With its golden beaches, relaxed pace of life, and growing communities, Northland is one of the country’s most desirable lifestyle regions. From the thriving coastal hubs of Mangawhai and Waipū to the orchards of Kerikeri and the far north, the area is attracting new residents seeking a quality lifestyle in a region known for its natural beauty and laid-back way of living.
Now, Landmark Homes is excited to announce its newest franchise, Landmark Homes Northland, co-owned by experienced builders Sam Onnes and Ben Holwerda. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in high-end residential construction and a shared passion for creating homes that reflect both the setting and the people who live in them.
Northland is a vast region, and according to Sam, it’s full of untapped potential.
“There are definite hotspots,” he says. “Mangawhai is leading the way, with thousands of sections coming online, but there’s also exciting growth around Waipū, Langs, and Tutukaka. Further north, places like Kerikeri, Paihia, and Russell all have a strong lifestyle appeal. And we’re seeing interest in more rural areas too, where people want larger properties or lifestyle blocks.”
The pair believe the region is particularly well-positioned to benefit from Auckland’s continued growth.
“We’re definitely seeing that Auckland exodus,” Sam explains. “Young families and lifestyle buyers want to be close enough to visit, but with the beaches and lifestyle of Northland. For those clients, a Landmark home makes a lot of sense.”
For Sam and Ben, joining Landmark was less about changing direction and more about finding the right partner. Both have been building architectural homes for years, with Sam’s career spanning commercial, residential, and bespoke projects in New Zealand, Australia, and London. Ben, meanwhile, founded BH Construction in 2005, growing it into a respected Auckland-based team known for boutique renovations and high-end new builds.
“Landmark’s systems and values really align with what we already do,” Sam says. “We’ve always focused on quality and the client experience. Landmark gives us the support, the brand, and the reputation to keep doing that, but with more reach and more opportunity. It’s a natural fit.”
The Landmark model, he adds, strikes the right balance between structure and creativity. “You’ve got the support and the systems, but you still get the freedom to design and build what the client wants. That’s important to us, we don’t want to build cookie-cutter homes.”
BUILDING THE RIGHT TEAM
Behind the Northland franchise is an already-established crew. The business has project managers and builder teams in place, plus long-standing relationships with interior designer Katie Scott of Sticks and Stones Design.
“We’re fortunate to have great people around us already,” says Sam. “It means we can hit the ground running with Landmark. For clients, that means confidence, they’re working with a team that knows the region, knows how to deliver, and is committed to the highest standards.”
From Mangawhai to Cape Reinga, Sam and Ben see Landmark Homes Northland as a chance to bring something special to the region: premium homes backed by proven systems and a national reputation, delivered with the personal touch of a local team.
“We want people to feel excited about building, not stressed by it,” Sam says. “That’s the Landmark difference — and it’s what we’ve always strived for too. Quality homes, happy clients, and a process that works.”
For Landmark Homes, the expansion into Northland is about more than just growth. It’s about offering clients in this stunning part of the country the chance to build homes that truly reflect the lifestyle Northland is famous for.
Landmark Homes Northland offers the full Landmark range, including bespoke design and build options. With a strong team already in place, clients can expect a seamless experience from first consultation through to the finished home.
For more information, visit the Landmark Homes Northland franchise page and get in touch with the team today!
