A public relations firm owned by an Auckland councillor is helping a real estate firm promote itself as a good way to sell property to overseas buyers.
Cameron Brewer. Photo: SUPPLIED
A media release distributed by Cameron Brewer's company says sellers do not need to use Chinese websites to effectively reach the Chinese or other offshore markets.
CameronBrewer Communications has property company Century 21 New Zealand as a client.
The PR firm's media release for Century 21 said : "The impression being given is that these big Chinese property websites have a monopoly on Chinese investors and purchasers. They do not. In fact they're miles off.
"What's more if vendors start pouring too much of their precious marketing money in one direction and off-shore they will miss out on other marketing opportunities closer to home where demand remains relentless.
"At Century 21, we have always had a large number of offshore and local resident Chinese transacting property and we welcome their business."
The release followed ten days of political debate about the level of foreign investment in Auckland housing and whether it should be curbed to try to slow rapidly rising prices.
The shortage and declining affordability of housing was one of the major challenges facing the Auckland Council where Mr Brewer represents the Orakei ward.
Mr Brewer declined to be interviewed by Radio New Zealand about possible conflict between his political role and private business interest.
In a text message, Mr Brewer said if Century 21's business was ever to come to the council table, he would declare an interest and remove himself from any decision-making.
