30 Years of Hallmark Homes: Our Journey

Where It All Began

It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Hallmark Homes began. Back in 1995 in Whakatāne, Mike and Esther Bonné took over the family business and brought fresh energy and ideas to residential building. From the very beginning, it was about building great homes and building lasting relationships with the people who trusted us to do it.

Fast forward three decades, and all three of Mike and Esther’s daughters are now part of Hallmark, alongside a dedicated team that truly feels like family. Some of our team have been with us for over 20 years, like Debbie, Esther’s sister, and Jodi. Chris has been here for the full 30 years—he started with Mike’s parents in Whakatāne and moved to Christchurch after the earthquakes to help rebuild the city.

Weathering the Storms

Over three decades, we’ve seen our fair share of challenges. The GFC, Covid, and a couple of recessions tested us as a business, pushing us to adapt and evolve. Relocating to Christchurch after the earthquakes was another turning point—helping rebuild a city alongside so many other trades and companies was both humbling and rewarding.

Back in the early days, newspaper ads, radio jingles, and a good handshake were how you did business. Many things have changed since then. Today, branding, websites, Facebook, and social media play a huge role in how people discover and connect with us. Riding the fast pace of technology has been a learning curve, but one that’s strengthened Hallmark and helped us reach more families than ever before.

Homes Then and Now

The homes themselves have changed dramatically too. Back in the ‘90s, a 150m² home with one bathroom was considered a great family home. Now, it’s common to see multiple bathrooms, multiple living areas, and the open-plan kitchen-dining style that everyone loves.

We’ve seen cladding trends come and go, insulation standards rise, and building codes transform what’s possible. In those early days, you could build a solid family home for $150,000—a price that barely covers much now! Through it all, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: delivering homes of lasting quality and building trust with every client.

A Family at the Core

Family has always been at the centre of Hallmark. There was a time when our office was part office, part daycare, with Caitlin, Georgia, Ashley, Debbie’s twins, and Jodi’s children all spending their days there from as young as six months. It wasn’t always easy, but it was ours.

That blend of hard work, humour, and flexibility has shaped our culture and created a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and connected. That same feeling is what we want our clients to experience. Building a home is a big step, and we want people to feel comfortable knowing we’ll look after them. As Caitlin says, “We build houses for our clients as if they were our own.”

Grateful for the Team Around Us

Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing tradespeople we work with. From carpenters to electricians, plumbers to painters, our trades are the backbone of every home we build. Their expertise, dedication, and craftsmanship allow us to deliver the quality homes our clients love—and they’ve been part of our Hallmark story from the very beginning.

To all our trades, past and present, we thank you. Without you, we wouldn’t have a brand.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that Hallmark Homes has always been more than just a building company — it’s been about people, relationships, and a shared vision of creating homes that last generations.

Our latest show home in Oakbridge is proof of how far we’ve come. Modern, architectural, and sustainable, it reflects not just what we can build, but who we are. Winning a Gold Award at last year’s House of the Year and making the nationwide Top 100 Homes was an incredible honour — but for us, the most important part is knowing our clients and team experience that same pride every day.

We also want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 30 years — from our dedicated team and loyal trades, to the clients who’ve trusted us to bring their dream homes to life. And to all who joined us to celebrate our 30th birthday, your support and presence meant the world to us.

Here’s to the next chapter — building more homes, creating more memories, and continuing to grow the Hallmark family