology in New York by Business Insider. He is a former EY young entrepreneur of the year with degrees in finance and, architectural science and will graduate with a Masters majoring in religion at Harvard in 2025.

He and co-founder James Abbott created Aera to use technology and entrepreneurship not to solve the housing crisis but to help Kiwis beat it.

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As seen in...

The Book That Busts Myths and Gets You Into Your First Home Faster

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Every page destroys myths and uncovers little-known truths that motivate you to change your mindset and sets you on a clear, proven path to owning your first home.

Backed by the team behind Aera, it’s packed with the exact steps, strategies, and mindset shifts that have helped hundreds of everyday Kiwis go from stuck to sorted. The book lays out in blow by blow detail how two average 30 year old Kiwis earning average wages with average Kiwisaver balances can get into their first home in 272 days.

Find out more

Why are we doing this?

The system is stacked against first home buyers. We’re tearing it down.

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Too many middlemen. Too many fees. Not enough help. Not enough knowledge. We’ve cut out the fluff and put more money back in your pocket to get you in sooner.

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We question everything about the process—and if it doesn’t serve first home buyers, we fix it.

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We are Aera, and we like fast. Because in NZ, house prices have doubled every decade for 50 years. The sooner you’re in, the cheaper it is—and the better your future.

A dedicated 10% deposit First Home Faster team to get a mortgage and a home
A $10K to turbo boost your deposit
The Aera Super App - Aera is all housed in a ground breaking super app
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“Aera have been amazing at helping me to save for a home. I earn a good wage and so don't qualify for Government subsidies, but, living in Auckland means it's pretty hard to save for a 20% deposit and live at the same time! Easy to use app and great interest rates definitely help!”
– Rhys
Young couple moving into their new home, moving boxes into an empty living room, excited with their first home, all possible through Aera.

“Impressed by the detail in all aspects of assisting with my recent property purchase. He regularly updated me on progress and promptly answered any questions I had.”

– Narelle Silwood, on First Home Finder
Using Aera has been easy, fun and rewarding. I love that it is so easy and transfer money in and out of, and the interest rates are the best around. There is a good choice of accounts on offer and there is really something for everyone. Whatever you are saving for - these savings products make great sense to use. I love the driving force behind Aera, and that it is also endeavoring to solve some real Kiwi problems. Couldn't recommend it more.
– Rohan A Adarkar
Very happy to see my deposit earning interest daily in the deposit accelerator account. Really does what it says!! The debit card is like normal, i can use it anywhere. My overall experience with Aera is awesome!! They maintained contact with me, continue to answer all my questions, are always very helpful. I’m pleased I made my decision to save with Aera. Looking forward to my dream by the sea become a reality!!
– Darlene
”More than 5000 people have joined its platform, suggesting a strong demand for a service that truly understands the unique challenges faced by first-home buyers.”

“Aera simplifies the often overwhelming buying process with its ‘First Home Faster Team’ which provides coaching and expert guidance through every step and is just a video call, message, or email away.”
”Beyond lowering deposit barriers, Aera provides members with an all-in-one solution to navigate the home-buying process.”

“Your first home may be closer than you think. Join Aera today and start your journey to homeownership.”

“Aera and Michael Liew were absolutely fantastic on helping me achieve my first home. Michael especially made the entire process go so smoothly.”

– Michael Hay
“I like the new App experience. Easy to set up. I like the returns and they get updated on a daily basis. The team is helpful too.”
– Dilu
“Easy to use app. So far, so good.”
– K Lyon
“Faster than my bank
Very new to Area, but I can already see the difference that I’m making on my savings with amazing interest. Making more money off my money, new please. What I love is you can instantly see your savings grow.
Anyone wanting a first home needs to work with Aera.”
– Fleetos007
“Using Aera has been easy, fun and rewarding. I love that it is so easy and transfer money in and out of, and the interest rates are the best around. There is a good choice of accounts on offer and there is really something for everyone. Whatever you are saving for - these savings products make great sense to use. I love the driving force behind Aera, and that it is also endeavoring to solve some real Kiwi problems. Couldn't recommend it more.”
– Abhinav Chittiprolu
Young couple moving into their new home, moving boxes into an empty living room, excited with their first home, all possible through Aera.
“Great service, great team!

Awesome app and service. Team was incredibly helpful in answering questions. Michael was very informative and patient with answering questions around getting a mortgage and helping with realistic timelines. Recommended for anyone looking to get their first home in NZ!”
– Jervo10
“Great app for saving money
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Been with aera for almost a year and can prove that I am earning higher interest than traditional banks, their support is responsive too and a real person that cares about your needs”
– Irvine09
“I had the Pleasure of working with Michael, and I am thoroughly impressed with the level of service and expertise provided. Throughout the entire process he maintained exceptional communication, ensuring that all of my questions were answered promptly and clearly. Michael consistently followed up to make sure I was satisfied with the process and fully understood the information. It was evident that Michael genuinely cared about my financial well-being. I highly recommend Michael and Aeras services to anyone seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable financial advisor."
– Andrea Rangi-Whaikawa-Mills, on First Home Coach and advisor, Michael Liew
“I tried two other mortgage advisers before Michael Liew, and they weren't very helpful. But working with Michael was much better! He was easy to work with and made everything simple. Michael and I worked together to make a good plan for my mortgage. He helped me get pre-approval quickly. The whole process was smooth and not complicated like before. Micheal was clear in his communication and really helped me when others couldn't."
– Frank Bravo, on First Home Coach and advisor, Michael Liew

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Important Disclosure

All financial decisions involve risk. Any returns referenced are not guaranteed. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice when considering whether a decision is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Aera is not a registered bank.

Aera is an initiative of the Aera Foundation, a charitable trust backing creative responses to social and environmental challenges. Aera Foundation is registered as CC50290 with the New Zealand Charities Commission.

The Aera financial services platform is provided by Aera 22 Opco Limited, and is registered on the Financial Services Providers Register (FSPR.govt.nz).
FSP#1003388 and FSP#1003389

Aera's custodial financial service is not licensed by a New Zealand regulator. Aera's registration on the New Zealand register of financial service providers and membership of the Financial Services Complants Limited dispute resolution scheme does not constitute active regulation or oversight by a New Zealand regulator.
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