Rachel's move back home, but not to Glenfield

Rachel Hunter. Photo / Getty Images

Former supermodel Rachel Hunter has been checking out high-end real estate in upmarket Herne Bay as she seeks a more permanent New Zealand base.

The mother-of-two has been looking at homes in the $1 million-plus bracket for herself and her mum Janine.

Hunter's agent Andy Haden said the Los Angeles-based actress was not looking to come home to New Zealand permanently, "but she is looking to come back more often".

Haden said Hunter's children Renee, 19, and Liam, 17, had their own lives and the house would be for Hunter and her mother Janine.

"She bought a house for her mother a while back and when she buys again it would be something her mother could live in as well," Haden said.

Her trips home have become more frequent as her clothing range for The Warehouse does well, and she hosts events such as the Halberg sports awards.

Following her generally well-received hosting of the Halbergs, Hunter may be asked to host more big-ticket events, despite rumours that members of the Halberg Trust were not happy with the flight, accommodation and fee package paid to Hunter.

However, trust chairman Mike Jeffcoat said if there were board members unhappy with the payment they kept their feelings quiet at a recent meeting.

Trust chief executive Steve Hall defended Hunter's fee and costs. "We felt for someone like Rachel we paid a very reasonable fee and she helped shine a light. She's a Kiwi icon," said Hall.

During her visit for the Halbergs, Hunter also played basketball with disabled children and helped release a kiwi chick into the wild.

The girl from Glenfield showed her caring side this week in Los Angeles when she helped at the scene of a car accident. Hunter was chatting to photographers near a gym in West Hollywood when a two-car crash happened in front of her.

She immediately whipped out her cellphone and dialled 911, then crossed the street to help the injured parties.