04/06/2026
Today marks three years since we opened the doors to our home at 711 Swanson Road, Swanson.
Our beloved historic church, originally built in 1901, underwent a significant six-month restoration before becoming the place we are fortunate enough to call work every day. As one of the few remaining original buildings in Swanson, it holds a special place in our community's history, and over the years we've been privileged to hear countless stories from those who remember it through the many chapters of its life.
The story of our business in Swanson began long before 711. When Gary and Yolanda took over the First National Swanson branch, the office was located in what is now the Mamaris Kebab shop at 706 Swanson Road. Years later, the business moved next door to what was then the local DVD store and is now Awanui Labs. Then, came the leap across the road to a building that perfectly reflected everything we value - history, community, family and a deep connection to the place we proudly call home.
The building itself has a remarkable story. In 1901, James Wilkinson donated the land to create a place of worship for the growing settlement of Swanson. The Congregational Church of Swanson became one of the first churches in the area, bringing together various religious denominations for services and community gatherings.
In 1956, the building was taken over by the Methodist congregation and, during renovations that year, the original bell tower was removed and sent to the Solomon Islands, where Sister Joy was serving as a missionary. The church was later sold into private ownership in 1976.
Today, it remains protected as a Category 2 Historic Place, preserving an important piece of Swanson's heritage for future generations.
We continue to appreciate and honour the history behind this beautiful building every day. It serves as a reminder that while we are helping write the next chapter, we are also custodians of a much bigger story that began well over a century ago.
The past three years have been incredibly rewarding. We've continued to build momentum, grown in more ways than one, and watched our small family business reach new heights. We've launched our sister company, 7 One One Rentals, Olivia welcomed little Céline into the world, expanded our team, and somehow managed to make more coffees than we ever thought possible.
Within these walls we've celebrated client successes, auction wins, milestones, and the achievement of becoming the #1 Agency in Waitakere. It's also where we've been reminded time and time again that you don't have to be the biggest to be the greatest.
This building has become so much more than an office. It's a place where the energy is always high, where excellence is the standard, laughter is essential, and every client is welcomed like family.
Sharing this special building with the community has been one of the greatest joys of the journey. From auctions and client meetings to colouring competitions and our annual Christmas displays, we've loved seeing people enjoy the space as much as we do.
Three Christmas displays down, a fourth already in the planning, and it's something we genuinely look forward to every year. Without this beautiful building, one of our favourite community traditions simply wouldn't be the same.
There seems to be something fitting about the longest-standing real estate business in Swanson operating from one of Swanson's longest-standing buildings.
This lovely lady is 125 years old in November – how incredible!
Three years in this beautiful building, over twenty years in business, and it still feels like we're only just getting started.
To our clients, supporters, friends, family, and the wider Swanson and Waitakere community - thank you.
Your trust, loyalty and support have allowed us to continue doing what we love from a place we are proud to call home.
If you've never visited, feel free to pop in, grab a coffee, and experience a small piece of Swanson's history for yourself. Our door is always open.
Here's to the many more years still to come at 711.
— The Team at First National Waitakere
If you want to read more on the history of Swanson, and the source of the history of our building visit this link:
https://swansonheritage.org.nz/places/auckland/historic/congregational-church/
