For lawyer Erika Olsen and property specialist Fleur Bell, choosing Central Otago wasn’t a business decision. It was a life decision.

When Erika moved back to New Zealand after years overseas, she planned to try Central for a season. Five months on, she’s settled.

“The lifestyle is unbeatable,” she says. “People still know their neighbours. They look out for each other and they support local. That’s the kind of place you want to build a life, and a practice.”

For Fleur, the decision was simpler still, it was a return. She grew up in Alexandra, left in her twenties, and came home about nine years ago.

“I’ve lived here, worked here, raised my family here,” Fleur said. “When someone’s selling their home or looking to build, I understand not just the property - I understand the community, the market, and what matters to Central Otago families.”

The pair first worked together years ago in Timaru, became close friends, and always said they’d reunite when the timing was right.

This week they open the doors at Holloway Street, Clyde as a shared base for Central Law Ltd (Erika’s new legal practice) and Build Brokers NZ Ltd (Fleur’s business matching land buyers with

the right local builder and budget). Together they’re also launching Weka Legal and Real Estate Central Otago, an extension of the Queenstown model led by colleague Karen Castiglione.

The idea they’ve brought to Central Otago is simple and, in this region, new: a success-fee model that combines the professional marketing of a home with all conveyancing and legal work, one team, one

point of contact, legal expertise from day one through settlement.

“We kept hearing the same frustration from property owners,” Erika said. “Why do I need to pay separately for an agent and then hire a lawyer for conveyancing? Why am I losing so much money when both are essential parts of the same transaction?”

The pair are quick to stress: this isn’t just about saving money. It’s about clarity and care.

“When we help someone to sell their property and keep money in their pocket, that’s money staying in Central Otago, in local families.”

Beyond property, Central Law Ltd offers the full suite of family-focused legal services, wills and enduring powers of attorney, family property and separation matters, business law, and of course

property law.

“Life doesn’t happen in silos,” Erika said. “Someone might need help with a property transaction today, but in a few months they’re thinking about estate planning or dealing with a family matter. We’re here for all of it.”

Fleur’s Build Brokers fills another common gap: helping buyers who’ve secured land but don’t know which builder, budget, and design path fits best.

“It’s about matching people to the right local team so their build experience is realistic and rewarding,” she says.

If the model sounds bold, the motivation is humble: belonging.

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