First National Kaipara

With a genuine passion for connecting people with property, Karyn Hodgson brings warmth, precision, and results to every transaction. A natural progression from her background in customer service, Karyn’s real estate career is built on strong communication, deep local knowledge, and a heartfelt commitment to both vendors and buyers. Karyn thrives on matching the right purchaser with their perfect property while securing exceptional outcomes for her vendors — a balance of people-first care and sharp negotiation skill that has earned her top national recognition.

With over 20 years in the Kaipara district and 16 years running a successful retail business with 11 of those years in the heart of Maungaturoto, Nicole brings a wealth of local knowledge, community connection, and a keen eye for presentation to her real estate career. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and natural sense of style, Nicole has a talent for showcasing homes in their best possible light. Her background in customer-focused retail, paired with her passion for design, staging, and renovation, means she knows exactly how to prepare a property to truly captivate buyers. Whether it’s rearranging a space to highlight its potential or offering guidance on how to create that all-important first impression, Nicole’s creative vision is matched by her professionalism, warmth, and strong communication skills. Her goal is always the same: to make every buying or selling journey seamless, stress-free, and ultimately successful. Outside of real estate, Nicole enjoys hands-on projects like home renovation and interior styling, as well as gardening, boating, and contributing to local school and community events. She lives on a lifestyle block with her husband and daughter, who attends school in Maungaturoto. Nicole is proud to be part of the team at First National Roper & Jones, where she continues to turn her passion for people and property into results.

Jill Powell | Director & Real Estate Specialist A highly esteemed leader in the New Zealand real estate sector, Jill Powell was recently honoured with the prestigious Diamond Award for Sales (2025) by First National New Zealand. This accolade marks yet another milestone in a stellar career spanning nearly three decades of dedicated service. Wealth of Expertise across the Kaipara With almost 29 years of extensive experience, Jill is proficient in every facet of the industry—including Residential, Lifestyle, and Special Projects. Her impressive track record includes successfully launching and selling numerous multi-section subdivisions, alongside a strong portfolio of commercial property sales. Beyond her own active listings, Jill plays a crucial role in mentoring and supporting the wider Sales, Marketing, and Property Management teams at First National Roper & Jones. Jill’s genuine passion lies in helping people find their dream homes and successful investments. Her deep love for the Kaipara region—situated right on the doorstep of the spectacular Kaipara Harbour—makes it easy to see why she is such an enthusiastic advocate for the area, helping buyers discover why this vibrant community is the perfect place to put down roots. A Legacy of Integrity & Success In 2010, Jill and her late husband, John Powell, took ownership of First National Roper & Jones. Founded in 1926, the company has been the trusted choice for Dargaville and the wider Kaipara community for a century. Today, Jill proudly continues the legacy of the Roper and Jones name, upholding a tradition of integrity, quality, and professionalism that is reflected in the agency's award-winning performance. Under Jill’s leadership, the team has built an enviable reputation for exceptional customer service. Notably, they have frequently been awarded First National’s highest honour—Top Rural Office—proving their excellence in a highly competitive market. Your First Call for Kaipara Real Estate The reach of First National Roper & Jones spans the entire Kaipara district: East: Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto West: Baylys Beach South: Pouto Peninsula North: Waipoua Forest Whether your property goals are large or small, Jill and her award-winning team are dedicated to helping you achieve your real estate aspirations. Backed by an unmatched local track record and a heartfelt commitment to the community, they are undeniably your first call for real estate in the Kaipara.