We spent 4 nights at Colin's place with 2 small kids. The house is a lot better than the photos look - it's roomy, looks brand new and is sparkling clean. Location-wise, it's a handy 5 minute walk from the local supermarket and shopping mall, and about 15 minutes to Papamoa beach. It's also 10 minutes to Mount Manganui and the main beach, so really central.
Colin was really helpful and hospitable, and happy to sort out a couple of requests.
Would definitely recommend staying here and would definitely stay again.