Style: May 04, 2018

STYLE | promotion 39
Reaching for
NEW
HEIGHTS
Debi Pratt has returned home, bringing a new
real estate option to Christchurch residents.
What prompted your decision to come back to
Christchurch?
After living in Christchurch for most of my life and having
left after the first earthquake (because I was a complete
wreck and just couldn’t settle), I felt safe, and ready, to
return. I visited in December and realised I had finally
stopped holding my breath when I was here and I wanted to
be back with old friends and family. My daughter, Bella, was
delighted by my change of heart. It actually dawned on me
that Christchurch really is my home. That probably sounds
strange, but I’ve always thought I was a ‘live anywhere’ kind
of person.
How has the city changed in your absence?
It feels more alive now. There is an almost tangible shared
energy to a common end goal that everybody is trying to
achieve. There are some emotional absences of people and
buildings but overall it feels more international.
What has your time in Auckland taught you?
That everybody’s opinion is of value. Management is a tough
gig. Being in your 40s is not old. There really is no place like
home and love can’t conquer all.
How is Tall Poppy different?
We operate in a way that’s current and relevant. It’s a fresh
approach to doing real estate that is in line with global
industry change. We provide everything you would expect
from your usual real estate agent – and more – for a lower
cost. We do it by having one centralised office and great
technology and passing on the savings to our customers. We
genuinely are doing it in a smarter way.
What do you think people value most in a real estate
agent?
Ultimately, the only value is in a result. But, as collaboration
and relationships become more important in the
professional arena, people are thinking harder about who
they are trusting with these transactions.
tallpoppy.co.nz • 021 480 155