Aera is a training club that helps people build the confidence, knowledge, and momentum to take that next step. One of the biggest challenges people currently face is buying a first home. A home is more than a place to live. It creates security, stability, and a foundation for your future. That's why we train, guide and support our members through the entire process. They get a dedicated team, human coaches, and access to our training app. As you train, you hit milestones and unlock cash rewards to be used towards your first home. The more training you do, the faster you can get to that first home. It works! You can believe in the process. And all of this is free to our members.
Aera makes its money by connecting buyers with developers. When a house is purchased, we earn a commission. We then put that straight back into running Aera and supporting our members to get through the process faster. Previous members pave the way for new members.
Derek’s foundations and initiatives
Watch our founder speak with Paddy Gower on why he's building Aera.
Your personalised team right here.
First home Coach | NZ
Laura spent 10 years in property investment before training as a coach. She genuinely loves watching people go from lost to holding keys. Outside work, she's usually dancing or learning her next language.
First home Coach | NZ
Hamish cut his teeth selling investment property before taking the rewarding path of helping first home buyers navigate this complicated terrain. Personally, he published his first novel and working on his next!
First home Coach | NZ
With 8 years as a mortgage adviser, Vidhant has helped countless buyers turn home ownership dreams into reality. His goal is to strip away the jargon and give you the confidence to move forward. Outside of work, he's at the gym, on the squash court, or keeping up with his two kids!
Mortgage Coach | NZ
Michael started as an accountant before training in mortgage advising and financial planning. He's on a mission to simplify a needlessly complicated process, and be part of a decision that shapes someone's future. Outside work, he's usually on the badminton court.
First home Coach | AU
Jenna spent years in mortgage broking before becoming a coach. She's on a mission to make homeownership not feel out of reach. Outside work, she's outdoors with her dogs, or in the kitchen trying something new.
Head coach | NZ & AU
Derek founded Aera to help first-home buyers believe home ownership is possible, and get there faster. A serial entrepreneur and investor who's built and sold companies from New York to New Zealand, he brings years of hands-on experience to Aera. Outside work, he's signed up to go to space with Virgin Galactic.
member and experiences lead | NZ & AU
Ella works across brand and content, helping first-home buyers move faster and with more clarity on their journey. She sits between what Aera builds and what it says, making sure the two connect and move people forward. Outside work, you'll usually find her at the gym, chasing the next PB!
learning and training Lead | NZ & AU
Ruby has spent nearly her whole career in learning & development focused roles, having studied psychology and coaching. She learned home-buying the hard way, made plenty of mistakes and is now on a mission to make sure others don't have to figure it out alone. Outside work, she's perfecting her sourdough or lost in a psychological thriller.
