Kristina Emson, Deputy Head Girl of Hillcrest High School in 2015, has carved out a successful path in the world of real estate—bringing drive, leadership, and a community spirit that traces back to her high school roots.
Kristina currently works in Residential & Lifestyle Sales for Lodge Real Estate in Hamilton. Together with her business partner Blair, she co-leads a high-performing team of salespeople and an operations manager. Their collaborative effort has seen impressive results: the team recently ranked third overall in the Lodge Group for the 2023/24 financial year. Kristina was also recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ within the company, earning a place on a six-month professional development course with one of the country’s leading real estate coaches.
Before diving into the world of property, Kristina completed a Bachelor of Business, double majoring in Marketing and Strategic Management—an academic achievement she remains particularly proud of.
While Kristina’s current career path wasn’t directly influenced by her time at Hillcrest High School, she credits the school with instilling the confidence and assurance that now allows her to successfully run a business. “As cheesy as it may sound, I felt like I could do anything I wanted to do,” she reflects. “There were so many leadership opportunities, supportive teachers, and extracurriculars—it really shaped the way I see myself.”
Some of Kristina’s fondest high school memories centre around the people she met—many of whom remain close friends to this day. Her work in the local community means she often crosses paths with other Hillcrest alumni, and those moments feel like reconnecting with a shared history. “High school is such a pivotal time in your life,” she says, “and whenever I bump into someone from my year, there’s this unspoken bond.”
Teachers like Mr. Cox, Ms. Clifton, and Ms. McIlroy also left a lasting impact, as did her involvement in a wide range of school activities. Kristina represented Hillcrest in volleyball, basketball, athletics, and netball, participated in Sports Development, and was part of the school’s Whaanau Form Class.
2015 Senior Student Leaders. Kristina is back right next to 2015 Head Boy Michael Hockey.
If she could give advice to her high school self, it would be this: “It’s okay not to know what you want to do right away. Life has a way of working itself out. Just keep moving forward with purpose and intent.”
Her message to today’s students is equally insightful: “You’re in a time of life with the least amount of responsibility but the most opportunity. Learn the language. Try the sport. Join the club. And remember—people may not remember everything you did, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. Be kind.”
Looking ahead, Kristina envisions a future that balances professional achievement with personal fulfillment. She hopes to live overseas at some point and plans to remain involved in the real estate industry while setting herself up for a future family life. “If I can do that and have my health, I’ll be happy,” she says.
Her final piece of advice for students uncertain about their future? Travel. “I had a two-year gap between high school and university and spent eight months travelling through Europe. It was the best thing I ever did. It gave me the personal development I needed and meant that when it came time to study and focus on my career, I was ready.”
Kristina’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and connection—and a reminder to current students that the journey to success is often just beginning after high school.
If you would like to contact Kristina re the sale or purchase of a home you can find her details here.
